Saudi Arabia Real Estate Investment & Foreign Ownership Guide (2026 Update)

As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has revolutionized its real estate market to attract global capital. As of January 2026, the new property law (Royal Decree M/14) has established a transparent, digital, and secure framework for foreign individuals and corporations to acquire property. However, this process involves rigorous legal procedures and compliance checks that go far beyond simply selecting a property and making a payment.

evisassaudiarabia.com, powered by our UK-based global partner Nexus Solutions Global, provides professional guidance through this complex regulatory landscape. Our mission is to verify your legal eligibility under Saudi law, analyze potential risks, and connect you directly with the Kingdom’s most prestigious, licensed real estate developers. Before risking your capital and time, ensure you pass through a professional compliance filter.

Legal Note: Our service is a professional Compliance and Verification suite covering document collection, legal screening, and developer referral. We are not a real estate brokerage and do not sell property directly.

What Has Changed for Foreigners Under the 2026 Law?

Previously, foreign ownership was highly restricted or only possible through complex corporate structures. The new law, effective January 2026, has rewritten the rules. Now, both residents (Iqama holders) and non-residents can hold Freehold titles in their own names. Investment is permitted within government-mandated "Designated Zones" in major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Furthermore, strategic property investment now offers a direct pathway to permanent residency.

Critical Warning: Financial capability alone does not guarantee approval. MISA (Ministry of Investment) and REGA (Real Estate General Authority) approvals are mandatory. Penalties for fraudulent declarations or circumventing regulations can reach up to SAR 10 Million.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Buy Property in Saudi Arabia?

To receive government approval, applicants must meet the following fundamental criteria:

Individual Investors: Valid passport, clean criminal record (apostilled), and proof of financial solvency. (Non-Muslims are restricted to areas outside the Holy Cities).
Corporations: Must hold a valid MISA investment license and a corporate "700" unified number.
Non-Profit Organizations: Eligibility for educational or healthcare-related properties subject to REGA approval.

Where Can You Invest? (2026 Designated Zones)

REGA has finalized a map of approximately 170 designated zones as of Q1 2026:

Permitted Areas: Riyadh (Al Olaya, Al Malqa), Jeddah (Al Hamra, Corniche), Eastern Province (Al Khobar, Dammam), and Mega-Projects such as NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya.
Restricted Areas: The city limits of Makkah and Madinah remain strictly closed to non-Muslim ownership. Muslim foreigners may be eligible for specific usufruct rights.
Application Portal: All transactions are processed digitally via the Saudi Properties platform.

Can You Obtain Permanent Residency (Premium Residency) via Property?

Yes, but it is subject to specific investment thresholds:

Investment Minimum: A minimum of SAR 4 Million (approx. USD 1.07 Million) in residential property is required. The property must be completed (not off-plan) and must be mortgage-free.
Benefits: Permanent residency for the investor and family, right to work, and business ownership without a local sponsor.
Cost Note: For investments exceeding SAR 4 Million, the annual SAR 100,000 fee is waived (only standard registration fees apply).

Our Process and Application Requirements

evisassaudiarabia.com acts as a professional security bridge between the investor and the Saudi market:

Pre-Analysis Fee: A service fee of USD 1,500 is required to begin your legal eligibility screening. Due to the professional labor and official query costs involved, this fee is non-refundable.
Document Submission: Collection of passport, criminal records, and financial statements.
Official Referral: Once cleared, you are referred directly to Tier-1, state-accredited developers.

Required Documentation (Checklist)

Passport: Copy with at least 6 months validity.
Criminal Record: From your country of origin, apostilled and officially translated.
Proof of Funds: Bank statements for the last 6 months (Source of Wealth verification).
Medical Report: (Required only for Premium Residency applicants).

Investment Benefits vs. Risk Analysis

BenefitsRisks & Considerations

Currency Stability: The Riyal is pegged to the USD, eliminating currency risk.Transaction Costs: 5% Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) + 5% disposal fee.

Vision 2030 Growth: Riyadh’s population is projected to double, driving capital appreciation.Sharia Inheritance Law: Assets are distributed per Saudi law; a local Will is highly recommended.

Tax Efficiency: No personal income tax on rental income for individual investors.Resale Restrictions: Some projects carry a "Lock-in period" of 3 to 5 years.

Full Ownership: Freehold title (Full ownership) rather than 99-year leaseholds.White Land Tax: Annual tax of 2.5% to 10% on undeveloped urban land.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is residency (Iqama) required to buy property?

No. Non-residents can purchase property in designated zones. Your eligibility is formalized through the Nexus Solutions Global screening process.

2. Can non-Muslims buy property anywhere?

No. Makkah and Madinah are strictly off-limits to non-Muslims. However, all other "Designated Zones" like Riyadh, Jeddah, and NEOM are open for investment.

3. Why is the USD 1,500 pre-analysis fee non-refundable?

This fee covers official queries within Saudi government databases (MISA, REGA), legal risk analysis, and professional consulting hours. It is a service fee for the compliance audit, independent of the final investment outcome.