Indians can now buy homes in Saudi Arabia; find out why such a rule didn't exist until now and why it has been introduced..
There is excellent news for the millions of Indians who have been living and settled in Saudi Arabia for years. Indians, who were previously compelled to live in rented accommodation, can now purchase their own homes in the country. The Saudi government has officially opened its real estate market to foreign nationals. Why wasn't such a rule in place before, and why has the government made this decision now? Let us explain.
Laws in Saudi Arabia have traditionally been very strict. To ensure security, preserve culture, and maintain the exclusive right of local citizens (Saudi nationals) over the land, foreigners were not permitted to purchase property. The Saudi government's policy had always been for foreigners to come, work, earn, and return to their home countries. Ownership rights over immovable assets like land or houses were reserved solely for locals to prevent any adverse impact on the country's demographics and security.
Why has the market been opened now?
The primary driver behind this change is Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030'. The country no longer wishes to rely solely on oil for its economy; instead, it aims to become a global hub driven by tourism, business, entertainment, and real estate.
Furthermore, there is a significant connection to Dubai. Dubai has long been the preferred destination for property investment among Indians in the Gulf region. However, the market in Dubai has recently wavered due to tensions between the US and Iran. Statistics show that residential property sales in Dubai fell by approximately 20% in March—the sharpest monthly decline since the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, there has been a 21% drop in new projects. In this context, Saudi Arabia has made a strategic move at the perfect time to attract investors.
To facilitate this, Saudi Arabia's Real Estate General Authority (REGA) has launched a new online portal named 'Saudi Properties', which operates under the Foreign Real Estate Ownership Law that came into effect in January 2026.
What Property Experts Say
Commenting on this major shift, Anuj Kejriwal, CEO (Retail) and CEO (Europe, Middle East & Africa) at ANAROCK Group, said, “The opening of this market via a digital portal reduces hurdles and improves accessibility for foreign buyers. Given the large Indian population in Saudi Arabia, cultural ties and strong rental demand will sustain investor interest. There are excellent opportunities for Indians, particularly in prime, master-planned, and business-centric areas.”
Rules and Conditions for Buying a Home
Two main categories of foreigners can purchase homes in Saudi Arabia:
1. Foreigners residing in Saudi Arabia: Indians already living and working there can apply directly through the portal using their residency number.
Where Can’t You Buy Property?
Foreign citizens and foreign companies cannot purchase property in Saudi Arabia’s two most significant cities: Mecca and Medina. The right to purchase land or homes there is reserved exclusively for Saudi citizens and local companies. However, Indians are free to invest across the rest of Saudi Arabia—including areas like the Red Sea, Diriyah, AlUla, and the high-tech city project, NEOM.
The Complete Home-Buying Process
The Saudi government has made the entire process fully digital and paperless:
1. Visit the Saudi Properties Portal: Log in to the official Saudi government 'Saudi Properties' portal. This is the only official channel.
2. Enter Identity Details: If you are in Saudi Arabia, enter your residency number. If you are abroad, use the digital ID card issued by the Saudi Embassy; your eligibility will be verified automatically.