Do I need Saudi residency to buy?
No. A non-resident can own a home in an approved zone. Residency is a separate, optional step: Premium Residency has a route through a completed, mortgage-free home valued at SAR 4m or more.
Can I buy in Makkah or Madinah?
Not on the same terms. Makkah and Madinah are restricted for non-Saudis and keep their own rules. The approved zones in Riyadh and Jeddah are where most foreign buyers start.
Can someone sign for me while I am abroad?
Yes. A power of attorney can be issued through a Saudi embassy or consulate, or signed abroad and apostilled, since Saudi Arabia applies the Apostille Convention. Your lawyer confirms the exact form the notary and REGA accept before you rely on it.
How is my off-plan money protected?
Through Wafi. The project is licensed by REGA, your payments sit in a bank escrow account and are released only against verified construction, and you can terminate and recover funds if delivery is more than 180 days late.