Real Estate for Sale in Medina for Foreigners

Today, a non-Saudi Muslim can own property in Al Madinah in his name, whether residing in the Kingdom or abroad, after the Council of Ministers approved on June 23, 2026, the executive regulations of the Foreign Ownership of Real Estate System and the geographical zones permitted for ownership. However, this right is linked to two non-negotiable conditions: the buyer must be Muslim, and the property must be located within an approved zone. Therefore, the suitability of properties for foreigners in Al Madinah is not primarily measured by neighborhood or price but by legal eligibility. This page presents what foreigners can actually purchase, where, and under what status.

What types of properties are available to foreigners in Al Madinah?

The types of properties foreigners are entitled to own in Al Madinah vary depending on whether they are individuals or companies, but all must be within the approved zones. The main types include:

• Residential apartments: The most common option for individuals, whether for residence or investment, available within integrated residential projects inside approved zones.

• Hotel and serviced apartments: Units managed by a hotel operator, suitable for investors residing outside the Kingdom who prefer a property managed on their behalf.

• Residential villas: Muslim individuals may own these after approval of their application, and companies may own them to house their employees.

• Commercial properties and offices: Muslims may own these directly; companies may own them for conducting their business activities.

• Land and development projects: Owned by companies and investment funds aiming for development within the designated zones.

Where are foreigners allowed to buy property in Al Madinah?

The geographic zones document limits foreign ownership in Al Madinah to certain named projects and development areas, distributed around the Prophet's Mosque and new projects on the city's outskirts. The currently approved zones include:

Any property outside these zones, regardless of how distinguished its neighborhood, is not eligible for ownership by a non-Saudi individual and is not covered by the exception allowing residents to own one residence outside the zones in other Saudi cities. For the location and nature of each zone.

What projects are currently available for foreigners in Al Madinah?

The Al Alya Project is among the most prominent projects available to foreign buyers currently, located in Knowledge Economic City, one of the approved zones. The project has shown clear demand from this segment specifically, with foreign client bookings exceeding 547 million SAR according to the developer's disclosure in July 2026. The project suits buyers coming from outside the Kingdom due to its proximity to Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport and Haramain Train Station, and its offerings range from residential units to hotel apartments operated by global hospitality brands.

What are the conditions for foreigners to own property in Al Madinah?

Due to Al Madinah's religious significance, the conditions for foreign ownership differ from those in Riyadh, Jeddah, and other cities. The system defines these conditions based on the property's location and the buyer's status.

Geographical restrictions

Ownership is limited to the approved zones mentioned above, and foreigners are not permitted to own property outside these, including traditional residential neighborhoods in the city.

Buyer requirements by category

The system classifies non-Saudi buyers into categories, each with different permissions:

• Individuals: The basic condition is that the buyer must be Muslim, whether residing inside or outside the Kingdom, and ownership is restricted to approved zones for residence or investment purposes.

• Private companies wholly owned by foreigners: Permitted to own for operational purposes, such as establishing headquarters or providing housing for employees; they are not allowed to own purely as financial investment (e.g., buying to sell or rent to unrelated parties).

• Companies listed on the Saudi stock market: Their ownership rights vary according to the percentage of foreign ownership; if exceeding 49%, ownership is limited to their main headquarters or branches, while if 49% or less, ownership purposes can be expanded to include investment.

• Licensed real estate investment funds: The most flexible channel, owning properties in Al Madinah under licensing from the Capital Market Authority, open to foreign individuals and companies, including non-Muslims.

Approval and registration

The buyer submits an ownership request through the Saudi Properties Portal of the General Real Estate Authority. The property is registered in the buyer's name in the real estate registry after approval and completion of electronic payment. For detailed fees and procedures at the Kingdom level.

Ownership through inheritance

If a non-Saudi who does not meet ownership conditions inherits property in Al Madinah, they are not entitled to keep it and must sell it within a period specified by the system; otherwise, the competent authorities will proceed to sell it.

Also read: Apartments for Sale in Al Madinah on Installments

Can property be purchased in Al Madinah from outside Saudi Arabia?

Yes, the system does not require the Muslim buyer to reside in the Kingdom to own property within the approved zones, but remote purchases increase the importance of prior verification, including the unit's location inside the zone, the project's licensing if off-plan, and the approved electronic payment method. A virtual tour can be arranged to preview the project before booking instead of traveling.

How does امتلاك Global assist you in buying property in Al Madinah as a foreigner?

The most important need of foreign buyers in Al Madinah is certainty that the property they pay for is legally theirs to own. Therefore, with every client, we start by determining their status and eligibility, then present only units confirmed to be inside the approved zones. We accompany them in the ownership application process through the Saudi Properties Portal until the property is registered in their name, whether inside the Kingdom or abroad. If you wish to preview the project before booking, you can request a free on-site or virtual real estate tour with one of our consultants.