What entered into force
REGA announced that the Real Estate Ownership System for Non-Saudi Nationals entered into force on 22 January 2026. The authority identifies Saudi Properties as the accredited digital platform for applications and says it is integrated with the real-estate registration system.
The announcement covers residents, non-residents and non-Saudi companies or entities, but the applicant journey is not identical for each group. An applicant should select the correct category and rely on the live portal’s eligibility checks rather than assume that holding an Iqama or foreign passport alone creates a right to buy any property.
Three applicant routes
A resident inside Saudi Arabia can apply through the portal using an Iqama number, with electronic eligibility checks. A non-resident begins through a Saudi embassy or representation abroad to obtain a digital identity before continuing online. A non-Saudi company or entity without a presence in the Kingdom must first register through Invest Saudi and obtain Unified Number 700.
These are entry routes, not shortcuts around due diligence. Names, identity records and entity details should match throughout. Do not pay someone to create a false residence record, digital identity or company number.
Location rules require special attention
REGA says the system enables ownership across regions while regulating Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah through the applicable framework and geographical-zone document. The authority also states that ownership in Makkah and Madinah is restricted to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals, whether resident or non-resident.
Because property eligibility is highly location-specific, confirm the parcel and applicant category on the portal before paying a non-refundable deposit. Marketing language such as “open to foreigners” is not enough. A project’s sales team cannot replace the official ownership check or registration decision.
Checks before signing or transferring money
Verify the seller or developer, title and registration status, permitted use, price, fees, completion obligations and refund provisions. For an off-plan unit, confirm the project and selling authorization through the responsible official channels. Obtain qualified legal and financial advice for a high-value transaction.
Use only an official or contractually documented payment route. Do not transfer a reservation fee to a salesperson’s personal account, and do not rely on a translated summary where it conflicts with the Arabic legal or contractual text. Keep the portal reference and signed documents.
- 1
Choose the correct applicant category
Resident, non-resident and foreign-entity routes begin differently.
- 2
Verify the property location
Check the live geographical and ownership controls for the exact parcel.
- 3
Complete independent due diligence
Confirm title, seller, approvals, contract and payment route before committing funds.
What this guide cannot decide
The REGA announcement explains the operating system and main journeys, but an individual result depends on the applicant, property, location and current portal rules. It does not guarantee financing, tax treatment, residence rights, rental returns or approval of a particular transaction.
Property purchases can have major legal and financial consequences. Use Saudi Properties for the official eligibility journey and obtain case-specific professional advice before signing a binding agreement or moving substantial funds.