As part of its efforts to enhance the appeal of the real estate market and support the digital transformation process, the Council of Ministers the digital ID as an official tool enabling non-Saudi non-residents to own real estate within the Kingdom.

What is the Digital ID?

The Digital ID is an accredited electronic document that allows individuals to prove their identity securely and uniformly across government platforms and official agencies, without the need for paper documents. Now, this ID has become an essential means of opening the door to real estate ownership for non-resident foreigners.

Who oversees its implementation?

The implementation of the digital ID in this area will be overseen by the General Real Estate Authority in coordination with:

• the Ministry of Interior
• the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA)
• the National Information Center
• and a number of relevant government agencies

The necessary mechanisms and controls for implementation will be established to ensure the ease and accuracy of the procedures.

When will it go into effect?

The Council of Ministers emphasized the need to expedite the completion of the required procedures so that the digital ID can be implemented before the entry into force of the system allowing non-Saudis to own real estate takes effect in July 2025, i.e., 180 days after the date of its approval.

What does this decision mean for the real estate market?

• Attracting foreign investment by opening the market to a new category of investors.
• Enhancing transparency and governance through the use of a certified digital identity.
• Streamlining procedures and reducing bureaucracy through digital transformation.
• Enhancing competitiveness in the real estate sector, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Measures Accompanying the Decision

In addition to adopting the digital ID, the Cabinet approved:

• Establish new governance mechanisms to regulate real estate ownership by non-Saudis.
• Forming a specialized committee within the Board of Directors of the General Real Estate Authority to oversee this matter.
• Amending the General Real Estate Authority’s regulations to expand the membership of its Board of Directors to include key ministries and agencies, in addition to three members from the private sector.

The adoption of digital IDs represents a quantum leap in the Saudi real estate market, as it links the attraction of foreign investment with digital transformation and paves the way for a new phase of real estate liberalization, while ensuring governance and transparency.