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Luxury Real Estate · Foreign Ownership

Can Foreigners Buy Property in the Middle East?

Yes, in thirteen of the fourteen countries we cover. Here is what foreigners may own in each, from Dubai freehold to Saudi Arabia's new zones, with a guide to every market.

Every purchase deserves a licensed local lawyer. See leading Luxury Real Estate law firms and lenders in each country.

Updated October 21, 2026

At a glance

Foreign ownership at a glance

Open to foreign buyers: Thirteen of our fourteen countries, each with its own rules
Newest market: Saudi Arabia, since January 22, 2026
Longest record: Dubai, freehold for foreign buyers for more than two decades
Most restricted: Kuwait, mainly for Kuwaiti and GCC citizens
Buying from abroad: Possible in most countries, through a power of attorney

The short answer

Yes, in almost every country we cover

Across the Middle East, governments have opened their property markets to the world. Foreigners can now buy homes in thirteen of the fourteen countries in our Founding Partner program, from freehold towers in Dubai to Saudi Arabia's new zones in Riyadh and Jeddah, villas in Marrakech and apartments on the Bosphorus.

Each country sets its own rules: where foreigners may buy, how many homes they may own and which approvals they need. The tables below summarize them, with a link to our full guide for each market.

The Gulf

Foreign ownership in the Gulf

Country	Can foreigners buy?	Where and how	Our guide
United Arab Emirates	Yes	Freehold in designated areas of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and other emirates. A golden visa with property from AED 2 million.	Dubai Abu Dhabi Ras Al Khaimah
Saudi Arabia	Yes, since 2026	The Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law took effect on January 22, 2026, with designated zones in Riyadh and Jeddah. Ownership in Makkah and Madinah is limited to Muslim individuals and Saudi companies.	Saudi Arabia
Qatar	Yes	Freehold in designated areas such as The Pearl and Lusail, and 99-year usufruct in others.	Qatar
Kuwait	Limited	Ownership is mainly reserved for Kuwaiti and GCC citizens; foreign investors take part through listed companies and real estate funds.	Kuwait
Bahrain	Yes	Freehold zones since 2001, such as Bahrain Bay, Amwaj Islands and Diyar Al Muharraq.	Bahrain
Oman	Yes	Freehold in Integrated Tourism Complexes and approved zones, with investor residency.	Oman

The Levant and the Mediterranean

Foreign ownership in the Levant and the Mediterranean

Country	Can foreigners buy?	Where and how	Our guide
Türkiye	Yes	Open to citizens of most countries, including the United States, outside military and security zones. Citizenship with property from $400,000, held for three years.	Türkiye
Cyprus	Yes, with a permit	Non-EU buyers apply for a permit, generally for up to two homes, or a home and a shop or office. A new law is under review.	Cyprus
Israel	Yes	Generally open to foreign buyers. Much land is held on long leases from the Israel Land Authority, the same for residents.	Israel
Jordan	Yes, with a permit	A permit from the Department of Lands and Survey for each property; not in border, archaeological or historical areas.	Jordan
Lebanon	Yes, within limits	Up to 3,000 square meters without a decree; larger holdings need a decree of the Council of Ministers.	Lebanon

North Africa

Foreign ownership in North Africa

Country	Can foreigners buy?	Where and how	Our guide
Egypt	Yes	Generally up to two homes for personal use, outside restricted areas.	Egypt
Morocco	Yes	Freehold on most residential property; agricultural land is excluded.	Morocco
Tunisia	Yes, with authorization	Homes and apartments with the regional governor's authorization; agricultural land is reserved for Tunisians.	Tunisia

Before you buyRules for foreign buyers change, and some depend on your nationality. This page is a summary to start your research; confirm every point with a licensed local lawyer and the official land authority before you commit funds.