Saturday, August 16, 2025
Saudi Arabia Approves Digital ID for Foreigners to Own Property from 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet has approved the use of digital ID for non-Saudis, foreigners who are not residents of the Kingdom, to own property.
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 agencies to set up rules for activating this digital ID. Most Viewed: Delaying salary of workers could lead to inspections and service suspensions
This step is part of the plan to apply the new Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law, which will start in January 2026.
The Cabinet also supported a decision from the Council of Economic and Development Affairs about rules for property ownership and usufruct rights for foreigners. A special committee will be formed under the authority’s board to supervise these issues.
The board of the General Real Estate Authority has also been restructured. It will now include the CEO as chairman and representatives from different ministries and government agencies, along with three members from the private sector.
In July 2024, Saudi Arabia approved the Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law. In July 2025, the authority released a draft of the law’s executive regulations. According to these rules, non-resident foreigners must:
➤ Get and activate a digital ID through the Absher platform
➤ Open a Saudi bank account
➤ Have a local contact number
These requirements must be completed before buying or using property in Saudi Arabia. See Also: Conditions of new law that allows non-Saudis to own property in Saudi Arabia
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| Saudi Arabia Approves Digital ID for Foreigners to Own Property from 2026 |
