Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment has announced new requirements for non-resident foreign companies that want to own property in the Kingdom without carrying out economic activities.
The new rules are included in the Investor Guide 2026 and form part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to regulate foreign real estate ownership and align procedures with the Kingdom’s updated Investment Law.
The ministry said the service is available immediately through its electronic portal. Recommended: How Saudi Arabia’s weather will be in June, based on the last 40 years
Who Can Apply?
The regulations apply to foreign companies that wish to own property in Saudi Arabia but do not plan to conduct business or economic activities within the Kingdom.
To complete registration, companies must meet several documentation and legal requirements.
Documents needed to register ownership of foreign property
The Ministry of Investment requires international enterprises to provide the following documents:
1. Commercial Registration Certificate
Applicants must provide:
Commercial registration certificate from the country of origin
Arabic translation from a qualified translation office
Document certification by the Saudi Embassy.
2. Articles of Incorporation
- Companies must also submit:
- Their articles of incorporation.
- An accredited Arabic translation.
- Certification and authentication through the Saudi Embassy.
3. Representative Authorization Document
- Foreign companies are required to provide:
- An authorization document appointing a company representative.
- An accredited Arabic translation.
- Authentication by the Saudi Embassy.
- Requirement to Appoint an Authorized Representative
The ministry stated that every foreign company must appoint a natural person to act as its authorized representative in Saudi Arabia.
The representative must be appointed through a certified power of attorney and will be responsible for completing registration procedures with the Ministry of Investment. Most Viewed: Makkah Municipality responds to the viral video of opening graves after burial
Digital Identity Requirement
Companies that do not have an identifying document recognized under Saudi regulations must get a digital identity through Saudi diplomatic missions abroad.
This requirement is required to complete registration and obtain relevant government services.
Conditions for Annual Registration Updates
The Ministry of Investment outlined specific conditions for annual registration renewals and updates.
To maintain registration:
1. No changes should have occurred in the company’s ownership structure
2. There shall be no change in the management of the firm after its registration with the Ministry of Investment.
Companies that go through these kinds of changes may have to update their records to follow the rules.
New Chapter Added to Investor Guide 2026
The Investor Guide 2026 introduces a dedicated chapter titled:
“Registration of Non-Saudi Companies for Property Ownership Purposes.”
The new chapter provides comprehensive information for foreign firms interested in purchasing real estate in Saudi Arabia.
What the New Chapter Covers
The guide explains several key areas related to foreign property ownership, including:
Property Registration Procedures
Detailed steps for registering foreign companies seeking to acquire property for investment purposes.
Appointment of Authorized Representatives
Requirements and procedures for designating authorized representatives to act on behalf of foreign companies
Property Management and Disposal Rules
Obligations and responsibilities for managing, holding, and disposing of property assets in Saudi Arabia.
Banking Procedures
Guidelines for opening bank accounts required for property ownership and related transactions.
Information Update Requirements
Procedures for updating company information and representative details with relevant government authorities.
Major Update to Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Investment Framework
The Ministry of Investment described the new property ownership section as one of the most important additions to the 2026 edition of the Investor Guide.
According to the ministry, foreign company property ownership had not previously been addressed with the same level of detail or as a standalone section.
The reform brings more clarity to international investors and a more structured framework for foreign corporations to acquire real estate in Saudi Arabia, in line with the Kingdom’s changing investment policies.
Key Takeaway:
Saudi Arabia has put in place new property ownership requirements for non-resident international corporations as part of the Investor Guide 2026.
Foreign enterprises must provide authenticated registration, articles of formation, and representative permission documentation.
Companies must choose an authorized representative and get a digital identification as needed.
Annual registration updates do not need any changes to ownership or management structures.
A new chapter in Investor Guide 2026 covers property registration, management, banking procedures, and regulatory requirements.
The Ministry of Investment considers the new property ownership structure to be a substantial update to the guide’s latest edition.
