
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment has introduced new requirements for non-resident foreign companies interested in purchasing property in the Kingdom without engaging in economic activities. This significant regulatory update is part of the Investor Guide 2026.
The move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to refine its investment framework and enhance transparency regarding foreign real estate ownership. As reported by the Saudi Gazette, these changes are in line with the Kingdom’s new Investment Law.
The ministry specifies that foreign companies seeking to own property must submit a commercial registration certificate issued in their home country. This document must be translated by an accredited translation office and authenticated by the Saudi Embassy.
Companies are also required to submit their articles of incorporation, which must be translated and certified through the same process. Additionally, applicants must submit an authorisation document appointing a company representative, which must be translated and authenticated by the Saudi Embassy.
Companies also need to appoint a natural person as their authorised representative through a certified power of attorney to complete registration procedures. The ministry noted that companies without an identification document recognised under Saudi regulations must obtain a digital identity through Saudi diplomatic missions abroad before proceeding with the registration process.

For annual registration updates, the Ministry of Investment stipulated that no changes should have occurred to a company’s ownership structure or management after its registration. Officials announced that the service is now available immediately through the ministry’s electronic portal, providing foreign firms with a streamlined process to complete registration requirements.
A significant addition to the Investor Guide 2026 is a dedicated chapter titled Registration of Non-Saudi Companies for Property Ownership Purposes. This chapter outlines the procedures governing foreign corporate ownership of real estate in the Kingdom.
The chapter covers various aspects, including registration requirements, the appointment of authorised representatives, obligations related to property management and disposal, and procedures for opening bank accounts and updating company and representative information with relevant authorities.
The ministry described this addition as one of the most substantial updates in the 2026 edition of the guide, emphasising that property ownership by foreign companies had not previously been addressed with this level of detail or in a standalone framework.
Source: MEConstructionNews



























