How Can Foreigners Own Property in Makkah & Madinah? (2025 Guide)
How Foreigners Can Own Property in Makkah & Madinah (2025 Guide) 🕌 How Can Foreigners Own Property in Makkah & Madinah? (2025 Guide) 🧠Quick Answer Direct ownership by foreigners in Makkah and Madinah is generally not allowed . However, there are limited legal pathways—such as investing through public companies, long-term leases, or Saudi-registered firms—that can give you exposure to property in these holy cities. 1. ✋ Direct Ownership Still Off-Limits Foreign nationals—expats or non-GCC citizens— cannot own residential or commercial property directly in Makkah and Madinah. These cities are treated as religious sanctuaries and are restricted to Saudi citizens only. 2. ✔️ New Legal Investment Option: Buy Shares in Listed Companies In early 2025, Saudi Arabia updated its regulations allowing foreigners to hold up to 49% in publicly listed companies on Tadawul that own property in Makkah or Madinah. This offers a legal, indirect inve...