Updated September 2026
Ownership is not residency
The 2026 law lets eligible Muslims own property in Makkah and Madinah whether or not they live in Saudi Arabia. It does not grant residency. To live in the Kingdom you need a visa or residency permit in your own right.
The real estate owner route
Saudi Premium Residency includes a Real Estate Owner category. Its published criteria include:
- Residential property with a certified value of at least SAR 4 million, in areas where non-Saudis may own.
- Ownership that is complete and free of mortgage, according to published summaries of the criteria.
- Residency that stays tied to owning the property.
Reports in mid-2026 described changes that could let applications start from an off-plan investment. Criteria of this kind change, so confirm the current rules with the Premium Residency Center before relying on them.
Is it right for you?
- If you want to spend long periods in the Holy Cities, or move there, residency matters and the SAR 4 million threshold may shape your budget.
- If you want a home for Umrah and Ramadan visits, ownership without residency may be enough.
- If you are buying mainly for income, residency is usually irrelevant.