The General Real Estate Authority (REGA) has officially announced that the Real Estate Ownership System for Non-Saudi Nationals has entered into force and is now being implemented across Saudi Arabia’s real estate regulatory framework.
The system became effective Thursday, 3 Sha’ban 1447 AH, corresponding to 22 January 2026, marking a major milestone in opening the Kingdom’s real estate market to non-Saudi individuals, companies, and entities under a clear and structured legal framework.
How Non-Saudis Can Apply for Property Ownership
REGA confirmed that applications for real estate ownership by non-Saudi nationals are now accepted through the official digital portal “Saudi Properties”.
The service applies to:
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Non-Saudi residents inside the Kingdom
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Non-Saudi non-residents
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Non-Saudi companies and legal entities
All applications are processed in accordance with specific legal controls and approved procedures.
Applicant Journey by Ownership Category
REGA clarified that the ownership process differs depending on the applicant’s status:
Residents Inside Saudi Arabia
Non-Saudi residents may apply directly through the Saudi Properties portal using their Iqama number.
Eligibility requirements are verified automatically, and all procedures are completed electronically.
Non-Residents Outside the Kingdom
For non-residents, the process begins through Saudi embassies and official representations abroad, where a digital identity is issued. This enables applicants to complete the ownership process through the Saudi Properties portal.
Non-Saudi Companies and Entities
Foreign companies or entities without a presence in Saudi Arabia must first:
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Register with the Ministry of Investment through the Invest Saudi platform
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Obtain the Unified Number (700)
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Complete ownership procedures electronically via the Saudi Properties portal
Where Ownership Is Permitted
REGA confirmed that the system enables non-Saudi ownership across different regions of the Kingdom, including:
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Riyadh
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Jeddah
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Other approved regions
Ownership in Makkah and Madinah is subject to special restrictions and is limited to:
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Saudi companies
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Muslim individuals, whether residents or non-residents
All ownership is governed by a Geographical Zones Document, which REGA announced will be published during the first quarter of 2026.
Saudi Properties: The Official Digital Platform
REGA emphasized that Saudi Properties is the sole accredited digital platform for implementing the Real Estate Ownership System for Non-Saudi Nationals.
The platform:
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Enables applicants to complete ownership procedures digitally
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Verifies compliance with regulatory requirements
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Is directly integrated with the Real Estate Registration System
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Enhances transparency and protects ownership rights
Strategic Objectives of the New System
According to REGA, the new system aims to:
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Attract international developers and leading global companies
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Improve the quality of real estate projects
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Stimulate growth across residential, commercial, industrial, and tourism sectors
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Create employment opportunities for Saudi citizens
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Strengthen the real estate sector’s contribution to non-oil GDP
These objectives align closely with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification goals.
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