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Saudi Arabia is opening its property market to international investors, introducing a framework that allows non-Saudi individuals, foreign residents, companies and institutions to acquire real estate in designated parts of the Kingdom.
The reforms, which are linked to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic transformation programme, are designed to make the country’s property sector more accessible to overseas capital while maintaining regulatory controls over sensitive and strategically important areas.
For Indians and other foreign nationals, the changes have raised a key question: Is it now possible to buy property in Saudi Arabia?
The answer is yes — but only under a structured system that outlines who can purchase property, where ownership is permitted, and what procedures must be followed.
The new arrangements are being implemented through the Foreign Real Estate Ownership Law,
which entered into force in January, and are supported by a dedicated digital platform called “Saudi Properties,” developed by the Real Estate General Authority (REGA).
What exactly has Saudi Arabia changed?
The Kingdom has introduced a comprehensive ownership regime that extends property ownership rights to non-Saudi individuals and organisations through a regulated approval process.
Under the system, foreign residents already living in Saudi Arabia, overseas investors who do not reside in the Kingdom, and foreign companies can all apply to purchase real estate, provided they satisfy the prescribed conditions.
Applications are now processed through the Saudi Properties portal, which serves as the central gateway for all ownership requests.
The platform enables users to review available ownership pathways, verify whether they meet eligibility requirements, submit documentation electronically and monitor the status of applications.
Saudi authorities say the system has been designed to consolidate procedures into a single digital process while improving transparency and strengthening confidence in the market.
The platform is also connected to the Kingdom’s real estate registration system, allowing authorities to streamline approvals and protect ownership rights through official records.
According to REGA, the portal is the authorised channel for foreign property ownership applications and serves as the primary source of information relating to real estate acquisition by non-Saudis.
How can foreign residents, overseas investors and companies apply?
The process differs depending on an applicant’s status.
Foreign residents already living in Saudi Arabia can initiate applications using their residency permit number, commonly known as the Iqama. Eligibility assessments and procedural checks are then carried out digitally.
For applicants located outside Saudi Arabia, the first requirement is obtaining a digital identity through Saudi embassies or diplomatic missions abroad. Once the digital identity has been issued, the ownership process can be completed through the online platform.
Foreign companies that do not currently maintain an operational presence in the Kingdom face an additional requirement.
Such firms must first register through the Ministry of Investment’s Invest Saudi platform and obtain a national unified number before they can move forward with real estate ownership applications.
The system therefore establishes different entry routes for residents, overseas individuals and foreign corporations while keeping the entire process within a centralised digital framework.
Where can foreigners buy property in Saudi Arabia?
The reforms do not provide unrestricted access to all real estate across the Kingdom. Instead, ownership is tied to approved geographical areas and regulatory guidelines.
Authorities have identified numerous zones where non-Saudi ownership will be allowed, covering some of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious urban and economic development projects.
In Riyadh, foreign ownership will be permitted in a number of major developments and strategic projects. These include Qiddiya, New Murabba, the Sports Boulevard, the Arts District, Diriyah Gate, King Salman Park, Sidra, the King Abdullah Financial District, King Salman International Airport and the Transit-Oriented Development site.
Jeddah’s approved ownership areas include the city centre and development zones numbered 1 through 55 across the governorate.
In AlUla, zones 1 through 17 have been designated for inclusion under the ownership framework.
The regulations also extend to several of Saudi Arabia’s flagship giga-projects and special economic zones. These include Neom, Amaala and the Red Sea Project, alongside the special economic zones of Jazan, Ras Al-Khair and King Abdullah Economic City.
The Kingdom is expected to publish additional details regarding geographical boundaries and ownership eligibility through official documentation and regulatory updates.
REGA has indicated that a Geographical Zones Document setting out the applicable areas would be announced during the first quarter of 2026.
What are the rules for Makkah and Madinah?
Despite the broader opening of the market, Saudi Arabia has retained special provisions for its two holiest cities. Ownership in Makkah and Madinah remains subject to separate restrictions that do not apply elsewhere in the Kingdom.
