Saudi Arabia Implements Foreign Real Estate Ownership Law via 'Saudi Real Estate' Platform from 2026

Riyadh | EcoPulse24

The law permitting non-Saudis to own real estate in Saudi Arabia will come into effect on January 22, 2026, as part of the country's real estate regulatory framework, according to the General Real Estate Authority.

The authority clarified that applications for ownership can be submitted via the official digital portal 'Saudi Real Estate', and are open to residents, non-residents, and foreign companies, subject to specific regulations and procedures.

Application procedures vary by applicant category: Residents can apply directly using their residency permit number, with an automated system verifying compliance and completing the process online. Non-residents must first obtain a digital identity via Saudi embassies or consulates abroad before applying on the platform, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Foreign companies without a presence in Saudi Arabia are required to register first with the Ministry of Investment via the 'Invest in Saudi Arabia' platform to obtain a unified number (700) before proceeding with the digital application.

The authority emphasized that non-Saudis may own property across the Kingdom, with special regulations for Riyadh, Jeddah, and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The latter two are restricted to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals, both domestic and international, under a yet-to-be-announced geographic framework expected in Q1 2026.

'Saudi Real Estate' is the official digital platform for implementing the law, facilitating compliance checks and integrating with the national real estate registration system to enhance transparency and protect rights.

The law aims to improve the quality of real estate projects by attracting international developers and specialized companies, stimulate growth in residential, commercial, industrial, and tourism sectors, create new job opportunities for citizens, and sustainably increase the real estate sector’s contribution to non-oil GDP.

EcoPulse24 Analysis

The launch of the foreign ownership law marks a strategic shift for Saudi Arabia’s real estate market, opening the door to more stable direct foreign investment compared with short-term capital flows. The digital link with the national registration system reduces ownership risks and boosts investor confidence, while geographic regulations balance openness with demographic and regulatory considerations. In the medium term, the law is expected to raise real estate quality, deepen the market, and positively impact construction, services, and real estate finance sectors.