The new regulations require all property payments to be made through SAMA-approved digital payment channels.
The executive regulations governing non-Saudi ownership of real estate will introduce a package of stringent measures, most notably the establishment of a unified electronic portal for real estate transactions linked to the national real estate registry, Asharq Al-Awsat reported. These regulatory measures will introduce a new digital and regulatory framework by making electronic payments mandatory for all real estate transactions. These regulations further require non-resident natural persons to first obtain a digital identity, open a local bank account, and secure a Saudi mobile number registered in their name and linked to their digital identity. 
Foreign companies must register with the Ministry of Investment, while the foreign non-profit entities are required to register with the National Center for Non-Profit Sector Development before acquiring property or obtaining real rights over real estate, while also disclosing their direct and indirect controlling parties. The rules also give such entities 15 days to notify the center of any material changes affecting the entity, individuals with influence over its decision-making, or any arrangements that limit its independence.
Last June, the Saudi Cabinet approved the executive regulations for the foreign real estate ownership law, as well as the geographical areas where non-Saudis are permitted to own property.
According to available data, the foreign real estate ownership law entered into force on January 22, 2026.
In August, the Real Estate General Authority published a draft of the executive regulations on the Istitlaa public consultation platform for feedback. The draft comprised 15 articles covering property ownership procedures for foreign individuals, companies, and non-profit entities.
The new regulations require all property payments to be made through SAMA-approved digital payment channels.
The executive regulations governing non-Saudi ownership of real estate will introduce a package of stringent measures, most notably the establishment of a unified electronic portal for real estate transactions linked to the national real estate registry, Asharq Al-Awsat reported. These regulatory measures will introduce a new digital and regulatory framework by making electronic payments mandatory for all real estate transactions. These regulations further require non-resident natural persons to first obtain a digital identity, open a local bank account, and secure a Saudi mobile number registered in their name and linked to their digital identity.
Foreign companies must register with the Ministry of Investment, while the foreign non-profit entities are required to register with the National Center for Non-Profit Sector Development before acquiring property or obtaining real rights over real estate, while also disclosing their direct and indirect controlling parties. The rules also give such entities 15 days to notify the center of any material changes affecting the entity, individuals with influence over its decision-making, or any arrangements that limit its independence.
Last June, the Saudi Cabinet approved the executive regulations for the foreign real estate ownership law, as well as the geographical areas where non-Saudis are permitted to own property.
According to available data, the foreign real estate ownership law entered into force on January 22, 2026.
In August, the Real Estate General Authority published a draft of the executive regulations on the Istitlaa public consultation platform for feedback. The draft comprised 15 articles covering property ownership procedures for foreign individuals, companies, and non-profit entities.
