A new law in Saudi Arabia will soon allow foreign individuals and companies to own property in the Kingdom, starting from January 2026. This marks a major policy shift aimed at supporting Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s national strategy to grow the economy beyond oil and attract more international investment.
Under the new rules, expats living in the Gulf and foreign investors abroad will be able to purchase real estate in approved areas, even without Saudi citizenship. The law covers both individuals and companies, making this open to a broad range of buyers.
At the moment, a list of approved zones is being finalised. So far, the confirmed locations include:
- Riyadh
- Jeddah
- Other designated areas to be announced
However, Makkah and Madinah will have special restrictions due to their religious and cultural importance. Specific approvals will likely be required for any property ownership in these cities.
The Saudi government will release full details before the new law comes into effect. Within the next 180 days, a draft of the rules and the list of permitted locations will be published on a public consultation platform called Istitaa. Residents and stakeholders will have the chance to review and comment before the rules are finalised.
This move aligns Saudi Arabia with other Gulf cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, where foreign property ownership in designated zones has already brought in billions in international investment.
With this upcoming change, Saudi Arabia is opening a new door for foreign property ownership — setting the stage for broader investment and new opportunities across the Kingdom.