According to the regulations, property ownership in the two cities will be limited to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals, regardless of whether those individuals reside inside or outside Saudi Arabia.
While the ownership rules remain stricter in these locations, authorities have nevertheless outlined approved development zones falling within the wider framework.
In Makkah, the designated areas include Abraj Makkah, Al-Manar, Burj Ajyad, King Salman Gate, Tilal Village, Jabal Omar, Dhakhir Makkah, Dahiyat Sumou, Masar and Makkah Zones 1 and 2.
In Madinah, the approved zones include Al-Ghurra, Madinah Zones 1 and 2, Al-Mahwa, Darat Al-Hijra, Downtown Madinah, Diyar Al-Maqar, Ruaa Al-Madinah, Knowledge Economic City and Mishraf.
These provisions illustrate Saudi Arabia’s effort to balance international investment opportunities with regulations specific to religiously significant locations.
Why is Saudi Arabia opening its real estate market now?
The reforms arrive at a time when Saudi Arabia is aggressively pursuing economic diversification through Vision 2030.
The Kingdom has been working to reduce dependence on hydrocarbon revenues while encouraging investment across sectors such as tourism, technology, logistics, manufacturing, infrastructure and real estate.
Officials view the new ownership framework as an instrument for drawing foreign capital into the country while supporting large-scale development projects.
REGA has stated that the initiative is intended to attract international developers and major corporations, improve the standard of real estate projects and stimulate growth across residential, commercial, industrial and tourism-related segments.
The authority added that stronger international participation could contribute to broader economic objectives.
“This will support the sustainable contribution of the real estate sector to the non-oil GDP,” it said.
The measures are also aimed at increasing confidence in the market through greater transparency and more clearly defined ownership procedures.
Authorities believe that linking ownership opportunities to official databases and regulatory channels will enhance market credibility while improving the overall experience for applicants.
What are Saudi ministers saying about the reforms?
The executive regulations and geographical zones received Cabinet approval on June 23, during a session chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
Senior ministers have described the changes as a major step toward enhancing Saudi Arabia’s attractiveness as a destination for global investment.
Commerce Minister Majid Al-Qasabi welcomed the move and said the new regulations would act as “a strong catalyst for companies to expand their businesses and enhance competitiveness,” while also helping attract international talent.
Investment Minister Fahd bin Abduljalil Al-Seif similarly argued that the reforms would strengthen the Kingdom’s competitive position and encourage a larger foreign corporate presence.
According to Al-Seif, the regulations establish greater clarity regarding ownership rights, obligations, permitted areas and usage pathways.
He said the framework would give foreign investors and businesses a clearer basis for planning long-term investments, establishing headquarters and expanding operations within Saudi Arabia.
The minister further noted that defining ownership zones and regulatory responsibilities creates greater certainty for investors and enables a more structured investment environment.
He also linked the reforms to Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a regional and global business hub, arguing that wider ownership opportunities could support activity across real estate development, infrastructure, technology, services, supply chains and regional headquarters operations.
What does this mean for Indian investors?
For Indians interested in the Saudi market, the reforms create a formal pathway to property ownership that previously did not exist in its current form.
Indian residents already living in Saudi Arabia can apply directly through the digital system using their residency credentials. Indians residing outside the Kingdom can begin the process through Saudi diplomatic missions before completing the application electronically.
However, ownership remains subject to the geographic restrictions, eligibility criteria and regulatory requirements established by Saudi authorities.
The changes nevertheless represent a significant opening of the Kingdom’s property market to foreign participation.
As Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in mega-projects, tourism developments, economic zones and new urban centres, the new ownership framework is expected to play an important role in attracting overseas investors and businesses seeking a long-term presence in one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing economies.
The timing of the reforms coincides with a period of rapid expansion in Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector. According to figures cited by officials, the market was valued at approximately $77 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach nearly $141.6 billion by 2034, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 6.73 per cent.
With inputs from agencies
