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In a groundbreaking move to open up its real estate sector, Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet has approved the use of digital identification for non-resident, non-Saudi foreigners to own property in the country.
The decision comes as part of broader efforts to implement the non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law, which will come into effect in January 2026, a Saudi Gazette report said.
Read-Foreigners owning property in Saudi: The rules you need to know
To support the rollout, the General Real Estate Authority will work with the Ministry of Interior, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the National Information Center, and other relevant entities to activate and regulate the digital ID mechanism.
Governance overhaul and committee formation
The cabinet also backed governance measures proposed by the Strategic Committee of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, which include forming a specialised committee within the Real Estate Authority to oversee non-Saudi ownership and usufruct rights.
Additionally, the board of the General Real Estate Authority has been restructured, now chaired by its CEO and composed of representatives from various ministries, government entities, and three members from the private sector.
Key requirements for foreign buyers
In July, the Cabinet formally approved the non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law. Just last month, draft executive regulations were published, laying out the conditions for non-resident ownership.
To qualify, foreign buyers must activate a digital ID via the Absher platform, open a Saudi bank account, and obtain a local contact number, setting the stage for a more accessible property market for global investors.
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