Guide to Real Estate Ownership
by Non-Saudis

Browse the guide with ease

Start here

This guide was designed to take you directly to what matters to you. Its opening pages present a clear picture of real estate market balance and its impact on the market and quality of life, while its detailed pathways provide everything needed to begin the ownership journey with confidence and clarity.

Go to what interests you

Introduction to the guide

The real estate sector is one of the key drivers of the national economy, given its role in and impact on more than 120 economic activities, as well as its role in enabling families to own suitable housing and providing employment opportunities. Its importance is increasing amid urban expansion, population growth and the ambitious vision that the Kingdom seeks to achieve.

Within the context of Saudi Vision 2030, efforts have been directed towards developing laws and legislation that promote investment across economic sectors in general and the real estate sector in particular. This is especially significant given the investment and real estate attractiveness that the Kingdom now enjoys regionally and globally, both in major cities and in distinctive projects, whether arising from the Vision or otherwise. This attractiveness is underpinned by the economic, social and regulatory stability that distinguishes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, by the grace of Allah and under the guidance of its wise leadership - may Allah preserve it.

Over the past five years, more than twenty pieces of real estate legislation have been issued to govern the real estate sector, safeguard the rights of all participants in it, and stimulate domestic and international investment in the sector. Today, the update to the Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis represents a carefully considered regulatory step that ensures the achievement of its regulatory and investment objectives and takes citizens' interests into account through approved ownership controls and zones.

The updated Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis

The Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis is one of the legislative instruments regulating the ownership of real estate within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by non-Saudi individuals, companies and entities, under specified controls and criteria that ensure that permitting ownership is consistent with the national interest and the Kingdom's economic and regulatory directions, while respecting the Kingdom's religious, cultural and social particularities.

The Law of Real Estate Ownership and Investment by Non-Saudis was previously issued on 14 Rabi al-Thani 1421 AH. On Monday, Royal Decree No. (M/14), dated 19 Muharram 1447 AH, corresponding to 14 July 2025, was issued approving the updated Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis, thereby making it the applicable and approved Law within this framework. It comprises 15 Articles that precisely regulate the circumstances in which non-Saudis may own real estate. It was followed by Implementing Regulations that explain and interpret those Articles, together with the Geographic Zones in which ownership is permitted under the Law.

• 15 Articles of the Law
• Implementing Regulations
• Geographic Zones

The Law was updated through an integrated legislative methodology that included reviewing the relevant real estate laws and legislation, analysing international practices in a number of countries whose investment environments are comparable to that of the Kingdom, and benchmarking against similar laws in Group of Twenty countries and countries with advanced regulatory structures. The methodology also drew on regulatory practices relating to the regulation of Geographic Zones, market governance, mechanisms for legally enabling non-Saudi investors, and integration with complementary laws, such as the Premium Residency Law and regulations governing real estate ownership by citizens of GCC states.

Accordingly, this Law is aligned with global best practices in foreign ownership of real estate, ensuring the promotion of a fair, secure and balanced investment environment.

Summary of the Implementing Regulations

The Implementing Regulations of the Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis constitute the regulatory framework that interprets and supplements the provisions of the Law. They set out the implementation procedures and requirements necessary to apply its provisions and specify the controls and mechanisms governing real estate ownership by non-Saudis, their acquisition of other real rights over it and disposal of such rights within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, thereby ensuring transparency, compliance and alignment with the Kingdom's economic development targets.

The Implementing Regulations were issued pursuant to the Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis, promulgated by Royal Decree No. (M/14), dated 19 Muharram 1447 AH, corresponding to 14 July 2025. They comprise fourteen Articles covering the requirements and implementation procedures for real estate ownership by non-Saudis, including registration and identity verification requirements, mechanisms for disclosing the owners of non-Saudi companies, procedures for submitting applications through the electronic portal, electronic payment mechanisms, the regulation of certain special cases of ownership, and the determination of fees payable on certain real estate transactions and the related exemptions.

