2026-07-01
Added · Updated
The General Authority of Capital Market (GACM) issued a circular updating remote account opening rules to include specific requirements for non-residents eligible to own real estate in Saudi Arabia under the Non-Saudis Real Estate Ownership Law. The directive mandates that banks verify digital identities and collect specific documentation, such as property purchase agreements and proof of residence, while restricting account usage strictly to real estate transactions and prohibiting joint accounts or credit cards. These measures apply to both natural persons and legal entities, ensuring that remote banking services for this demographic are conducted through trusted electronic channels within the Kingdom.
Circular
To: Respected Gentlemen,
Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you,
Subject: Update the Account Opening Rules by Adding Remote Account Opening Requirements for the Category of Non-Resident Customers Covered by the Provisions of the Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis.
With reference to the Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis, issued by Royal Decree No. (M14) dated 19/1/1447H, and its Executive Regulations, issued by Cabinet Decision No. (43) dated 8/1/1448H, and with reference to the Remote Account Opening Rules issued by Circular No. (65681/67) dated 11/1/1440H and subsequent updates thereto, and to enable non-residents to access remote banking services in the Kingdom for the purpose of owning real estate; we inform you that it has been decided to update the remote account opening rules by adding remote account opening requirements for the category of non-residents covered by the provisions of the aforementioned Law, with the approved text as follows:
▪ Adding Clause No. (4-2-200) titled "Non-Saudi and Non-Resident Natural Persons Covered by the Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis" under Clause No. (2-200) "Non-Resident Natural Persons in the Kingdom" from Chapter (Third).
▪ Adding Clause No. (10-2-300) titled "Non-Resident Legal Persons Covered by the Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis" under Clause No. (2-300) "Non-Resident Legal Persons" from Chapter (Third).
For your information and action from the date of issuance.
Yours faithfully,
Distribution: ▪ Banks and banking institutions operating in the Kingdom.
Issued by: Ahmad Al-Shawi Deputy Governor for Supervision
Update the Account Opening Rules by Adding Remote Account Opening Requirements for the Category of Non-Resident Customers Covered by the Provisions of the Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis
▪ Adding Clause No. (4-2-200) titled "Non-Saudi and Non-Resident Natural Persons Covered by the Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis" under Clause No. (2-200) "Non-Resident Natural Persons in the Kingdom" from Chapter (Third).
Remote bank accounts for natural persons covered by the provisions of the Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis for the purpose of owning real estate or acquiring other real rights on real estate in the Kingdom are subject to the following requirements and controls:
• Account Opening Requirements
• General Controls
▪ Adding Clause No. (10-2-300) titled "Non-Resident Legal Persons Covered by the Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis" under Clause No. (2-300) "Non-Resident Legal Persons" from Chapter (Third).
Remote bank accounts for legal persons covered by the provisions of the Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis for the purpose of owning real estate or acquiring other real rights on real estate in the Kingdom are subject to the following requirements and controls:
• Account Opening Requirements
• General Controls