Saudi Arabia opens property ownership portal to foreign buyers

Saudi Arabia started accepting foreign real estate ownership applications through its official Saudi Properties portal, moving its non-Saudi property ownership system closer to full operation.

The Real Estate General Authority, or REGA, announced the opening of applications after the foreign ownership law took effect in January 2026. REGA also said the geographic scope and regulatory framework for the system have been approved.

The Saudi Properties portal is the official platform for the law and gives buyers one place to apply for property ownership, review designated ownership zones and complete required steps online. The portal can be used by residents, nonresidents, companies and other entities, with rules tied to who is buying, where the property is located and how it will be used.

Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet also approved executive regulations for the Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis, including the geographic areas where foreign individuals and companies will be allowed to own property,Gulf News reported. The rules cover residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial real estate. Licensed foreign companies also may own property needed for business operations, including offices, factories and warehouses.

Gulf News reported that nonresident foreign individuals must obtain an approved digital identity before buying property or acquiring real estate rights. The rules also include requirements for local bank accounts and ownership disclosures.

The change is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to bring more foreign investment into the country and grow its real estate sector. REGA said the Saudi Properties portal is meant to provide a transparent digital process for prospective owners.

Florida has long been part of the global real estate conversation, consistently ranking among the top U.S. destinations for foreign buyers, with international customers drawn to its mix of residential, vacation and investment properties.

Tiss makes changes in other countries worth watching as well. When foreign ownership rules shift abroad, buyers and investors may compare not only prices and locations, but also ownership limits, approval timelines, tax and fee treatment and how easy it is to complete a purchase.

Greenberg Traurig, in a legal analysis of the regulations, said the system replaces the country's case-by-case process with a framework built around designated ownership zones and a central electronic platform. Greenberg Traurig said foreign buyers and companies must meet registration, identification, banking and disclosure requirements, with penalties possible for false information or other violations.

The law still has limits. REGA said ownership in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah is restricted to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals. Greenberg Traurig also noted that penalties may apply for false information, failure to report required changes or failure to correct violations.

Some details are still being worked out, but the direction is clear: Saudi Arabia wants a more open, organized foreign ownership system.

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