Portal

Properties

Saudi

The Regulations also establish an integrated governance and compliance framework by requiring certain categories to disclose material changes in ownership, linking ownership procedures to the Real Estate Registry, regulating oversight and inspection activities, specifying notification mechanisms, and adopting a schedule of violations and penalties, thereby enhancing the integrity of the real estate market and maintaining its stability.

The Implementing Regulations reflect a modern regulatory approach based on digital transformation and institutional integration among the relevant government entities, through the establishment of a unified electronic ownership portal, its linkage to the Real Estate Registry, the adoption of electronic payment methods, and the preparation of procedural guides supporting implementation. This helps facilitate the beneficiary journey, enhance procedural efficiency and support the attractiveness of the real estate investment environment in the Kingdom.

A market evolving in balance and offering new opportunities
for citizens in the real estate market

The Law and its Implementing Regulations were prepared with due regard to avoiding any impact on citizens' opportunities for ownership and housing or on price balance in the real estate market. The Law, its Implementing Regulations and the Geographic Zones include ownership controls and parameters designed to create a more flexible, stable and diverse market in which opportunities are available to all and resources are managed within a comprehensive national development plan. The Law contributes to the following:

• Increasing real estate supply and achieving real estate market balance:

The Law contributes to increasing real estate supply generally and residential supply in particular, thereby narrowing the supply-demand gap and limiting price inflation caused by limited supply. It also complements the government measures adopted to achieve balance in real estate prices, particularly in major cities, over the medium and long term.

• Enhancing the quality of real estate projects:

The entry of international developers and leading companies will reinforce the trend towards improving design, execution and services, thereby raising the standard of real estate products in the local market and increasing competition in terms of quality and appropriate pricing.

• Stimulating growth in the real estate market:

The Law's impact is not limited to residential real estate; it extends to all types of commercial, industrial and tourism real estate, thereby stimulating economic activity and supporting the objectives of economic cities and major projects.

• Creating employment opportunities and developing the local real estate sector:

With the implementation of the new real estate projects anticipated following the Law's entry into force, demand will increase for real estate brokerage, contracting, construction, valuation, facilities management, property management, legal services and real estate and engineering consultancy activities. This will create direct and indirect employment opportunities in the real estate, construction and building sectors, as well as in other sectors associated with real estate activities.

A real estate ecosystem growing with confidence

The Kingdom continues to develop its real estate ecosystem through an integrated regulatory pathway that enhances market reliability, improves transaction efficiency and makes property rights clearer and more stable. In this context, the regulation of real estate ownership by non-Saudis forms part of a broader ecosystem built on official channels, limited Geographic Zones, reliable data and the Real Estate Registry, which documents rights and enhances transaction transparency.

This development makes the real estate market better able to serve residents, investors and the city simultaneously. In a modern market, real estate ownership is linked to quality of life, integrated services, clarity of rights and sustainable growth. Accordingly, the proper ownership journey begins with understanding the ecosystem, then verifying the applicable zone, and then completing the requirements through official channels.

Real estate market balance governs the regulatory framework

Real estate market balance represents the framework through which the Kingdom guides market growth, linking project quality, urban sustainability, procedural clarity, investment attractiveness and residents' needs. Within this framework, the real estate ownership journey for non-Saudis is an organised pathway linked to the Geographic Zones, the type of property right, statutory requirements and the documentation of rights.

The real estate market balance approach is intended to manage growth in a manner that preserves market clarity and supports market quality, so that real estate opportunities are linked to the needs of cities and their capacity for growth, making ownership part of an integrated development ecosystem rather than a procedure separate from the context of the market and the city.

A regulatory framework that enhances market quality and urban sustainability

The regulation of real estate ownership by non-Saudis is linked to development objectives that enhance the maturity of the real estate market, improve the quality of products and services, and support the development of cities through clearer pathways. The regulation helps stimulate distinctive projects, promote real estate-related activities, improve transaction efficiency and enhance the attractiveness of the real estate environment in the Kingdom.

