Prepare to say, “Honey, I am home.” and mean it because the Saudi property market just opened to non-Saudis.
That’s right, your Saudi home ownership dreams are set to come true.
Following a weekly cabinet meeting in July in the presence of His Royal Highness Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, it was announced that new laws will allow expats to own property in Saudi Arabia from 2026.
Earlier in August, 15 articles were released to detail the laws and regulations for foreign ownership.
These new regulations will open the Kingdom up to more foreign investment and urban development.
In the same month, the cabinet has partnered with relevant authorities to release Non-resident foreigners Digital ID property ownership rules.
Now, the complete set of rules for expats to own property in Saudi Arabia have been revealed. First reported by Gulf News, the rules were announced by the Real Estate General Authority (REGA).
So, pull those bank statements out and start checking your credit scores. Here is everything to know about the new changes.
Expats to own property in Saudi Arabia 2026
Saudi Arabia is shaking things up in the real estate world. As part of its Vision 2030 game plan, the Kingdom is opening the door wider for global property players. The brand-new law is rolling out the welcome mat for international investors, making it easier to own real estate in select areas, while still keeping national interests in check.
The goal? More homes, more developers, and more buzz in the property market. With the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing leading the charge, this move isn’t just about investment, it’s about building a future-ready Saudi Arabia that’s open, dynamic, and ready for global action.
Expats to own property in Saudi Arabia locations
Wondering which city to make your forever home first? The new law will allow you and friends to own properties in designated areas. Bulk of the investments will be concentrated in the Saudi capital city, Riyadh and the waterfront city, Jeddah. Special exemptions and rules have been created for property ownership in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Expats to own property in Saudi Arabia dates
Starting from January 2026, non-Saudis will be able to buy and wholly own real estate in the Kingdom.
Expats to own property in Saudi Arabia outline
While the t’s and i’s are still being crossed and dotted, it is known that under the new law, the Real Estate General Authority will identifying areas suitable for foreign investment and ownership.
It will also outline the rules which will be made public on the Istitlaa platform and the Umm Al Qura Gazette. The rules will also define the exemptions for ownership in Makkah and Madinah, who qualifies to own property in general, all the procedures, due diligence, and paperwork that will go into the application and registration of purchased properties, and finally the zones that will be opened up to expat ownership.
Expats to own property in Saudi Arabia articles
As reported by the Saudi Gazette,
Article 1: Definitions
For the purposes of this Law, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned to them:
- Law: The Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law.
- Regulations: The implementing regulations of the Law.
- Authority: The Real Estate General Authority.
- Non-Saudi:
- A natural person who does not hold Saudi nationality.
- A non-Saudi company.
- A non-Saudi non-profit entity.
- Any other non-Saudi legal person designated by decision of the Council of Ministers.
Article 2: General ownership provisions
- A non-Saudi may own real estate or acquire other real rights in real estate within geographic areas to be defined under Paragraph (2) of this Article.
- By decision of the Council of Ministers — based on a proposal from the Authority’s Board of Directors and approval of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs — the following shall be determined:
a. The geographic zones where non-Saudis may own or acquire real rights.
b. The types of real rights non-Saudis may acquire.
c. The maximum percentage of ownership permitted to non-Saudis within such zones.
d. The maximum duration for usufruct rights for non-Saudis.
e. Any controls related to non-Saudi ownership or acquisition of real rights. - In addition to the rights set out in Paragraphs (1) and (2), a natural person legally residing in the Kingdom may own one residential property outside the designated zones, except in Makkah and Madinah. The Regulations shall set the provisions of this Paragraph.
- In Makkah and Madinah, non-Saudi ownership or acquisition of real rights shall be limited to natural persons who are Muslims.
Article 3: Non-listed foreign companies
- A non-listed company incorporated under Saudi law with one or more foreign shareholders may own or acquire real rights in property within the zones defined under Article 2(2), including in Makkah and Madinah.
- Subject to Paragraph (1) and other applicable laws, such companies may also acquire property or rights needed for their activities or for staff housing inside or outside the designated zones, in accordance with the Regulations.
Article 4: Listed companies and funds
Listed companies, investment funds, and special-purpose entities licensed under Saudi law may own or acquire real rights in property across the Kingdom — including in Makkah and Madinah — in accordance with the Capital Market Law, its implementing regulations, and controls established by the Capital Market Authority in coordination with the Real Estate General Authority and other relevant bodies.
Article 5: Relation with other laws
This Law shall not prejudice the application of the Premium Residency Law, the GCC nationals’ reciprocal property ownership framework, or any other laws granting more favorable rights to non-Saudis.
