Archive · 15 Dec 2025
Saudi Arabia Opens Property Market to Foreigners
Saudi Arabia is making a big change to its property rules.
Starting in January 2026, foreigners will be able to buy property in most parts of the country.
This includes commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties everywhere, and residential properties everywhere except four major cities: Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Riyadh.
The government wants to make sure everything is fair and follows the rules, so there will be clear guidelines for buying and selling property.
If someone breaks these rules, they could have to pay a big fine or even sell the property.
This new rule is part of Saudi Arabia's plan to bring in more money from other countries while keeping important areas for local people.
Saudi Arabia will allow foreigners to own property nationwide starting January 2026, except in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Riyadh for residential properties.
Commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties will be fully open to foreign ownership throughout the country.
The new law includes clear registration rules, fees, and penalties to ensure transparency and compliance.
Violators could face fines of up to SR10 million ($2.67 million) or court-ordered sale of the property.
The legislation aims to attract foreign investment and boost economic growth while maintaining regulatory control.
- Who
- Saudi Arabia's Minister of Municipalities and Housing, Majed Al-Hogail
- What
- New law allowing foreigners to own property in most of Saudi Arabia
- When
- Starting January 2026
- Where
- Saudi Arabia (except Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Riyadh for residential properties)
- Why
- To attract foreign investment and boost economic growth while maintaining regulatory control
- Effective Date
- January 2026
- Restricted Cities
- Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Riyadh
- Property Types Allowed
- Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural (nationwide); Residential (nationwide except restricted cities)
- Registration Requirement
- All property transactions must be registered with the Real Estate Registry
- Penalties for Violations
- Fines up to SR10 million ($2.67 million) or court-ordered sale of property