The value of the regulation extends beyond the ownership process itself; a good real estate project adds to the quality of the city, supports surrounding services, creates opportunities for supporting sectors and enhances market competitiveness. From this perspective, regulated ownership becomes one of the tools for developing the real estate market and linking investment to quality of life and sustainable urban growth.

Defined pathways for every beneficiary .. ensuring confidence and compliance

The journey of real estate ownership by non-Saudis is based on a clear classification of categories, ensuring that each beneficiary begins on the pathway appropriate to them. The categories include resident individuals, Premium Residency holders, individuals from outside the Kingdom, citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council states, non-Saudi companies, non-Saudi non-profit entities and other legal persons designated by the governing provisions.

• Individuals residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Individuals holding Premium Residency in the Kingdom
• Individuals from outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council states
• Non-Saudi companies and non-Saudi non-profit entities
• Legal persons designated by the governing provisions

Geographic Zones supporting balance and managed growth

The Geographic Zones are the focal point of the real estate ownership journey for non-Saudis; they determine the locations in which ownership or the acquisition of real rights is permitted and clarify the type of right available and the requirements associated with each zone, providing the beneficiary with a clear basis before selecting a property or beginning an application.

The zones reflect the real estate sector's methodology for regulating real estate growth and linking it to the needs of cities. Location is not merely a procedural detail; it is a fundamental element in the quality of real estate decision-making and market sustainability. Through the zones, ownership becomes clearer to the beneficiary, more closely linked to urban development pathways and more aligned with the real estate market balance ecosystem.

To view the map of

Ownership Zones

and real estate opportunities,

visit the Saudi

Properties website

Zones Map

saudiproperties.rega.gov.sa

Makkah and Madinah.. A special status that preserves their sanctity and standing

Makkah and Madinah hold religious and historical significance. Accordingly, ownership provisions in the two cities are governed by a special framework that respects this status and preserves their special character. The ownership journey in the two holy cities is based on clarity of the provisions, respect for their religious status, compliance with the approved statutory pathways, and the restriction of ownership in both cities to Muslims only and within a limited zone.

Riyadh and Jeddah.. Mega-projects on the rise

Riyadh and Jeddah are two prominent urban and economic centres in the Kingdom. They are associated with business growth, project development, quality of life and the increasing attractiveness of Saudi cities. The regulation of real estate ownership by non-Saudis in the two cities is implemented within limited Geographic Zones that take account of urban growth needs and support the development of the real estate market along a clearer pathway.

In Riyadh and Jeddah, the ownership journey becomes more closely aligned with the quality and needs of each city, and better able to direct investment towards pathways that contribute to urban development and market sustainability.

The ownership journey.. From opportunity to ownership

The real estate ownership application journey for non-Saudis begins with identifying the beneficiary category, then preparing the basic requirements, verifying the Geographic Zone, selecting the appropriate property and submitting the application through the Saudi Properties Portal, and culminates in completion of the Real Estate Registry procedures.

Depending on the beneficiary category, the journey includes identity verification or statutory registration, providing a bank account and contact number, completing the required information and disclosures, and then following up on the application through the official channel. Once the procedures are complete, the property right is documented in the Real Estate Registry, preserving the property's data, rights and obligations and making the ownership journey clear from the first step through to completion.

RER

Real Estate Registry

Saudi Properties Portal

The Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis represents the updated regulatory framework for enabling non-Saudis to own real estate in the Kingdom in accordance with controls and within limited Geographic Zones, thereby enhancing investment attractiveness, contributing to greater efficiency in the real estate market and supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The Real Estate General Authority established the “Saudi Properties” Portal as the official electronic portal for the Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis. The Portal provides those seeking ownership with a seamless and integrated procedural journey through which the Geographic Zones and promising real estate opportunities are showcased, ensuring a clear and reliable digital experience for real estate ownership by non-Saudis in the Kingdom.

