المدونات

Saudi Arabia continues to aggressively open its doors to global capital. As of January 22, the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) officially implemented the highly anticipated framework for foreign property acquisition. Now that the REGA: Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law enters into force, the landscape for international developers, foreign residents, and overseas buyers has fundamentally shifted. This legislation streamlines the acquisition process, offering a structured, digitized pathway for non-Saudis to secure physical assets across the Kingdom.

For a detailed breakdown of the official announcement and statutory timelines, you can read the full report on how the REGA: Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law enters into force.

Streamlined Digital Access: A Regional PropTech Milestone

The backbone of this legislative rollout relies heavily on modern digital infrastructure, signaling a massive leap forward for the regional PropTech and real estate investment ecosystem. All applications are now processed directly through the official “Saudi Properties” digital portal. The acquisition journey is specifically tailored to the applicant’s current status:

• Current Residents: Expatriates living within the Kingdom can apply directly via the portal using their standard residency ID. The system automates eligibility verification, allowing for rapid, end-to-end electronic processing. Residents are generally entitled to own one residential property.

• Non-Residents: Overseas investors must initiate their journey through Saudi embassies and missions to secure a digital ID. Once generated, this credential grants full access to the Saudi Properties portal to submit and track ownership requests.

• International Entities: Foreign companies and corporate entities without an established physical presence in Saudi Arabia must first register via the Ministry of Investment’s “Invest Saudi” platform. Securing a unified number (700) is the strict prerequisite before executing any electronic property transfers.

Regional Zoning and Holy City Regulations

While the law permits non-Saudi individuals and corporate entities to acquire real estate across multiple regions, specific high-demand urban centers maintain distinct regulatory frameworks. Ownership within Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah will be governed by the upcoming Geographic Zones Document, slated for release in the first quarter of 2026.

A crucial stipulation of the new law dictates that property ownership within the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah remains strictly exclusive to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals, regardless of whether those individuals reside inside or outside the Kingdom.

Economic Impact and Market Growth

Approved by the Cabinet in July 2025, this 15-article framework is designed to elevate the baseline quality of domestic real estate projects. By drastically lowering the barrier to entry for foreign capital and international developers, the Saudi market is positioned for sustained growth across its residential, commercial, industrial, and tourism sectors.

The ripple effect extends beyond simple asset acquisition. The influx of global investment is engineered to generate extensive employment opportunities within urban development and real estate services, directly bolstering the sector’s overall contribution to the national non-oil GDP.

Strategic Steps for Global Investors

The direct integration of the Saudi Properties portal with the national real estate registration system guarantees transparency and actively safeguards investor rights. Entities and individuals looking to capitalize on this legislative change should immediately begin mapping out their digital requirements—whether that means verifying current residency credentials, securing a corporate unified number, or initiating the digital ID process from abroad. The market is officially open, and those who quickly adapt to these new digital pathways will be positioned to secure the most strategic assets in the region.