Can Muslims Around the World Buy Property in Makkah and Madinah in 2026?

For many Muslims around the world, owning a home or investment property in Makkah or Madinah has long felt out of reach. Saudi Arabia’s updated non-Saudi real estate ownership framework has changed that conversation.

As of 22 January 2026, the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) confirms that the non-Saudi ownership system is in force and that applications can be made by both residents of Saudi Arabia and non-residents. In the two holy cities, however, individual ownership is specifically limited to Muslim natural persons and remains subject to the approved geographical ownership zones and other regulatory controls.

Plan your buying budget: Use the Makkah and Madinah property purchase cost calculator to estimate tax contributions, applicable disposal fees, brokerage, VAT and quoted legal costs.

Can a Muslim who lives outside Saudi Arabia buy property in Makkah or Madinah?

Potentially, yes. A Muslim does not have to already be a Saudi resident to use the non-Saudi ownership framework. REGA states that the official Saudi Properties portal serves both residents and non-residents.

For Makkah and Madinah, the important restriction is that individual ownership by a non-Saudi is limited to Muslim natural persons. The property must also fall within an officially permitted geographical ownership area and satisfy the applicable requirements for that property and buyer category.

This means a Muslim living in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Africa, the GCC or elsewhere may be able to apply as a non-resident buyer. Nationality by itself does not guarantee approval, and the property must still be eligible under the official zoning and registration framework.

What changed in 2026?

The updated Law of Real Estate Ownership and Investment by Non-Saudis entered into force on 22 January 2026. The law provides a formal route for non-Saudi individuals and certain companies to own real estate or acquire other real-estate rights in approved areas.

REGA has confirmed that ownership in Makkah and Madinah is restricted to Muslim individuals and qualifying Saudi companies, and that ownership is governed by designated geographical zones and official controls.

Resident Muslims and non-resident Muslims follow different application journeys

If you already live in Saudi Arabia

A legal resident can apply through the official Saudi Properties portal using the Iqama number. Eligibility checks and the application process are handled electronically through the official system.

If you live outside Saudi Arabia

REGA states that the non-resident journey begins through a Saudi embassy or other Saudi representation abroad to obtain the required digital identity. The applicant can then continue the ownership process through the Saudi Properties portal.

Important: not every property in Makkah or Madinah is automatically available

The new rules do not mean that every apartment, villa, building or plot in Makkah or Madinah can be purchased by a foreign Muslim buyer.

Non-Saudi ownership is tied to officially designated geographical zones and regulatory conditions. Before paying any booking amount or signing a purchase agreement, the buyer should confirm through the official system that the exact property is within an eligible ownership area and that the seller, title and transaction can be registered for that buyer category.

Does buying property give Saudi residency or citizenship?

No automatic residency, citizenship or immigration right arises simply because a person owns property. Saudi law states that non-Saudi property ownership does not create additional rights or privileges beyond the legal rights attached to the property itself.

Some buyers may separately qualify under Saudi residency or investment programmes, but those are separate legal routes and should not be confused with the property purchase itself.

What taxes and costs should buyers expect?

Saudi Arabia applies a Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) at a general rate of 5% to real estate transactions unless a specific exemption applies. Buyers should also budget for registration, valuation, legal, brokerage and other transaction-related costs where applicable.

Before buying, check these points

Confirm that the buyer qualifies under the non-Saudi ownership rules.
Confirm that the buyer is eligible to own in Makkah or Madinah as a Muslim natural person.
Check that the exact property is inside an approved ownership zone.
Verify the property title and registration status.
Verify any real estate broker or marketer through the applicable Saudi licensing system.
Check the property advertisement and project details before paying a deposit.
Understand the purchase contract, payment schedule, cancellation terms and handover conditions.
Confirm the tax and registration treatment for the specific transaction.

Makkah and Madinah guides

For city-specific information, read our detailed guides:

Official application route

The official platform for non-Saudi property ownership applications is the Saudi Properties portal operated under REGA.

Prospective buyers should rely on the official portal and REGA guidance rather than social-media claims that suggest all property in the holy cities is open to unrestricted foreign ownership.

Official sources

SMCE Saudi note: This article is general information, not legal, investment or immigration advice. Property eligibility depends on the buyer category, the exact property, the official geographic ownership rules and the current Saudi regulations. Always verify the transaction through the relevant Saudi authority before committing funds.

Explore more Saudi property information on our Real Estate section.