• Applications for ownership of real estate and acquisition of real rights over it are submitted through the Saudi Properties Portal at saudiproperties.rega.gov.sa.
• All financial transactions connected with ownership of real estate, acquisition of other real rights over it and disposal of such rights are conducted through electronic payment methods, in accordance with the Law of Payments and Payment Services of the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA).
• Procedures for ownership of real estate, acquisition of other real rights over it and issuance of title deeds are completed in the Real Estate Registry, in accordance with the governing provisions.

The ownership journey for non-Saudis.. Secure digital steps

01

Preparing the basic requirements

Ensure that residents in the Kingdom have a valid residency permit or valid Premium Residency; for non-Saudis who are not resident in the Kingdom, obtain a digital identity; and open a bank account and provide a contact number.

02

Selecting the appropriate property

Select the property through the Saudi Properties platform or from any other source, while verifying that it is located within the approved Geographic Zones.

03

Logging in to the platform

Log in to the Saudi Properties platform to access the services associated with the ownership journey.

04

Verifying ownership requirements

Complete the ownership requirements verification service and obtain an Eligibility Certificate.

05

Completing the purchase and transfer of title

Complete the purchase procedures, pay the applicable fees and taxes, and complete the conveyance and transfer of title electronically.

Ownership matrix for “resident and non-resident individuals”

Article 5 of the Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis provides as follows: (The application of the Law shall be without prejudice to the provisions of the Premium Residency Law, the Regulation Governing Real Estate Ownership by Citizens of GCC Member States in Member States for Residential and Investment Purposes, or other laws in force that grant non-Saudis more favourable rights with respect to ownership of real estate and acquisition of other real rights over it).

Ownership matrix for “Saudi companies, funds and private entities”

Ownership matrix for “non-Saudi companies and non-profit entities”

General requirements

Before owning real estate or acquiring other real rights over it, a non-Saudi natural person who is not resident in the Kingdom must:

Obtain

a digital identity.

Open

a bank account in the Kingdom in the individual's name.

Obtain

a Saudi contact number in the individual's name and linked to the digital identity.

Registration requirements for non-Saudi entities before ownership

Before owning real estate or acquiring any real right over it, any non-Saudi entity - whether a company, a non-profit entity or any other legal person specified by the applicable laws - must comply with the following:

• Register with the competent authority according to the type of entity, as follows:
• Foreign companies: register with the Ministry of Investment (MISA) and disclose their direct and indirect owners or controllers.
• Non-Saudi non-profit entities: register with the National Center for Non-Profit Sector Development (NCNP) and disclose their direct and indirect owners or controllers.
• Appoint a legal representative who holds an identification document issued in accordance with the laws of the Kingdom.
• Open a bank account in the Kingdom in the entity's name.
• Obtain a registration number from the competent authority after satisfying the statutory requirements.
• Disclose any material changes affecting the ownership, control or independence of the entity and notify the competent authority of such changes within fifteen days from the date on which they occur.

Controls governing ownership of a residential property by the spouse and descendants

For the purposes of owning the property designated as the non-Saudi individual's residence under paragraph (3) of Article (2) of the Law, the individual's non-Saudi spouse and non-Saudi descendants shall be deemed dependants of that individual. None of them may independently own a property designated for residential use unless the marital relationship has ended or the descendant has reached the age of twenty-five.

Section Two: Pathways by category

Non-Saudi resident in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

A non-Saudi individual residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who holds a valid Resident ID (Iqama) or Premium Residency.

Premium Residency holder:

• May own real estate within the Geographic Zone in all cities of the Kingdom. In Makkah and Madinah, ownership is subject to the condition that the individual is Muslim.
• May own real estate for residential, commercial and industrial purposes outside the Geographic Zone in all cities of the Kingdom except Makkah and Madinah, in accordance with the Premium Residency Law.
• May acquire a usufruct right outside the Geographic Zone in Makkah and Madinah, in accordance with the Premium Residency Law.

