Latest Saudi Property Law Updates for Foreign Buyers

2026 Updates

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 — new designated zones:

• Knowledge Economic City (KEC) — open immediately, accepting bookings
• Al-Ranouna — National Housing Company (NHC) projects, phasing in
• Al-Hadra / Al-Jamawat — Al Majidia developer projects, phasing in

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. Key change: streamlined approval process for residential purchases below SAR 2 million in Tier 1 cities.

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.

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See Also

• Full law breakdown →
• Designated zones explained →
• Medina property guide (2026 updated) →
• KEC Medina guide →