A Kingdom Without Walls: Why 2026 is the Most Important Year in Saudi Legal History.

As of January 2026, Saudi Arabia is implementing several landmark legal reforms that mark a significant shift in its economic and social landscape.¹These changes are primarily driven by Vision 2030, aiming to increase foreign investment and modernize the Kingdom’s regulatory environment.

The most notable changes for 2026 include:

1. Landmark Real Estate Ownership Law

The Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis (issued in 2025) officially enters into force in January 2026.This is a historic shift from previous restrictions.

• Expanded Ownership: Non-Saudis (individuals, companies, and investment funds) can now own residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural property.
• Geographic Zones: Ownership is permitted in most cities. While Makkah and Madinah remain generally restricted to Muslims, new pathways allow for foreign corporate investment and employee housing in these cities under specific conditions.
• Exceptions: Residential ownership is currently restricted for non-residents in four cities—Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Riyadh—though "designated zones" within these cities may be opened for non-resident ownership by the Council of Ministers.
• Registration & Fees: All transactions must be registered via the new "Saudi Properties" platform.⁹ A real estate transfer fee of up to 5% may be applied.

2. Updated Premium Residency (No "Kafeel" System)

The updated Premium Residency 2026 guidelines provide a major overhaul of the immigration and sponsorship (Kafala) system for eligible professionals and investors.

• Independence: Residents under this scheme can live, work, and change jobs without the need for a Saudi sponsor (Kafeel).
• Business Freedom: It allows for 100% ownership of businesses and the ability to sponsor family members and domestic workers.
• Rights: While it does not grant citizenship, it provides long-term security with benefits similar to those of Saudi citizens in the commercial and private sectors.

3. Tax & Financial Reforms

The Kingdom is tightening financial oversight and aligning its tax regime with GCC standards.

• Sugar-Content Based Tax: Effective January 2026, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) is shifting from a flat-rate excise tax on sweetened beverages to a tiered tax based on actual sugar content (grams per 100ml).
• Financial Oversight Law: A new law has been adopted to strengthen the oversight of public funds and financial infrastructure, aimed at increasing transparency for international business partners.
• Banking Fee Cuts: New guidelines issued in late 2025 have reduced various banking and payment fees to encourage digital transactions.

4. Labor and Commercial Modernization

Several laws that were enacted in 2024/2025 have reached full implementation or transition milestones by 2026:

• Labor Law Amendments: Revisions to 38 articles focusing on "resignation" procedures, worker grievance processes, and mandatory training policies for employers.
• Commercial Registration (CR) Law: Businesses must now comply with a unified registration system.²⁰ The requirement for separate branches for different activities has been removed, allowing for more streamlined corporate structures.
• Tradenames Law: For the first time, companies are permitted to register non-Arabic tradenames and alphanumeric combinations, easing the entry for global brands.

Comparison of Key Property Rules (Starting 2026)

Property Type	Foreign Individual (Resident)	Foreign Company/Fund
Residential	1 unit (most cities)	Allowed for employee housing
Commercial	Allowed in designated zones	Allowed nationwide
Holy Cities	Restricted (Muslims only)	Allowed for business/housing
Registration	Mandatory (Saudi Properties)	Mandatory (Saudi Properties)

⚠️ Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and not legal advice. For specific guidance, please consult a UAE legal professional.