Indians Allowed to Own Property in Saudi Arabia Starting 2026

Key Takeaways

• Starting January 2026, Indians can legally buy residential, commercial, and agricultural property in Saudi Arabia.
• The law passed July 10, 2025, applies to foreigners in designated zones like Riyadh and Jeddah.
• Makkah and Madinah require special approvals for foreigners due to religious restrictions.

Indian nationals and other foreigners are about to see a major change in Saudi Arabia’s property laws. For the first time, starting January 2026, Indians will be able to legally buy residential, commercial, and agricultural properties in Saudi Arabia. This is a big shift from the old rules, which mostly blocked non-Saudis from owning property. The change comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to attract more foreign investment and make the country’s economy less dependent on oil.

Let’s break down what’s changing, who is affected, what steps Indians and other foreigners need to take, and what this means for people with pending property plans or investments.

What Has Changed?

The Saudi Ministry of Investment has announced a new law that allows foreigners, including Indians, to own property in Saudi Arabia. This law was officially passed on July 10, 2025, and will take effect in January 2026. Before this, only Saudi citizens and a few select groups could own property, and even then, there were many restrictions. Now, the doors are open much wider.

Who Is Affected?

This new law affects several groups:

• Indian nationals living and working in Saudi Arabia, as well as those living abroad who want to invest in Saudi property.
• Foreign companies, including Indian businesses, looking to invest in Saudi real estate.
• Other foreigners from around the world interested in buying property in Saudi Arabia.
• Saudi real estate developers and agents, who will see more buyers and investors from outside the country.

Effective Dates and Timeline

• Law Passed: July 10, 2025
• Law Takes Effect: January 2026
• Executive Regulations Published: Within 180 days of the law’s publication (by late 2025)
• Public Consultation: Draft rules and approved zones will be posted on the Istitaa platform for feedback before final rules are set

Key Details of the New Law

Here’s what you need to know about the new property ownership rules:

1. Who Can Buy?
– Any foreign individual, including Indians, whether they live in Saudi Arabia or abroad
– Foreign companies and investors
– No need for Saudi citizenship

2. Where Can You Buy?
– Designated zones: At first, foreigners can buy property in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. More zones will be announced soon.
– Restricted areas: Makkah and Madinah, the two holy cities, will have special rules. Foreigners can buy property there only with extra approvals due to religious and cultural reasons.

3. What Types of Property?
– Residential properties (apartments, villas, houses)
– Commercial properties (offices, shops, retail spaces)
– Agricultural land

4. Who Is in Charge?
– The Real Estate General Authority will set and enforce the rules.
– The Ministry of Investment will oversee the process and help foreign investors.

5. How Will the Rules Be Finalized?
– The Real Estate General Authority will publish detailed rules and a list of approved zones within 180 days of the law’s publication.
– These drafts will be posted on the government’s public consultation platform, Istitaa (also called Estithaa), where anyone can read and give feedback.
– After public feedback, the final rules will be published in the official Umm Al-Qura Gazette.

6. What About Pending Applications?
– If you are an Indian national or a foreign company that has been waiting to buy property in Saudi Arabia, you will need to wait until January 2026.
– Any applications submitted before the law takes effect will be reviewed under the old rules, which mostly did not allow foreign ownership.
– After January 2026, you can apply under the new law, following the procedures and requirements set by the Real Estate General Authority.

Why Is Saudi Arabia Making This Change?

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan is a big push to grow the economy in new ways. The country wants to attract more foreign investment, create new jobs, and make its cities more modern and welcoming. Allowing foreigners, including Indians, to own property is a key part of this plan.

Other Gulf countries, like the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 and Qatar 🇶🇦, have already allowed foreigners to buy property. This has helped their economies grow and made their cities more global. Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 is now following a similar path.

The real estate sector in Saudi Arabia has grown quickly. In 2023, it made up 5.9% of the country’s GDP. By 2024, that number had jumped to 12%. Cities like Riyadh and Jeddah are expanding fast, and there is strong demand for new homes, offices, and shops.

What Do Indian Nationals Need to Do?

If you are an Indian national interested in buying property in Saudi Arabia, here are the steps you should follow:

1. Stay Informed
– Watch for updates from the Saudi Ministry of Investment and the Real Estate General Authority.
– Check the Istitaa platform for draft rules and lists of approved zones.

2. Wait for the Law to Take Effect
– The new law starts in January 2026. You cannot buy property as a foreigner before this date.

3. Review the Final Rules
– Once the executive regulations are published, read them carefully. They will explain:
– Which zones are open to foreigners
– What documents you need
– Any fees or taxes you must pay
– How to apply and what steps to follow

4. Prepare Your Documents
– You will likely need:
– A valid passport
– Proof of funds or investment
– Any business registration documents (for companies)
– Other documents as required by the Real Estate General Authority

5. Submit Your Application
– After January 2026, you can apply to buy property in approved zones.
– Follow the steps set by the Real Estate General Authority.
– If you want to buy in Makkah or Madinah, be ready for extra steps and approvals.

