Foreign Home Ownership in Saudi Arabia in 2026: Everything You Need to Know
Jan 29, 2026
As of January 2026, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Real Estate Ownership Law is in force allowing foreign individuals and entities to own property in Saudi.
As of January 2026, Saudi Arabia’s updated Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law is in force, creating a clearer legal pathway for foreign individuals and entities to own property within designated geographic zones set by the government.
What changed in 2026
Saudi Arabia moved to a “designated-zone” model:
Non-Saudis can own real estate or acquire in geographic areas approved by the Council of Ministers.
Who Can Buy
-Individual buyers and long-term residents
-Executives and professionals relocating to Saudi Arabia
-International companies establishing regional or operational bases
-Investors purchasing residential, mixed-use, or hospitality-linked property
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What You Can Own
Depending on the location and development, buyers may acquire:
-Residential property in approved developments and communities
-Mixed-use and branded residences linked to lifestyle and hospitality projects
-Corporate-held property for executive housing or staff accommodation
-Ownership rights and conditions can vary by city and project, so it is important to confirm what applies in your chosen area.
Where foreigners can buy
-Ownership is permitted inside the designated zones (to be published in a “Geographic Scope Document” with maps and limits).
-Outside the designated zones:
A legal resident may own one residential property for personal use (with exceptions noted below).
Where Foreign Buyers Are Active
-Riyadh: residential communities, executive housing, and mixed-use districts
-Jeddah and the Western Region: lifestyle, coastal, and hospitality-linked developments
-Major development zones: integrated communities connected to large-scale projects and economic corridors
Key restrictions to know
-Makkah and Madinah: non-Saudi ownership/real rights are restricted to Muslim individuals (and there are additional rule layers for companies/funds under Saudi frameworks).
-Sensitive / prohibited sites: separate laws and government decisions can still prohibit ownership in certain locations
Why Buyers Are Looking at Saudi in 2026
Continued development under Vision 2030 across residential, commercial, and tourism destinations
Growing presence of international companies and regional headquarters
Expansion of lifestyle, entertainment, and hospitality infrastructure
Increased demand for long-term housing from professionals and skilled workers relocating to the Kingdom
What This Means for Buyers
Foreign home ownership is increasingly being used not only as an investment, but as a way to establish a long-term presence in Saudi Arabia supporting business operations, executive relocation, and regional expansion strategies.
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