| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Permitted with registration |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — Private Tourism Hospitality Facility permit from Ministry of Tourism |
| Permit Fee | SAR 1,100 annually per license |
| Penalties | Up to SAR 250,000 in major cities (raised from SAR 50,000, effective ~Oct 22, 2025); permanent closure possible |
| Primary Residence Required | No (but host must be a Saudi national) |
Short-term rental operations in Nationwide are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — Private Tourism Hospitality Facility permit from Ministry of Tourism. The associated permit fees are SAR 1,100 annually per license.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Nationwide include: Primary residence requirement: No (but host must be a Saudi national).
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Nationwide: Local zoning may restrict eligible property types. Density rules: Up to 3 permits per property; max 8 units per individual without a company/CR. Insurance: Unknown (fire safety equipment and first aid kits required).
Hosts who fail to comply with Nationwide's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Up to SAR 250,000 in major cities (raised from SAR 50,000, effective ~Oct 22, 2025); permanent closure possible.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Nationwide: Since 1 Jan 2025, 18 booking platforms must not display unlicensed facilities; license number shown on listings.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Nationwide with proper registration and permits. Hosts must be Saudi nationals; title deed or e-lease required; guest register maintained
Yes. Nationwide requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — Private Tourism Hospitality Facility permit from Ministry of Tourism.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Nationwide may face enforcement. Up to SAR 250,000 in major cities (raised from SAR 50,000, effective ~Oct 22, 2025); permanent closure possible.
Expatriates cannot independently host; managed via Tourism Activities Licensing Portal (TLG)
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