Saudi Arabia Opens Foreign Property Ownership Applications Through Digital Portal
In a landmark development for foreign investors, the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) of Saudi Arabia has officially launched the "Saudi Properties" portal, marking the beginning of applications for foreign ownership of real estate. This announcement, made on June 24, 2026, comes as part of the newly implemented Foreign Real Estate Ownership Law, effective January 2026. This initiative is seen as a vital step in the Kingdom's efforts to enhance its appeal as a destination for investments and to boost its ambitious urban development goals.
The portal serves as an official digital gateway for prospective property buyers, enabling them to navigate through the entire acquisition process online. This includes accessing available property options, reviewing approved real estate opportunities, checking eligibility criteria, submitting applications, and receiving follow-up services—all within a structured digital framework. Foreign citizens residing in Saudi Arabia can utilize their residency number to apply directly through the portal. The automated verification system ensures that the process adheres to the stipulated eligibility requirements effectively.
For non-Saudi residents, obtaining a digital identity card from Saudi diplomatic missions abroad is the initial step required before they can proceed with the online application. Moreover, foreign companies or entities without a local presence must first register with the Ministry of Investment, utilizing the "Invest Saudi" platform to secure a unified national number, which is essential to complete their ownership applications electronically.
REGA's robust regulatory framework clarifies the property ownership decisions, contributing to a higher level of market transparency. It aligns property opportunities with proper structured paths and official data sources, thereby enhancing the credibility of the real estate sector. This becomes particularly significant considering Saudi Arabia's focus on urban expansion and high-quality growth across various sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and entertainment.
It's essential to highlight that while the portal simplifies the real estate acquisition for foreigners, property ownership laws concerning the holy cities of Mecca and Medina remain stringent. Ownership in these cities is restricted to Muslim individuals and Saudi enterprises, thereby upholding the sacred nature of these sites.
This digital push aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on oil by creating a thriving investment environment. The launch of the "Saudi Properties" portal is a clear indication of the Kingdom's commitment to enhancing its regulatory framework, ensuring it attracts a wider range of international stakeholders to its real estate market.
As the real estate sector undergoes rapid transformation, potential buyers are encouraged to explore the offerings available on the "Saudi Properties" portal at saudiproperties.rega.gov.sa. This platform is positioned as the official channel for harnessing information related to property ownership in Saudi Arabia, making it an essential resource for foreign investors looking to make a significant impact in this fast-evolving market. Through this initiative, REGA strives to elevate the overall experience for beneficiaries, thereby fostering a vibrant real estate landscape in the Kingdom that resonates with global investors.
As the application period opens, the Saudi government aims to attract considerable foreign investment, further strengthening economic diversification efforts while contributing to the Kingdom's urban growth and infrastructural development goals. In a time of rapid change and opportunity, the feasibility of foreign ownership through streamlined processes heralds a new era in Saudi Arabia's real estate market.