Saudi Arabia publishes new foreign ownership property rules
29 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia has announced new rules for foreign ownership of real estate, following cabinet approval.
Details about the rules were published in the official gazette, Umm Al-Qura, and the law will take effect in 180 days.
Under the new law, non-Saudis, including individuals and companies, can own property in designated areas. They can also lease and use the property, though restrictions will apply based on property type and location.
Certain areas, particularly Mecca and Medina, remain off-limits for foreign ownership, except for individual Muslim owners under specific conditions.
The law allows foreign residents in Saudi Arabia to own one home outside restricted areas for personal use, excluding Mecca and Medina.
Companies with foreign shareholders can buy property across the kingdom, including in Mecca and Medina, provided it is for business needs or employee housing. Listed companies must adhere to Saudi financial regulations when acquiring property.
Diplomatic missions and international organisations can own property for official use, but they require approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
To purchase property, non-Saudi entities must register with the relevant authority, and ownership is valid only after being recorded in the National Real Estate Registry.
There will be a real estate transfer fee of up to 5% for foreign transactions, with penalties for violations reaching up to SR10m.
A new committee will be established to handle violations and enforce penalties, with decisions subject to appeal in administrative courts within 60 days.
The law also removes previous restrictions on GCC citizens owning property in Mecca and Medina, creating a unified framework for all non-Saudis. Further regulations detailing the law's implementation are expected within six months.
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The bid submission deadline is 26 February.
The first scheme under the package is TF-16-C1, which involves upgrading and rehabilitating the stormwater system east of the Dubai Canal.
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Modon tenders Ras El-Hekma construction contracts
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Abu Dhabi-based developer Modon Holding has tendered several contracts as part of the first phase of development at Ras El-Hekma, a planned new city on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast.
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