Foreigners Can Now Apply to Buy Property in Saudi Arabia

Jul 30, 2026

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Foreigners Can Now Apply to Buy Property in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has launched a national portal that lets non-Saudi individuals and companies apply online to acquire real estate rights in designated zones across the Kingdom. The move falls under the Law of Real Estate Ownership and Investment by Non-Saudis, which came into force on 22 January 2026.

Applications and related transactions must go through the Saudi Properties digital portal operated by the Real Estate General Authority (REGA), reachable at aqar.rega.gov.sa and saudiproperties.rega.gov.sa. This is the mandated gateway for foreign ownership; other government platforms are not used as the primary channel. REGA support is available by email at Saudiproperties@rega.gov.sa and via the Beneficiaries Help Center on 920017183.

What foreign buyers will pay

A standard Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) of 5% of the property value applies to all buyers, including non-Saudis. In addition, REGA charges a disposal fee of 2% on transactions involving real estate rights acquired by non-Saudis in the principal cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah — below the 5% ceiling the law permits. Outside these four cities, the REGA disposal fee is zero-rated at 0%.

In practice, the combined typical transaction cost for foreign buyers lands at roughly 10% of the property price, once RETT, REGA fees and documentation and notarization costs are added together.

Certain cases are zero-rated for the REGA disposal fee, including disposals resulting from judicial orders, some inheritance divisions and court judgments. Non-Saudi real estate developers can also qualify for a zero rate if they complete development within the licensed period and sell units within one year of it.

For residents and investors, the new portal offers a single, clear route to enter Saudi Arabia's property market, with transparent fees and defined zones where foreign ownership is allowed.

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