Saudi Arabia is lifting a long-standing ban on foreigners buying real estate. From 2026, expats will be able to invest in housing without residency, sponsors, or millions in investments. Learn about the new rules, prospects for investors, and key changes for foreigners in the kingdom

Starting in January 2026, foreigners will be able to buy property in Saudi Arabia without restrictions – one of the country’s most ambitious steps towards economic transformation under its Vision 2030 program. Read about the main changes for expats in Saudi Arabia in this article.

When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during the trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.

Foreigners will be given access to the Saudi real estate market – without a sponsor and millions in investments

The new law stipulates that foreigners will be able to own property in certain areas, including Riyadh and Jeddah – the kingdom’s two largest cities. At the same time, separate regulatory restrictions will apply in Mecca and Medina due to their religious status.

Currently, the only way to buy property in Saudi Arabia is to participate in the premium residency program, which requires an investment of at least $1 million. However, from 2026, the country plans to allow purchases even for those who do not have residency status and do not use sponsorship support.

According to Mahmoud Elwakil, head of RIF Trust in Saudi Arabia, the reform is a “very positive step” that could attract a wide range of foreign buyers – not just premium investors, but also the middle class seeking more affordable options.

Potential for affordable housing and new residency programs

The authorities are expected to adopt bylaws within six months that will stipulate:

- admission criteria for foreigners,

- application procedures,

- mechanisms for monitoring compliance with the rules.

Why did Saudi Arabia decide to make these changes?

Amid the popularity of the “Golden Visa” in the UAE and the rapid growth of its real estate market, Saudi Arabia is also looking to offer alternative residency programs that will be more affordable.

Foreigners are actively interested in the Saudi Arabian market, but the high entry threshold and the complexity of the premium residency program often become a barrier.

Opening up the opportunity to purchase affordable housing without intermediaries and premium conditions will allow Saudi Arabia to realize its huge untapped potential, attracting not only large investors, but also a wide audience of foreigners.

Contact Visit World migration lawyers to find out when and how best to invest in the new Saudi Arabian market. Visit World’s qualified specialists are your reliable support when investing abroad!

Reminder! In 2025, Saudi Arabia will radically change the employment rules for foreigners. The new work permit system is based on the employee’s qualification level and involves an assessment according to five criteria. We’ve already covered how these changes will affect expats and employers, and how to prepare for the transition to the new model.