How a foreign buyer prepares, legalises and limits a power of attorney so a representative can act on a Saudi property purchase without taking on unchecked authority.
A power of attorney lets someone in Saudi Arabia sign, register and pay on your behalf when you cannot be present. For a foreign buyer it is often essential, and it is also the document most likely to create risk if it is too broad or badly prepared. The safe approach is a specific power for defined acts, prepared in the form Saudi authorities accept, and revoked when the job is done.
Before stage one
Before drafting, decide who will act for you and exactly what they need to do. The narrower the task, the easier the power is to prepare and monitor.
- A representative you trust, with a verified identity.
- A list of the acts they must perform for this purchase.
- Advice on the wording from your Saudi adviser.
- Knowledge of where you will sign: a Saudi embassy or consulate, or a local notary abroad.
Stage 1: Define the scope
List the acts: signing the purchase contract, completing registration, paying the price from a named account, receiving the deed and connecting utilities. Exclude selling, mortgaging or transferring to others unless needed.
- Deliverable: A scope list agreed with your adviser.
- Owner: Buyer with adviser.
- Approval gate: Every power has a reason.
Stage 2: Draft the wording
Have your Saudi adviser draft the text in the form accepted locally, identifying you, the representative, the property and the permitted acts, and setting an end date.
- Deliverable: A draft power of attorney in Arabic, with a translation for you.
- Owner: Adviser.
- Approval gate: You understand every clause of the translation.
Stage 3: Sign in the right place
Sign at a Saudi embassy or consulate where possible, or before a notary in your country, following the process your adviser specifies.
- Deliverable: A signed and authenticated document.
- Owner: Buyer.
- Approval gate: The authentication route is the one your adviser confirmed.
Stage 4: Legalise or authenticate for use in Saudi Arabia
Documents signed abroad need the authentication or legalisation that Saudi authorities accept for your country, which may involve an apostille or embassy attestation depending on current arrangements.
- Deliverable: A document ready for acceptance in Saudi Arabia.
- Owner: Buyer with adviser.
- Approval gate: Your adviser confirms it will be accepted.
Stage 5: Register or record the power
Where required, the power is recorded in Saudi systems, including the Ministry of Justice's electronic services, so that it can be used for registration and banking.
- Deliverable: A power usable by your representative in Saudi procedures.
- Owner: Adviser and representative.
- Approval gate: A test with the registry or bank confirms acceptance.
Stage 6: Monitor use
Ask the representative to report each act with copies of documents, and keep payments flowing through your own accounts where possible.
- Deliverable: A record of each act done under the power.
- Owner: Representative, reviewed by buyer.
- Approval gate: Nothing done outside the scope.
Stage 7: Revoke when finished
Once the purchase is complete, revoke the power or let it expire, and issue a new, narrow power for ongoing management if needed.
- Deliverable: A revocation or expiry, with confirmation.
- Owner: Buyer with adviser.
- Approval gate: No open power beyond what current tasks need.
Handovers between stages
The risky handoff is between the drafting stage and signing. Buyers abroad sometimes sign a general template from a local notary because it is faster, rather than the text their Saudi adviser prepared. Sign only the agreed wording.
How you know it is finished
The power of attorney has done its job when the purchase is registered, every act under it is documented, and it has been revoked or has expired, with any ongoing authority granted separately and narrowly.
Domira works with foreign investors on the property side of entering Saudi Arabia: finding land or premises, due diligence, design, construction and asset management. For licensing, tax and legal steps, work with a licensed adviser; we coordinate with yours so the property decision fits the structure you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy property in Saudi Arabia using a power of attorney?
Yes, a representative holding a valid power of attorney can usually sign and complete a purchase for you, provided the power covers the acts needed and is in a form Saudi authorities accept. Have your Saudi adviser draft the wording and confirm the authentication route for documents signed in your country.
How do I legalise a power of attorney from abroad for use in Saudi Arabia?
The route depends on your country and current arrangements. It may involve signing at a Saudi embassy or consulate, or before a local notary followed by an apostille or attestation. Ask your Saudi adviser which route is accepted for your country before signing, to avoid repeating the process.
Should a power of attorney for Saudi property be general or specific?
Specific is safer. A power limited to defined acts on a named property, with an end date, lets your representative complete the purchase without the ability to sell, mortgage or transfer the property. General powers are convenient but give wide authority that is hard to monitor from abroad.
Have a Property Question?
Domira can help you navigate property, financing and investment decisions in Saudi Arabia. Speak with our team for an initial consultation.
