Saudi Arabia has announced a significant shift in its property landscape, allowing foreign nationals with Premium Residency status to access usufruct rights over real estate in Mecca and Medina for up to 99 years. This move marks a notable change in the kingdom's regulations, particularly in the two holy cities, which have long been tightly regulated. The usufruct right grants a person the ability to use and derive benefit from a property without holding outright ownership.
The usufruct right allows holders to use and benefit from property in Mecca and Medina for a period of up to 99 years. The right is not permanently tied to the original holder and can be transferred to others under regulated conditions. The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Investment will set procedures for obtaining a formal usufruct deed from a notary public. This development is part of Saudi Arabia's broader push to attract high-value foreign talent and investment.
The Premium Residency programme, launched by Saudi Arabia, offers a range of benefits beyond what standard work permit or residency arrangements provide. The programme covers a broad range of profiles, making it relevant to investors, entrepreneurs, property owners, and individuals with exceptional abilities. There are six premium residency options available to foreign nationals, offering a structured pathway for people who wish to live and build a future in the Kingdom.
The extension of usufruct access into Mecca and Medina is particularly significant given the religious and cultural weight of both cities. The 99-year ceiling mirrors similar long-term usufruct models used elsewhere in the Gulf region, where full foreign property ownership remains restricted but extended-use arrangements serve as a practical alternative. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the kingdom's real estate market and economy.
The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Investment have been jointly tasked with drawing up the procedures through which approved individuals can secure a formal usufruct deed from a notary public. The official statement confirmed that the right to usufruct is transferable to others in accordance with controls to be set by the Board. Eligible individuals may pass the privilege on under regulated conditions.
Ordinary expatriates, standard visa holders, and tourists are not eligible for the Premium Residency status and the associated usufruct rights. The privilege is exclusively reserved for holders of Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency status. This residency status offers a premium tier within the kingdom's residency structure, positioning it as an attractive option for high-value foreign talent and investment.
The announcement was made on October 8, 2026, and was reported by Ruth Sekyi, a Human Interest Editor at Yen.com.gh. The development is expected to have a significant impact on the kingdom's property landscape and economy. The usufruct right is a significant benefit for foreign nationals with Premium Residency status, allowing them to use and benefit from property in the two holy cities for an extended period.
Key points
- Foreign nationals with Premium Residency status can enjoy usufruct rights over real estate in Mecca and Medina for up to 99 years.
- The usufruct right allows holders to use and benefit from property without holding outright ownership.
- The Premium Residency programme offers a range of benefits and is part of Saudi Arabia's broader push to attract high-value foreign talent and investment.
