Foreign buyer representation
Foreign property ownership in Saudi Arabia
By Ibrahim Ashoor, Ora Realty · Updated 2026-06-09
A practical, 2026-current guide for non-Saudi individuals and companies buying residential, commercial, or investment property under the new Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law.
What changed in 2026
The Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law entered into force in 2026, replacing the previous restrictive framework. Non-Saudi individuals, companies, and investment funds can now own property in designated zones across the Kingdom — subject to registration with the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) and standard anti-money-laundering checks.
Where you can buy
- Jeddah: Waterfront and central neighborhoods including Al Hamra, Al Shati, Al Rawdah, and Obhur North.
- Giga-projects: NEOM, Red Sea Global, Diriyah, Qiddiya, and ROSHN communities.
- Excluded: Makkah and Madinah holy cities (with limited exceptions for GCC nationals and waqf structures).
The process, step by step
- Engage a REGA-licensed brokerage (Ora Realty is licensed in Jeddah).
- Identify eligible property within a designated zone.
- Sign a reservation agreement and clear AML/source-of-funds.
- REGA non-Saudi-buyer registration.
- Payment via escrow or direct bank transfer.
- Ministry of Justice title notarisation and Sakani/electronic title issuance.
Costs to budget
- 5% Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT)
- 2.5% brokerage fee
- Notary and REGA registration fees (~0.5%)
- Optional: legal/structuring fees if buying via a holding company
How Ora Realty represents non-Saudi buyers
We act exclusively for the buyer: zone-eligibility verification, property sourcing across Jeddah, price benchmarking, due diligence, REGA registration, escrow setup, and post-completion property management. Our team operates in English and Arabic and works with GCC, European, US, and Asian investors.
Buyer profiles we work with
- GCC family offices consolidating Jeddah waterfront exposure
- European and US private buyers entering Saudi residential post-2026 reform
- Asian institutional capital targeting giga-project and commercial yield
- Returning Saudi expatriates repatriating capital into family villas
Common mistakes non-Saudi buyers make
- Signing a reservation before confirming the parcel is inside a designated foreign-ownership zone
- Wiring funds outside an escrow arrangement
- Using the seller's broker as their only adviser
- Underestimating the 5% RETT and treating it as negotiable mid-deal
- Buying off-plan without a developer escrow / Wafi licence check
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy property in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
Yes. Under the new Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law that entered into force in 2026, non-Saudi individuals and companies can own residential, commercial, and investment property within designated zones across Saudi Arabia, including parts of Jeddah and other strategic cities, subject to registration with the Real Estate General Authority (REGA).
Which cities and zones are open to foreign buyers?
Designated zones include prime Jeddah waterfront and central neighborhoods, and announced giga-project zones (NEOM, Red Sea, Diriyah, ROSHN, Qiddiya). The exact parcel-level map is published by REGA and updated periodically.
What documents do non-Saudi buyers need?
Valid passport, proof of funds, source-of-funds declaration (AML), Saudi tax/ID registration where applicable, and — for corporate buyers — a commercial registration. A licensed Saudi brokerage like Ora Realty handles REGA registration, title transfer, and Ministry of Justice notarisation on your behalf.
Are there taxes or fees for foreign property buyers?
Saudi Arabia has no annual property tax for individuals. Transactional costs include the 5% Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT), brokerage fee (typically 2.5%), and notary/registration fees. Rental income earned by non-residents may be subject to withholding tax — consult a Saudi tax advisor for your structure.
Can I get a mortgage as a non-Saudi resident?
Mortgage availability for non-resident foreigners is limited but expanding. Several Saudi banks now offer financing for GCC nationals and residents with valid Iqama. Non-resident financing is typically arranged through international private banks or direct cash purchase.
Does buying property give me Saudi residency?
Property ownership alone does not automatically grant residency. However, the Premium Residency Visa programme provides multiple pathways, and the government has signalled property-investment-linked residency reforms as part of Vision 2030 implementation.