Can You Buy Property in Saudi Arabia Without a Residency Permit?

As of January 22, 2026, Saudi Arabia operates under an updated property law for foreigners. It permits property purchases by both legal residents and non-residents. That said, not just any property qualifies — it must meet a set of restrictions established for foreign ownership.

Specific zones may have additional limitations regarding property type, form of ownership, and the permitted share of foreign ownership.

How a Non-Resident Buys Property

For a non-resident, the process does not begin with an Iqama. The first step is obtaining a digital identification through a Saudi embassy or other diplomatic mission abroad. The buyer then continues the process through the official Saudi Properties platform, which is used to process foreign buyer applications.

The implementing regulations also require non-residents to open a bank account in Saudi Arabia and obtain a Saudi phone number linked to their digital identification.

Financial transactions related to the property purchase are conducted through the electronic payment methods prescribed by law.

Is an Iqama Required?

No. An Iqama is not a mandatory condition for a foreigner to purchase property.

Foreigners already lawfully residing in Saudi Arabia submit their application through Saudi Properties using their Iqama number, after which the system verifies the necessary data.

Non-residents go through a separate identification procedure via Saudi diplomatic missions abroad.

Can You Buy an Apartment in Saudi Arabia Without an Iqama?

Yes. A foreigner does not need an Iqama to purchase an apartment or any other permitted type of property. As of January 22, 2026, the system covers both foreign residents and non-residents.

The key difference lies in the identification method: a resident uses their Iqama, while a non-resident obtains digital identification through a Saudi diplomatic mission abroad.

What Documents Are Required?

The specific list depends on the buyer's status and the terms of the transaction. For a non-resident, the key elements of the process are a valid identity document, digital identification, a Saudi bank account, and a phone number registered to that identification.

Additional documents may be required depending on the property and the nature of the transaction.

Once all requirements are met, ownership must be registered with the Real Estate Registry. Title registration is a mandatory part of completing a property acquisition.

Where Are Foreigners Permitted to Buy Property?

Foreigners do not have an unconditional right to purchase any property anywhere in Saudi Arabia. Permitted areas and the terms of foreign ownership are determined by the state.

Specific geographic zones may have separate requirements regarding property type, form of ownership, the share of foreign participation, and other parameters. It is therefore essential to verify that a chosen property complies with the current rules for foreign buyers before proceeding.

Can Property Be Purchased in Mecca and Medina?

Property in Mecca and Medina may only be purchased by Muslims. Separate ownership conditions apply to foreign companies.

The possibility of purchasing in these two cities must therefore be considered separately from the general rules governing foreign property acquisition.

Does Purchasing Property Grant the Right to Reside?

No. Owning property does not automatically grant a foreigner the right to reside in Saudi Arabia.

Acquiring property does not create any additional immigration rights or privileges beyond the property ownership rights provided for under the law.

The absence of an Iqama is no longer a barrier to buying property in Saudi Arabia. A non-resident can complete a separate digital procedure through a Saudi diplomatic mission, submit an application via Saudi Properties, and purchase a property provided it meets the established requirements.

Conclusion

The key difference when buying without a residency permit lies in the identification method and application process. A resident uses an Iqama and submits their application through Saudi Properties. A non-resident first obtains digital identification through a Saudi diplomatic mission abroad.

Both categories of buyer are subject to the same rules regarding permitted properties, geographic zones, and other foreign ownership restrictions.