Last updated: June 27, 2026

Latest Saudi Property Law Updates for Foreign Buyers

June 23, 2026: Saudi Cabinet published all designated zones. Track REGA law updates, zone list changes, and new regulations for foreign property buyers in Saudi Arabia.

Non-Resident · Key points for your situation

› Power of attorney required if you can't attend the notary in person

› Saudi bank mortgages not available to non-residents — plan for a cash purchase

› REGA approval typically required before title transfer — allow 2–4 extra weeks

› Budget 7–10% above the purchase price for total transaction costs

Iqama Holder · Key points for your situation

› Your Iqama is accepted across all government systems — Absher, REGA, Ministry of Justice

› Attend the notary in person — no power of attorney needed

› Mortgage may be available from select Saudi banks — typically up to 70% LTV

› Ensure your Iqama has at least 12 months validity before starting

2026 Updates

June 23, 2026 — Complete Geographic Zones Document Approved (Major)

The Saudi Cabinet, chaired by King Salman, formally approved the implementing regulations for the Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis — including the long-awaited Geographic Zones Document. REGA published the complete official zone map the same day at saudiproperties.rega.gov.sa/zones.

What this means:

Foreign buyers can now see the exact geographic zones approved for purchase in every city
The Saudi Properties portal is now live and accepting applications
Jeddah: 57 designated zones — the most of any city
Riyadh: 9 designated zones — all major mega-development projects (KAFD, New Murabba, Qiddiya, Diriyah Gate, SEDRA, King Salman Park, Sports Boulevard, TOD, King Salman International Airport)
Makkah: 12 designated zones (Muslim foreigners only)
Medina: 10 designated zones (Muslim foreigners only)
Al-Ula: 17 designated zones — open to all foreigners
Giga projects: NEOM, AMAALA, Red Sea Project confirmed as approved zones
Special Economic Zones: KAEC, Jazan SEZ, Ras Al-Khair SEZ confirmed

This is the most comprehensive zone disclosure the Saudi government has made. Previously buyers could only verify specific properties on the portal; now the full zone framework is publicly mapped.

Full zone breakdown → · Blog: What the June 2026 zones release means →

Source: Saudi Cabinet session, June 23, 2026 · REGA official portal

January 21, 2026 — The Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis (Major)

This is the most significant change to Saudi foreign property law since the 2021 opening. Key provisions:

What changed:

Non-Saudi nationals can now own freehold property in Saudi Arabia within officially designated zones
Medina opened — for the first time, Muslim foreigners can purchase property in Medina within designated zones. Knowledge Economic City (KEC) is the first and most established zone
Mecca and Medina restriction maintained — non-Muslims remain prohibited from owning in either holy city regardless of zone
Iqama holder “one residence” exception does not apply to Mecca or Medina — even residents must buy within designated zones in the holy cities
Saudi Properties digital platform launched — aqar.rega.gov.sa is now the mandatory gateway for all foreign purchases. Transactions outside this system are illegal and can incur fines up to SAR 10 million (~$2.6M)
Wafi escrow — all developer payments must go through government-regulated escrow accounts

Foreign ownership in Medina — see official zones:

Knowledge Economic City (KEC) — open immediately, accepting bookings
9 additional officially mapped zones — see full Medina zone list →

Saudi Properties portal launched: The official verification and transaction platform for non-Saudi buyers is live at aqar.rega.gov.sa. This is the only legally valid way to verify zone status, sign contracts, and pay RETT.

Source: Saudi Council of Ministers · Effective date: January 21, 2026

January 2026 — Absher Digital ID Now Mandatory for Property Purchases

Effective from the same date as the ownership law, all foreign property buyers must have an active Absher Digital ID to complete any property transaction.

Remote setup is possible — biometric activation can be done at Saudi Embassies worldwide
Saudi mobile number (+966) is required for OTP verification
Saudi eSIMs available internationally from Mobily and STC (~$15–30)

Full guide: How to get your Absher Digital ID →

2025 Updates

Q4 2025 — KEC Medina Begins International Bookings

Knowledge Economic City (KEC) began accepting international bookings from Muslim foreign buyers ahead of the January 2026 law implementation, with a refundable 20% deposit. This was the first opportunity for non-Saudi Muslims to secure Medina property before the official law change.

Source: KEC/HQ Consulting webinar, December 2025

2024 Updates

Q4 2024 — Amended Implementing Regulations

The Ministry of Housing published amended regulations clarifying non-resident foreign buyer eligibility.

Q3 2024 — Off-Plan Escrow Requirements Strengthened

REGA announced stricter escrow requirements for off-plan developers. All new project launches must demonstrate full escrow account registration before marketing to buyers.

Q2 2024 — Iqama Mortgage Access Expanded

Saudi National Bank and Al Rajhi Bank announced expanded mortgage eligibility for non-Saudi Iqama holders, with maximum LTV increased to 75% for qualifying applicants.

2023 Updates

Q4 2023 — REGA Portal Launched in English

REGA’s official portal gained full English-language functionality, making zone verification and approval applications accessible to international buyers without Arabic.

This page is updated whenever there is a material change to the law or regulations. Subscribe to our newsletter → — we monitor REGA, the Official Gazette, and major bank announcements weekly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important change to Saudi property law in 2026? +

The Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis came into effect on January 21, 2026. It significantly expanded foreign ownership rights, opened designated zones in Medina for Muslim foreigners (including Knowledge Economic City), launched the official Saudi Properties digital portal for foreign buyers, and introduced freehold title deed rights in designated zones.

What is the Real Estate Transaction Tax for foreign buyers? +

The standard RETT is 5% on real estate transactions, as confirmed by ZATCA. No differentiated rate for foreign buyers has been officially published by REGA.

How often does Saudi property law change? +

The core ownership law is stable, but designated zone lists, approval requirements, and implementing regulations are updated periodically. This page is reviewed monthly.

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