Khaberni - The Saudi General Real Estate Authority announced today (Thursday) that the non-Saudi property ownership system has come into effect, and the application of its provisions has started within the framework of the regulatory real estate legislation system in the Kingdom, starting from today, 3 Sha'ban 1447 AH, corresponding to January 22, 2026.
The “Authority” clarified that the reception of non-Saudi ownership applications is carried out through the official digital portal “Saudi Real Estate”, and the service includes residents inside the Kingdom and non-residents, in addition to non-Saudi companies and entities, according to specific regulatory controls and procedures.
The Authority explained that the beneficiary's journey varies according to the category of ownership; residents inside the Kingdom can directly apply through the portal using the residence number, with automatic verification of meeting the regulatory requirements and completing the procedures electronically, while the journey of non-residents starts through the Saudi embassies and representations abroad to issue the digital identity, in preparation for completing the ownership application through the portal. Meanwhile, non-Saudi companies and entities that do not have a presence in the Kingdom and wish to own property must register as a first step with the Ministry of Investment through the “Invest in Saudi Arabia” platform and issue a unified number (700) before completing the ownership procedures electronically.
The “Authority” confirmed that the system allows non-Saudis, including individuals, companies, and entities, to own property in various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It specifies ownership in the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina, according to a clear regulatory framework based on the geographical scope document that will be announced during the first quarter of 2026, with consideration of limiting ownership in the two holy cities to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals from within and outside the Kingdom.
The “Authority” indicated that the “Saudi Real Estate” portal represents the official digital platform approved for implementing the non-Saudi property ownership system, where those wishing to own can complete their procedures and confirm their compliance with the controls and conditions stipulated by the system through an easy journey that is directly linked to the system of real estate registration, thereby enhancing transparency and preserving rights.
The “Authority” added that the system aims to improve the quality of real estate projects by attracting international developers and quality companies and to stimulate growth in residential, commercial, industrial, and tourism sectors. Furthermore, it contributes to creating extensive job opportunities for citizens in real estate activities linked to real estate projects and urban growth, thereby enhancing the contribution of the real estate sector to the non-oil gross domestic product sustainably.