Resident:

• May own real estate within the Geographic Zone in all cities of the Kingdom. In Makkah and Madinah, ownership is subject to the condition that the individual is Muslim.
• May own one property designated as the individual's residence outside the Geographic Zone in any city of the Kingdom except Makkah and Madinah.

Conditions and Requirements:

• Must hold a valid identification document, whether Premium Residency or a Resident ID, as applicable.
• Must disclose all data and information relating to the ownership transaction.
• The property to be owned must be title-registered in the Real Estate Registry.

Rights and Obligations:

• Ownership of real estate or acquisition of other real rights over real estate in the Kingdom by a non-Saudi resident confers the rights prescribed by law for the holder of the real right.
• Ownership of real estate by a Premium Residency holder shall be without prejudice to any rights or benefits acquired by that individual in their capacity as a Premium Residency holder.

Non-Saudi individuals (non-residents)

A non-Saudi individual who is not resident in the Kingdom and who may apply for the issuance of a digital identity through one of Saudi Arabia's diplomatic missions abroad.

Permitted Scope of Ownership:

The individual may own real estate within the Geographic Zone in all cities of the Kingdom. In Makkah and Madinah, ownership is subject to the condition that the individual is Muslim.

Conditions and Requirements:

• The property to be owned must be title-registered in the Real Estate Registry.
• Must disclose all data and information relating to the ownership transaction.
• Must obtain a digital identity.
• Must open a bank account in the Kingdom in the individual's name.
• Must obtain a Saudi contact number in the individual's name and linked to the digital identity.

Rights and Obligations:

Ownership of real estate or acquisition of other real rights over real estate in the Kingdom by a non-Saudi non-resident confers the rights prescribed by law for the holder of the real right.

Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council states

A non-Saudi individual who holds a GCC national identity document.

Permitted Scope of Ownership:

• May own real estate within the Geographic Zone in all cities of the Kingdom. In Makkah and Madinah, ownership is subject to the condition that the individual is Muslim.
• May own real estate for residential or investment purposes outside the Geographic Zone in all cities of the Kingdom except Makkah and Madinah, in accordance with the Regulation Governing Real Estate Ownership by GCC Citizens.

Conditions and Requirements:

• Must hold a valid GCC national identity document.
• Must disclose all data and information relating to the ownership transaction.
• The property to be owned must be title-registered in the Real Estate Registry.

Rights and Obligations:

• Ownership of real estate or acquisition of other real rights over real estate in the Kingdom by a non-Saudi GCC citizen confers the rights prescribed by law for the holder of the real right.
• Ownership of real estate by a non-Saudi GCC citizen shall be without prejudice to any rights or benefits acquired by that individual as the holder of a valid GCC national identity document, in accordance with the Regulation Governing Real Estate Ownership by Citizens of GCC Member States in Member States for Residential and Investment Purposes.

Non-Saudi companies

Any company incorporated outside the Kingdom in accordance with the laws of a foreign state.

Permitted Scope of Ownership:

The company may own real estate within the Geographic Zone in all cities of the Kingdom except Makkah and Madinah.

Conditions and Requirements:

• The property to be owned must be title-registered in the Real Estate Registry.
• Must disclose all data and information relating to the ownership transaction.
• Before owning real estate or acquiring other real rights over it, a non-Saudi company must:

a- The company shall register with the Ministry of Investment in accordance with the procedural guide referred to in Article (14) of the Regulations, after satisfying the statutory requirements, and shall disclose its direct and indirect owners upon registration.

b- Its legal representative shall hold an identification document issued in accordance with the laws of the Kingdom.

c- The company shall open a bank account in the Kingdom in its name.

d- The Ministry of Investment shall issue a registration number for the non-Saudi company after the statutory requirements have been satisfied.

