Everything You Need to Know About Foreign Property Rules in Saudi

The Implementing Regulations to the Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis have been published, setting out how foreign individuals, companies and other entities can hold real estate and property rights in the Kingdom. The regulations came into force in July and sit alongside the Non-Saudis Real Estate Ownership Manual and the Saudi Properties platform, both curated by the Real Estate General Authority.

Non-resident individuals seeking to acquire property rights are required to complete digital identity registration, open a bank account in the Kingdom and secure a mobile number registered in Saudi Arabia. These requirements run alongside a separate framework for non-Saudis with residency status. Individuals holding a valid residency permit, premium residency or GCC citizenship retain their existing residential ownership rights.

Foreign companies, along with certain international non-profit entities, face additional compliance requirements. Registration with the Real Estate General Authority is required, while firms must disclose their direct and indirect owners or controllers and report specified changes in ownership or control within prescribed timeframes.

The holy cities of Makkah and Madinah retain a distinct framework, under which individual ownership is restricted to Muslims. Saudi-incorporated companies with foreign shareholders may, however, acquire property within designated geographic zones. Separate arrangements for Saudi companies with foreign shareholders also provide additional routes into the market through joint ventures and subsidiaries.