Properties for sale in Al-Rimal district in Riyadh for foreigners

With the implementation of the Non-Saudi Property Freehold System set to take effect at the beginning of 2026, investors and foreign residents can now directly apply to own residential properties in specific areas of Riyadh, including Al Rimal district, after meeting the eligibility requirements set by the General Real Estate Authority. This page reviews the properties offered in Al Rimal district that are eligible for foreign ownership, with clarification of the conditions, procedures, and fees associated with this particular process.

Are foreigners allowed to own property in Al Rimal district in Riyadh?

Riyadh, along with Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina, is one of four cities assigned specific approved geographic zones for foreign property freehold by a decision of the Council of Ministers based on a proposal from the General Real Estate Authority. This is unlike other cities in the Kingdom where residential freehold for foreigners is more widely open. This means that eligibility for freehold in Al Rimal district specifically depends on the inclusion of the district, or the area in which the property is located, within these approved zones.

Before making any financial commitment, it is essential to verify the property status through the official Saudi Real Estate Portal. The property’s mere geographic location within Al Rimal district does not guarantee freehold eligibility; it must be within the approved zone according to the latest update from the authority.

What is the current Non-Saudi Property Freehold System?

The updated system for Non-Saudi Property Freehold officially comes into effect on January 22, 2026, under the supervision of the General Real Estate Authority. Previously, freehold processes were managed under various regulatory frameworks. The new system unifies the regulations and procedures for non-Saudi freehold under a single legal framework, directly linking them to the Saudi Real Estate Portal, which has become the official platform for submitting freehold applications and issuing eligibility certificates.

The system covers both resident and non-resident individuals, as well as non-Saudi companies and entities wishing to own properties for operational activities or to provide housing for their employees, under regulations different from those for individual residential freehold.

Who is eligible to apply for a Freehold Eligibility Certificate in Al Rimal district?

Applicants for freehold in approved zones such as Al Rimal district fall into two main categories:

• Residents in the Kingdom with valid legal residency, who are entitled to apply for freehold of a single residential unit for personal use.

• Non-residents, whether individuals or non-Saudi companies, who are subject to different application regulations from those for residents.

In both cases, obtaining a Freehold Eligibility Certificate through the Saudi Real Estate Portal is required before completing any sales contract. This document proves that the buyer meets the necessary legal requirements.

Read also: Properties for sale in Jeddah

What are the requirements for owning property in Al Rimal district?

For a foreign resident wishing to purchase a residential property in Al Rimal district, the system requires several basic conditions to be met before completing the transaction. To ensure the process proceeds smoothly, it is important to carefully verify these requirements before searching for the property itself:

• Valid residency ID (legal residency) throughout the application and freehold period.

• Obtaining a Freehold Eligibility Certificate via the Saudi Real Estate Portal.

• The property must be a single residential unit designated for personal use, not for commercial purposes.

• The property must be located within the approved geographic zone inside Al Rimal district or its associated area.

What fees are imposed on foreigners owning property in Al Rimal district?

The system imposes a fee not exceeding 5% of the property transaction value on non-Saudi freehold operations. This fee is added to the total cost of the deal and should be considered when calculating the final purchase budget. The actual fee amount varies depending on the nature of each transaction, so it is advisable to confirm the exact amount applicable to the targeted property before signing any contract.

Does buying property in Al Rimal grant residency in Saudi Arabia?

Owning a residential property of a certain value in Saudi Arabia is linked to one of the premium residency tracks, making property purchase in Al Rimal particularly attractive for some foreign investors seeking long-term stability in the Kingdom. The minimum property value and accompanying requirements differ depending on the type of residency sought, so it is best to review the full and updated conditions for this track separately before linking the purchase decision to a residency plan.

Read also: Properties for sale in Saudi Arabia in installments

What are the steps for submitting a property Freehold application in Al Rimal via the Saudi Real Estate Portal?

The application process for freehold in Al Rimal district follows a specific sequence that starts before selecting the property and ends with registering it in the new owner's name:

• Create an account on the Saudi Real Estate Portal and verify identity.

• Submit a Freehold Eligibility Certificate application and wait for approval from the General Real Estate Authority.

• Check that the targeted property in Al Rimal is included within the approved geographic zone.

• Sign the sales contract and pay the required legal fees, including the non-Saudi freehold fee.

• Complete the ownership transfer procedures and register the title deed in the buyer's name.

Although this process is clear on paper, it includes precise verification steps that may be difficult for buyers unfamiliar with the Saudi market to follow on their own, especially when confirming the approved geographic zone and timing the issuance of the eligibility certificate in line with the transaction schedule.

The new system for non-Saudi freehold opens a real door for foreign investors to enter the Al Rimal district market, but at the same time imposes a precise procedural sequence starting from verifying the geographic zone and ending with title registration, passing through obtaining the eligibility certificate and paying the legal fees. Any disruption in the order of these steps, or delay in obtaining one of the documents, may disrupt the transaction or unnecessarily prolong its duration.

The Imtilak Global team closely monitors every update issued by the General Real Estate Authority regarding this newly implemented system and accompanies foreign investors from the eligibility verification stage to the final registration of the title deed, including ensuring the property is within the approved geographic zone in Al Rimal before any financial commitment. For those planning to own property in the district without going through the complexities of this process alone, you can review your individual case with one of our consultants before starting the procedures.