Last updated: January 15, 2025

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Saudi Arabia? — Complete Non-Resident Guide

The definitive guide for non-resident foreigners buying property in Saudi Arabia. Who is eligible, what you can own, where you can buy, and exactly how the process works.

Overview: What Changed in 2021

Before 2021, foreign ownership of property in Saudi Arabia was effectively prohibited for most non-Saudi nationals. The 2021 Real Estate Law (amended 2024) changed this significantly:

Non-Saudi nationals can now own property (not just lease) in Saudi Arabia
Ownership is permitted in REGA-designated zones across multiple cities
Both residents (Iqama holders) and non-residents are eligible
Muslims and non-Muslims are both eligible, except in Mecca and Medina (Muslims only)

Who Is Eligible?

Non-Resident Foreigners (No Saudi Visa / Tourist Visa)

You do not need to live in Saudi Arabia to buy property there. Non-residents can purchase property in designated zones subject to:

Providing valid passport documentation
REGA approval (may be required depending on zone and nationality)
Completing the transfer through the Ministry of Justice’s online system

Iqama Holders (Saudi Residents)

Iqama holders have a slightly streamlined process. Your Iqama number is used throughout the transaction. See the Iqama holder guide → for the specific process.

What You CAN’T Do (Regardless of Nationality)

Restriction	Detail
Buy outside designated zones	REGA zones only
Own agricultural land	Prohibited for all foreigners
Buy in Mecca or Medina (non-Muslims)	Religious restriction
Buy near military zones	Security restriction
Own more than a set number of properties	REGA may impose limits — verify current rules

What Does “Designated Zone” Mean?

REGA (Real Estate General Authority) publishes a list of approved areas where foreign ownership is permitted. These zones cover major residential, commercial, and mixed-use areas across eligible cities.

Critical: Always verify a specific property’s zone status before signing any agreement. Zone boundaries are updated periodically. Check at rega.gov.sa.

Costs of Buying as a Foreigner

Cost	Amount
Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT)	5% of purchase price (paid by buyer)
Notary / Ministry of Justice fees	Nominal (government fee)
Agent commission	Typically 2% (negotiable, usually split buyer/seller)
Legal/lawyer fees	Optional but recommended — varies
Property valuation	Sometimes required by REGA — SAR 1,000–3,000

No annual property tax. No capital gains tax for individuals. No VAT on residential purchases.

Step-by-Step Process for Non-Residents

Step 1 — Verify the Zone

Check that the property is in a REGA-designated zone at rega.gov.sa.

Step 2 — Due Diligence

Verify the title deed (صك الملكية) is clean — no liens, disputes, or encumbrances
Use the Ministry of Justice’s Najm platform or engage a lawyer to verify

Step 3 — Sale Agreement

Sign a preliminary sale agreement (عقد البيع) with the seller. Typically includes a deposit (earnest money) of 5–10%.

Step 4 — REGA Approval (if Required)

Some zones and buyer categories require formal REGA approval before transfer. Your lawyer or agent will advise.

Step 5 — Final Transfer at Notary

Both parties (or their authorised representatives via power of attorney) attend the Ministry of Justice notary office. The transfer is registered digitally.

Step 6 — Title Deed Registration

Your name is registered as owner in the Ministry of Justice’s real estate system. You receive a digital title deed (صك ملكية).

Do You Need a Lawyer?

Not legally required, but strongly recommended for non-resident buyers who:

Are unfamiliar with Arabic-language contracts
Cannot travel to Saudi Arabia for the notary step
Need a power of attorney arranged
Are buying off-plan or from a developer

Common Pitfalls

Signing agreements before verifying zone status — if the property turns out to be outside a designated zone, the purchase may be void
No power of attorney — if you can’t attend the notary in person, you must have a POA ready well in advance (it needs to be notarised in your home country and apostilled)
Undisclosed encumbrances — always run a title search

Frequently Asked Questions

Can non-residents buy property in Saudi Arabia? +

Yes. The 2021 Real Estate Law permits non-Saudi nationals, including non-residents, to own property in Saudi Arabia within REGA-designated zones. Prior to 2021, foreigners could only own property under very limited conditions.

Is there a minimum investment or property value requirement? +

There is no publicly stated minimum property value for foreign non-resident buyers as a universal rule. However, REGA approval conditions may vary by zone and nationality. Verify current requirements via rega.gov.sa.

Can I own land as a foreigner in Saudi Arabia? +

Land ownership rights for foreigners are more restricted than apartment or villa ownership. Agricultural land cannot be owned by foreigners. Land within designated zones may be purchasable, but this varies by zone and is subject to REGA approval.

Do I need to visit Saudi Arabia to complete the purchase? +

In most cases, the final transfer at the notary requires either your physical presence or a legally valid power of attorney authorising a representative to act on your behalf in Saudi Arabia.

Can foreigners inherit property in Saudi Arabia? +

Property inheritance by non-Saudi heirs is a complex area. It depends on the nationality of the heir, existing treaties, and the specific property's zone status. Always consult a Saudi lawyer before assuming inheritance rights.

What taxes apply to foreign property buyers in Saudi Arabia? +

There is no annual property tax in Saudi Arabia. Foreign buyers pay a 5% Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) on the purchase value. There is no capital gains tax on real estate for individuals. VAT does not apply to residential property purchases.

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