Cabinet approves digital ID use for non-resident foreigners to own property

The Cabinet approved the use of a digital ID to enable non-Saudi, non-resident foreigners to own property in the Kingdom.
The Real Estate General Authority (REGA) will coordinate with the Ministry of Interior, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the National Information Center, and other relevant bodies to develop mechanisms for activating the digital ID.

The move aims to allow its use ahead of the implementation of the Foreign Ownership of Real Estate Law.

The Cabinet also endorsed a decision by the Strategic Committee of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs on governance for non-Saudi property ownership and usufruct rights, including forming a committee within the authority’s board to oversee these matters.

In July, the Cabinet approved the Foreign Ownership of Real Estate Law, which will come into effect 180 days after publication in the official gazette.

REGA posted draft rules and procedures for the law, seeking public feedback through the Istitlaa platform by Aug. 28.