Regulatory Obligations:

A registered non-Saudi company shall notify the Ministry of Investment within fifteen days from the date on which any of the following occurs:

a- A transfer of 5% or more of the company's ownership, whether effected through a single transaction or multiple transactions.

b- The existence of internal arrangements or regulations issued in the country of incorporation that restrict the company's independence or enable another party - within or outside the company - to exercise powers that materially affect its decisions or actions, whether or not accompanied by a change in ownership.

c- Any other circumstances determined by the Authority.

Non-Saudi non-profit entities

Any non-profit entity that has legal personality and was established outside the Kingdom in accordance with the laws of a foreign state.

Permitted Scope of Ownership:

The entity may own real estate within the Geographic Zone in all cities of the Kingdom except Makkah and Madinah.

Conditions and Requirements:

• The property to be owned must be title-registered in the Real Estate Registry.
• Must disclose all data and information relating to the ownership transaction.
• Must register with the National Center for Non-Profit Sector Development after satisfying the statutory requirements and, upon registration, disclose the entity's direct and indirect controllers.
• Its legal representative must hold an identification document issued in accordance with the laws of the Kingdom.
• Must open a bank account in the Kingdom in the entity's name.

Regulatory Obligations:

A registered non-Saudi non-profit entity shall notify the National Center for Non-Profit Sector Development within fifteen days from the date on which any of the following occurs:

• A material change in the entity or in the persons who influence its decisions.
• The existence of internal arrangements or regulations issued in the country of establishment that restrict the entity's independence or enable another party - within or outside the entity - to exercise powers that materially affect its decisions or actions.

Other non-Saudi legal persons designated by the Council of Ministers

Any non-Saudi legal person for which the Council of Ministers issues a decision permitting it to own real estate in the Kingdom in accordance with the provisions of the Law.

Permitted Scope of Ownership:

The entity may own real estate within the Geographic Zone in all cities of the Kingdom except Makkah and Madinah.

Conditions and Requirements:

• The property to be owned must be title-registered in the Real Estate Registry.
• Must disclose all data and information relating to the ownership transaction.
• Must register with the authority designated by the decision of the Council of Ministers and, upon registration, disclose its direct and indirect owners or controllers.
• Its legal representative must hold an identification document issued in accordance with the laws of the Kingdom.
• Must open a bank account in the Kingdom in its name.

Rights and Obligations:

The registered entity shall notify the authority designated by the decision of the Council of Ministers within fifteen days from the date on which any material changes affecting the entity occur.

Begin your ownership journey now..

Through the Saudi Properties Portal

Where investment meets lifestyle

Click here — Official source (opens in a new tab) ↗

Section Three: Oversight and violations of the Law and its Implementing Regulations

• First: Oversight and Enforcement

The Real Estate General Authority has the power to monitor and substantiate any practices that violate the provisions of the Law and its Implementing Regulations.

• Second: Criteria for the imposition of penalties and the rectification period

The committee competent to consider violations shall take the following into account:

• The penalty shall be determined in light of the nature of the violation and the impact resulting from its commission.
• The penalty decision issued against the violator shall specify a period for rectifying the violation of no less than ten days and no more than one hundred and eighty days. In determining the rectification period, consideration shall be given to the type of violation and the nature of the remedial action required.

• Third: Legal Effect of Notifications

A notification shall produce its legal effects if made by either of the following means:

• The communication channels registered on the Saudi Properties Portal.
• Text messages (SMS) sent to the telephone number linked to verified government platforms.

• Fourth: Procedural Guides

The Authority shall prepare a detailed procedural guide setting out the mechanisms for implementing the Law and the Regulations. The guide shall be subject to approval by the Board of Directors of the Authority, after which it shall become a binding implementation reference.

To access the Frequently Asked Questions on

the Saudi Properties website

Click here — Official source (opens in a new tab) ↗

To view the real estate laws and legislation of the Kingdom, visit the Real Estate General Authority website at www.rega.gov.sa

↑Back to top