The Real Estate General Authority (REGA), who’s responsible for Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector, announced the start of applications for foreign real estate ownership through the Saudi Properties portal.
The Saudi Properties portal is the official portal for the Foreign Real Estate Ownership Law, following its entry into force in January, and the Geographic Scope and Regulatory Framework were also approved.
The portal allows prospective property owners, both inside and outside the Kingdom, to begin their ownership journey through an official digital channel which enables users to complete all regulatory procedures electronically. It also includes access to available ownership pathways, approved real estate opportunities, verification of eligibility requirements, application submission and has tracking services.
The expats residing in the Kingdom can apply directly through the Saudi Properties portal using their residency number, with automated verification of eligibility requirements and completion of procedures via a fully digital process. As a result, the application process starts by obtaining a digital identity card from Saudi missions abroad, which must be obtained before completing the online application process.
Non-Saudi companies and entities without an existing presence in the kingdom will be needed to register with the Ministry of Investment through the ‘Invest Saudi’ platform and get a national unified number before completing the ownership process electronically.
REGA mentions the system enables non-Saudi individuals, companies, and entities to own property across various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while regulating ownership in Makkah and Madinah. In addition, property ownership within the two holy cities is limited to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals from both within and outside the Kingdom.
This is set to be implemented through a streamlined regulatory framework which makes ownership decisions more transparent by linking real estate opportunities to structured pathways, and official data sources, therefore enhancing market credibility, supporting high-quality urban growth, and elevating the overall beneficiary experience.
REGA further emphasised that the Saudi Properties portal will be the official channel for foreign real estate ownership applications, and accessing important information related to owning property in the Kingdom.
