Saudi Arabia approves digital IDs for foreign nationals aiming to own property.

In a significant development, the Saudi Arabian Cabinet has sanctioned the use of digital identification to facilitate property ownership by non-Saudi, non-resident foreigners within the Kingdom. This groundbreaking move marks a step towards enabling seamless real estate transactions and is set to pave the way for the Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law.

The General Real Estate Authority will spearhead efforts to collaborate with various governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Interior, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), and the National Information Center, to establish mechanisms for implementing this digital identification system.

This initiative not only anticipates upcoming legislation but also aligns with a decision endorsed by the Strategic Committee of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs. The committee's resolution calls for structured governance regarding non-Saudi property ownership and usufruct rights. As part of this framework, a dedicated committee within the authority’s board will be formed to oversee these governance matters.

Further reinforcing this initiative, the board of the General Real Estate Authority has undergone restructuring. It will now operate under its CEO's leadership and include representatives from several ministries, government agencies, and three members from the private sector.

This policy shift follows July's cabinet approval of the Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law, which is scheduled to come into effect in January 2026. To ensure compliance with upcoming regulations, last month saw the release of draft executive regulations mandating non-resident foreigners to secure a digital ID via Absher platform. They must also open a Saudi bank account and obtain a local contact number before participating in property acquisition or usage within Saudi Arabia.