What changed on 1 February 2026
Until recently a non-resident individual could reach Saudi shares only through a swap agreement or by qualifying as a Qualified Foreign Investor (QFI), a route built for institutions. From 1 February 2026 the CMA allows all categories of foreign investors to invest directly in Main Market shares, removing the QFI assessment for that purpose.
The rule change is permissive, not compulsory. Each CMA-licensed firm decides whether to onboard non-residents, which nationalities it accepts and what documents it wants. That is why our directory shows each broker's published stance rather than a single answer.
The four routes compared
Choose the route by who you are, then find a broker that supports it.
- Direct non-resident account: individuals of any nationality since February 2026; opened with a CMA-licensed broker that accepts non-residents, identity verified remotely
- GCC nationals: treated like Saudi citizens for market access; open an account with most local brokers, often fully digitally
- Qualified Foreign Investor (QFI): institutions and large investors assessed by an authorised person; still used for Nomu, debt and fund access
- Swap agreements: you hold economic exposure while a Saudi authorised person holds the shares; being phased out for equities but still offered by some international brokers
International platforms vs Saudi brokers
Two kinds of firm appear in our 'accepts non-residents' filter. Saudi brokers such as Derayah or SNB Capital that onboard foreigners give you a portfolio in your own name at Edaa. International platforms such as Interactive Brokers give you Saudi shares inside a global account, usually via a local sub-custodian or swap.
Both are legitimate. The Saudi route gives you direct ownership and the ability to take part in IPOs; the international route gives you one account for many markets and simpler currency handling.
Funding, currency and documents
Saudi brokers settle in riyals. The riyal has been pegged at SAR 3.75 to the US dollar since 1986, so currency risk is effectively dollar risk. Non-resident accounts are funded by international wire; expect to supply a passport, proof of address, source-of-funds evidence and a tax identification number from your home country.
Common questions
Next step
Sources
Editorial content for information only, not investment, legal or tax advice. Rules quoted are those published by the Saudi Exchange, the Capital Market Authority, Edaa and the brokers on the date shown; eligibility and fees change, so confirm current terms before acting.