Article 6: Scope of rights
Ownership or acquisition of real rights by a non-Saudi does not confer any privileges beyond those prescribed by law for the holder of such rights.
Article 7: Diplomatic and international entities
Subject to reciprocity, accredited diplomatic missions in the Kingdom may own official premises and residences for heads of mission and staff. International and regional organizations may own their official premises as permitted under their governing treaties, subject to approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Article 8: Registration requirements
- Non-Saudi companies, non-profit entities, or other legal persons designated by the Council of Ministers must register with the competent authority before acquiring property or real rights in the Kingdom, in accordance with the Regulations.
- Non-Saudi ownership or acquisition of real rights shall only be valid upon registration with the Real Estate Register in accordance with applicable laws.
Article 9: Fees
Without prejudice to existing taxes or fees, the Authority shall levy a fee not exceeding 5% of the value of any disposal by a non-Saudi of real rights in property in the Kingdom.
Article 10: Penalties
- Without prejudice to harsher penalties under other laws, any violation of this Law or its Regulations shall result in one or more of the following:
a. A warning.
b. A fine not exceeding 5% of the value of the real right concerned, capped at SR10,000,000. - The Regulations shall include a schedule of violations and corresponding penalties, taking into account the seriousness, circumstances, and effects of the violation.
Article 11: Committees
- One or more committees of at least three legal specialists shall be formed by decision of the Authority’s Board to examine violations and impose penalties under Article 10.
- The Authority’s Board shall set the rules, procedures, and compensation for committee members.
- Committee decisions may be appealed before the Administrative Court within 60 days of notification.
Article 12: False information
- Without prejudice to harsher penalties under other laws, a non-Saudi who knowingly provides false or misleading information to acquire property or rights under this Law shall be subject to:
a. A fine not exceeding 5% of the value of the real right concerned, capped at SR10,000,000.
b. Forced sale of the real right. - The Public Prosecution shall investigate and prosecute such violations, with jurisdiction resting in the competent court.
- Where a court orders the sale of a real right, the violator shall be refunded either the purchase price or the sale proceeds, whichever is less, after deducting fines, taxes, fees, and sale expenses. Any surplus shall be paid to the State Treasury.
Article 13: Regulations
- The Regulations shall be issued by the Council of Ministers within 180 days of publication, based on a proposal by the Authority’s Board and approval of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, and shall take effect upon enforcement of this Law.
- The Regulations shall determine:
a. Procedures for non-Saudis acquiring real rights in property.
b. Requirements for enforcing this Law on non-Saudis not residing in the Kingdom.
c. The applicable fee under Article 9, based on property type, purpose, and location.
d. Transactions subject to a zero percent fee and related conditions.
Article 14: Repeal of previous law
This Law repeals the “Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership and Investment Law” issued by Royal Decree No. (M/15) dated 17/4/1421H, and annuls any conflicting provisions.
Article 15: Entry into force
This Law shall take effect 180 days after its publication in the official gazette.
Expats to own property in Saudi Arabia: Non-resident foreigners Digital ID property ownership
Based on a report by Saudi Gazette.
The Cabinet has tasked the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with SDAIA, the National Information Centre, the General Real Estate Authority, and other relevant bodies, with creating mechanisms to activate the digital ID as part of the push to allow expats to own property in Saudi Arabia.
It also approved a decision from the Strategic Committee of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs to establish governance for non-Saudi property ownership and usufruct rights, including forming a dedicated committee within the authority’s board to oversee these regulations.
Rules for expats to own property in Saudi Arabia 2026
Fees and penalties
Under the new Real Estate Ownership Law approved in July, foreign buyers in Saudi Arabia will face a combined 10% in fees and taxes. Those who violate the rules could be fined up to SR10 million, while properties purchased using false information will be seized and sold at public auction.
Eligibility
- Foreign individuals
- Foreign companies
- Saudi companies with foreign shareholders
- Non-profit entities
- Diplomatic missions
Ownership zones and regulations
REGA will soon release maps and guidelines outlining where and how foreigners can buy property in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah. The new rules will define ownership limits, property types, grace periods, and procedures. Foreign individuals and companies will be allowed to purchase homes or business properties in approved areas, but ownership will still be subject to specific fees and regulations.
More development in Saudi
In addition to the new law that will allow expats to own property in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom has been pushing for several new changes to attract foreign investment and talent. One of the most anticipated events in the coming years is the Saudi Expo 2030 which is bound to bring in a tonne of international attention and investment.
Which city are you going to buy property in first?
Jan, 2026. Across Saudi, momah.gov.sa.
