Saudi Arabia approves bylaws allowing foreign ownership of real estate, marking another significant step toward liberalizing its property market after the Council of Ministers approved the Executive Regulations for Real Estate Ownership in Saudi Arabia, establishing the legal framework and geographical zones where non-Saudis can own real estate across the Kingdom.
The decision, announced by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), supports the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to attract international investment, strengthen the real estate sector, and advance the goals of Vision 2030.
Cabinet Approves New Framework for Foreign Ownership
The Saudi Cabinet approved the executive regulations of the Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership System, defining the rules, procedures, and designated locations where foreign individuals, companies, and entities will be permitted to acquire property.
The newly approved framework provides greater clarity for investors by outlining ownership eligibility, application procedures, and compliance requirements. It also specifies that ownership rights will be granted within approved geographical areas determined by the relevant authorities.
According to the regulations, ownership in major cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah will be governed through a dedicated regulatory framework based on officially approved geographical boundaries that will be announced separately.
Saudi Arabia Approves Ownership Zones for Non-Saudis
As part of the new framework, Saudi Arabia Approves Ownership Zones for Non-Saudis, allowing foreign investors to purchase property within designated areas across the Kingdom.
The approved regulations confirm that ownership applications will be processed electronically through the Saudi Real Estate Portal. The service will be available to residents, non-residents, foreign companies, and international entities, subject to specific legal and regulatory requirements.
Investors can review the officially approved ownership areas through the Saudi real estate ownership zones platform: Foreign Ownership Zones in Saudi Arabia
Real Estate General Authority (REGA) Oversees Implementation
The Real Estate General Authority (REGA) will play a central role in implementing the new regulations and managing the digital ownership process. Residents inside Saudi Arabia will be able to submit applications directly using their residency numbers, with automated verification of legal eligibility and electronic completion of ownership procedures.
Meanwhile, non-resident individuals will be able to obtain a digital identification mechanism through Saudi embassies and diplomatic missions abroad before completing their ownership applications online.
Additional information regarding the ownership application process is available through the official portal: Saudi Real Estate Ownership Portal
Foreign Companies Gain Expanded Ownership Rights
The regulations also provide a clear pathway for foreign companies seeking to acquire property in Saudi Arabia. Companies and entities located outside the Kingdom must first complete the required investment registration procedures and obtain the relevant unified registration number before proceeding with electronic ownership applications.
In addition, foreign businesses licensed to operate in Saudi Arabia may own real estate necessary for their commercial activities, including offices, warehouses, factories, and other operational facilities.
Supporting Vision 2030 and Real Estate Growth
The approval of the Executive Regulations for Real Estate Ownership in Saudi Arabia follows the implementation of the broader law that came into force earlier this year, allowing non-Saudis to own a wider range of residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties subject to regulatory approval.
The reforms are expected to enhance market transparency, increase foreign direct investment, stimulate real estate development, and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives of economic diversification and private-sector growth.
With the approval of the Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership System and the introduction of clearly defined Foreign Ownership Zones in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a more accessible and attractive destination for international property investors while maintaining a structured regulatory environment for the sector. Saudi Arabia approves bylaws allowing foreign ownership of real estate.
