Foreign buyers in Saudi Arabia since 22 January 2026
Updated
Since 22 January 2026 non-Saudis may own property in Saudi Arabia under the Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law — within limits on where, and with a fee in four places: Riyadh, Makkah and Madinah cities and Jeddah governorate.
Non-Saudis may own inside the areas opened to them; a legally resident non-Saudi may also own one home for their own use outside those areas, but not in Makkah or Madinah. A 2% fee applies in Riyadh, Makkah and Madinah cities and Jeddah governorate, 0% elsewhere.
Not a valid document. Estimate for information only — not financial advice, not an offer of credit and not a bank document. Errors are possible. Only your bank's or finance company's official offer letter, contract and statements are binding.
Where you may buy: the zones
The Council of Ministers approved the geographic zones together with the law's executive regulation in June 2026; REGA maps them on its Saudi Properties portal. They come in four kinds:
- Development projects in the big cities: in Riyadh — Qiddiya, New Murabba, the Sports Boulevard and Arts District, Diriyah Gate, King Salman Park, Sedra, KAFD, King Salman International Airport and the transit-oriented development sites; in Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah a list of named projects and numbered development zones (Jeddah governorate: zones 1–55); in AlUla zones 1–17.
- Giga projects: NEOM, AMAALA and the Red Sea.
- Economic cities and special economic zones: King Abdullah Economic City and its SEZ, Ras Al-Khair SEZ, Jazan SEZ.
- Towns and governorates in all 13 regions — Dammam with Qatif and Ras Tanura, Jubail, Al Ahsa, Buraidah, Unaizah, Taif, Yanbu, Abha with Khamis Mushait, Hail, Tabuk, Jazan, Najran and hundreds more (Al Khobar and Dhahran were not on the list when we read it on 9 October 2026). Riyadh and Jeddah city themselves are not whole-city zones: there the zone is "comprehensive development projects on land within the urban boundary".
Check the plot itself, not the city name, with the portal's eligibility service before you pay a deposit.
Who may own what
REGA's ownership matrix, in one table:
| You are | Inside the zones | Inside the zones, Makkah/Madinah | Outside the zones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident individual | Yes | Yes, if Muslim | One home, for housing (not Makkah/Madinah) |
| Non-resident individual | Yes | Yes, if Muslim | No |
| Saudi company, not listed | Yes | Yes | For its business and staff housing (not Makkah/Madinah) |
| Foreign company (MISA-registered) | Yes | No | No |
- The one own home inside Riyadh's or Jeddah's urban boundary is granted for housing: REGA says it may not be invested, i.e. let out. Buy-to-let for non-Saudis is only inside the zones.
- GCC nationals keep their own ownership rules and pay the 2% fee only in Makkah and Madinah; Premium Residency holders pay it like other non-Saudis.
- A mortgage on a non-Saudi's property is allowed; a Saudi bank account and a Saudi phone number are required, and a licensed Saudi broker must handle the purchase.
What it costs on top
- Non-Saudi fee: 2% of the value in Riyadh, Makkah and Madinah cities and Jeddah governorate; 0% elsewhere. The law allows at most 5%. REGA levies this fee on a non-Saudi's property transaction in these four areas — its Arabic FAQ says on the sale of property a non-Saudi owns, its English FAQ when property is sold to non-Saudis — so budget for it when you buy and expect it when you sell.
- The 5% transaction tax applies as to any sale (the seller owes it by law). First-home relief is for Saudi citizens only.
- Broker and lender: broker 2.5% unless agreed otherwise; the lender's admin fee at most 1% or SAR 5,000, whichever is lower, plus VAT.
How much can be financed
The 90% limit is for a citizen's first home only. For a non-Saudi buyer a bank may finance up to 70% and a real estate finance company up to 85%.
Work out the cash you need: costs of buying a home (choose "Not a Saudi citizen") · monthly payments: home finance calculator.
Questions people ask
Can foreigners buy property in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, since 22 January 2026 — inside the areas opened to non-Saudis; a legally resident non-Saudi may also own one home for their own use outside them, except in Makkah and Madinah.
Where are the areas open to foreigners?
Four kinds of zone, mapped on REGA's Saudi Properties portal: named development projects in Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah and AlUla; NEOM, AMAALA and the Red Sea; the economic cities and special economic zones; and towns and governorates in all 13 regions. Check the plot on the portal.
Can a foreigner buy anywhere in Riyadh or Jeddah?
No — in Riyadh and Jeddah city the zones are named development projects and 'comprehensive development projects within the urban boundary'. A legally resident non-Saudi may also buy one home there for their own housing — but may not let it out.
Can a foreigner buy to let in Saudi Arabia?
Only inside the zones. A resident's one own-use home inside Riyadh's or Jeddah's urban boundary is granted for housing and may not be invested.
Do GCC nationals pay the 2% fee?
Only on property in Makkah and Madinah. Premium Residency holders pay it like other non-Saudis.
What fee do foreigners pay?
2% of the value in Riyadh, Makkah and Madinah cities and Jeddah governorate, 0% elsewhere — on top of the 5% transaction tax the seller owes. REGA levies it on a non-Saudi's property transaction (its Arabic FAQ: on the sale of property a non-Saudi owns; its English FAQ: when property is sold to non-Saudis), so budget for it when you buy and expect it when you sell.
Can foreigners get home finance?
Yes — in Saudi Arabia, up to 70% at a bank and 85% at a real estate finance company. The 90% limit is for a citizen's first home only.