6. Consult with Experts
– Consider working with a real estate agent or legal advisor who understands Saudi property laws.
– Make sure you follow all rules to avoid problems later.

What Are the Implications for Pending Applications?

If you have already applied to buy property in Saudi Arabia as a foreigner, your application will be handled under the old rules until January 2026. Most likely, it will not be approved unless you fit into a special category. After the new law takes effect, you can reapply under the new rules.

If you are an Indian company or investor waiting to enter the Saudi real estate market, you should prepare your plans and documents now, but wait to submit your application until the law is in force.

What Does This Mean for Indians and Other Foreigners?

This new law is a big opportunity for Indians and other foreigners. Here’s why:

• Home Ownership: Indians working in Saudi Arabia can now own their own homes, instead of just renting.
• Business Expansion: Indian companies can invest in offices, shops, and other commercial properties, making it easier to do business in Saudi Arabia.
• Investment Opportunities: Indians living abroad can invest in Saudi real estate, which could bring good returns as the market grows.
• Long-Term Residency: Owning property may make it easier to get long-term residency or business permits in the future, though this will depend on future government rules.
• Closer Ties: This move could strengthen business and cultural ties between India 🇮🇳 and Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦.

Special Rules for Makkah and Madinah

While the new law opens up most of Saudi Arabia to foreign property buyers, Makkah and Madinah will still have special restrictions. These cities are very important for religious and cultural reasons. If you want to buy property there, you will need to get extra approvals. The exact process will be explained in the executive regulations.

How Will the Law Be Enforced?

The Real Estate General Authority will be in charge of making sure the rules are followed. They will:

• Approve or deny property purchase applications
• Monitor property sales to foreigners
• Protect the interests of Saudi citizens and keep the real estate market stable

The Ministry of Investment will help foreign investors and answer questions about the new law.

Public Consultation and Feedback

Before the final rules are set, the Saudi government will post draft regulations and lists of approved zones on the Istitaa platform. This gives everyone a chance to read the rules and give feedback. The government will consider this feedback before publishing the final rules.

Where to Find Official Information

For the latest updates and official information, check these sources:

• Saudi Ministry of Investment – Main government body for investment and property rules
• Real Estate General Authority – Will publish executive regulations and approved zones
• Istitaa (Estithaa) platform – For public consultation and draft rules
• Umm Al-Qura Gazette – Official publication for new laws and regulations

Expert Opinions and Market Impact

Saudi officials say this reform will increase the supply of real estate, attract more global investors, and help the country reach its Vision 2030 goals. Majed bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, the Minister of Municipal Rural Affairs and Housing, has said the new law will make it easier for people from around the world to invest in Saudi Arabia.

Deputy Minister Abdulaziz Al-Hogail has pointed out that the law covers many types of property, not just homes. This means more opportunities for both individuals and companies.

Market analysts expect the Saudi real estate market to grow quickly, much like what happened in Dubai when foreigners were allowed to buy property there. This could mean higher property values and more business for developers, agents, and service providers.

However, some experts warn that the rules for Makkah and Madinah need to be clear and fair, and that the government must protect both foreign investors and Saudi citizens.

Summary Table of Key Points

Actionable Takeaways for Indians and Other Foreigners

• Wait until January 2026 to apply for property ownership in Saudi Arabia.
• Monitor official channels for updates on approved zones and final rules.
• Prepare necessary documents and consult with experts to ensure a smooth process.
• Participate in public consultations if you have feedback or concerns about the new rules.
• Understand special restrictions for Makkah and Madinah before planning to buy property there.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, this new law marks a turning point for Indians and other foreigners who want to invest in Saudi Arabia’s growing real estate market. The move is expected to bring new opportunities, stronger business ties, and a more open investment environment in the Kingdom.

For more details and the latest updates, visit the Saudi Ministry of Investment’s official website.

By staying informed and preparing early, Indians and other foreign investors can make the most of this historic change in Saudi Arabia’s property laws.

Learn Today

Vision 2030 → Saudi Arabia’s economic plan to diversify and reduce oil dependence with foreign investment focus.
Real Estate General Authority → Saudi agency regulating property ownership, enforcing laws and approving foreign purchases.
Istitaa → Public consultation platform for feedback on draft regulations before final property rules are set.
Executive Regulations → Specific detailed rules published after a law to clarify application procedures and zones.
Foreign Direct Investment → Investment by foreign individuals or companies in a country’s economic assets like real estate.

This Article in a Nutshell

Saudi Arabia’s new law allows Indians and foreigners to buy property from January 2026, boosting investment and supporting Vision 2030 goals. Special zones apply with restrictions in holy cities. Real estate experts predict rapid market growth and stronger India-Saudi ties as foreign ownership opens new opportunities.
— By VisaVerge.com