Saudi Arabia opens property market to foreign buyers through new online portal

Saudi Arabia has launched the Saudi Properties portal, allowing eligible foreign buyers to apply online for property ownership under the new law.

Saudi Arabia has launched a new online portal enabling eligible foreign individuals, companies and investors to apply for property ownership across the Kingdom, marking the next phase of the country’s new Foreign Real Estate Ownership Law.

The Real Estate General Authority (REGA) announced the opening of applications through the Saudi Properties portal following the law’s entry into force in January 2026, alongside the approval of its geographic scope and regulatory framework.

The new digital platform enables prospective buyers inside and outside Saudi Arabia to complete the property ownership process electronically, from verifying eligibility through to submitting and tracking applications.

What is the Saudi Properties portal?

According to REGA, Saudi Properties is the official portal for foreign real estate ownership applications in Saudi Arabia.

The platform allows users to:

• Access available ownership pathways
• Explore approved real estate opportunities
• Verify eligibility requirements
• Submit ownership applications electronically
• Track application progress online

REGA said the portal is designed to provide a streamlined digital journey for prospective property owners through a single official channel.

Who can apply?

The application process differs depending on the applicant.

• Foreign residents in Saudi Arabia: Non-Saudi residents living in the Kingdom can apply directly through the Saudi Properties portal using their residency number. Eligibility requirements are verified automatically before the application is completed digitally
• Foreign buyers outside Saudi Arabia: Non-Saudi individuals living abroad must first obtain a digital identity card through Saudi missions overseas before completing their online property ownership application
• Foreign companies: Companies and entities without an existing presence in Saudi Arabia must first register with the Ministry of Investment through the Invest Saudi platform and obtain a national unified number before completing the ownership process electronically

Where can foreigners buy property?

The new system allows eligible non-Saudi individuals, companies and entities to own property across various regions of Saudi Arabia.

However, ownership in Makkah and Madinah remains subject to specific regulations.

According to REGA, property ownership within the two Holy Cities is limited to:

• Saudi companies
• Muslim individuals residing within the Kingdom
• Muslim individuals residing outside the Kingdom

The authority said the regulatory framework provides greater transparency by linking ownership opportunities with structured pathways and official data sources.

Saudi real estate transformation

REGA said the implementation of the Foreign Real Estate Ownership Law comes as Saudi Arabia experiences significant growth across its property sector.

The authority said the market continues to benefit from:

• Urban growth
• Major development projects
• Expansion of business activity
• Tourism growth
• Hospitality investment
• Entertainment projects
• Quality-of-life initiatives

According to REGA, these developments are strengthening Saudi Arabia’s attractiveness as a destination for living, working and investment.

The authority emphasised that the Saudi Properties portal is the official channel for foreign property ownership applications and related information.