Business Setup - KSA
Business Setup in Saudi Arabia | 100% Foreign Company Formation
Your gateway to the Kingdom's booming economy. We simplify company setup in Saudi Arabia, from MISA licensing to post-incorporation compliance.
Requirements for Expanding Your Business to Saudi Arabia
Tailored requirements based on your business stage
Established Companies
- Legalized Trade License from home country
- Legalized Board Resolution for Saudi expansion
- Legalized Articles of Association (AoA)
- Audited Financial Statements (last fiscal year)
Startups / Entrepreneur License
- Endorsement Letter from a VC or licensed incubator
- Pitch Deck & Business Plan summary
- Founder(s) Passport Copies
5 Steps to Launch Your Business in Saudi Arabia
A streamlined process from initial planning to full operational compliance
Planning & MISA Licensing
Investment License: 2–4 weeks
• MISA (SAGIA) license application
• Business activity approval
Company Registration
Commercial Registration: 3–7 working days
• Commercial Registration (CR)
• Ministry of Commerce approval
Legal Documentation
AoA Notarization: 2–5 working days
• Legal document preparation
• Shareholder agreement finalization
Post-Incorporation Setup
Chamber & Address: 2–3 working days
• National Address registration
• Municipality license if required
Labor & Tax Compliance
Registrations: 3–7 working days
• GOSI (social insurance)
• ZATCA (VAT & Tax) registration
Corporate Bank Account
2–6 weeks
Timeline varies by bank and shareholder profile. We assist with all major Saudi banks.
Visa Processing
2–4 weeks
Investor / GM Work Visa issuance within 2–4 weeks after company registration.
Iqama Processing
7–14 days
Residency permit issuance within 7–14 days after entry into Saudi Arabia.
Overall Estimated Timeline
For company incorporation
Including bank account and visa processing
Timelines may vary based on business activity complexity and document readiness
Choosing the Right Legal Structure in KSA
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Ideal for foreign investors seeking 100% ownership.
Branch of a Foreign Company
An extension of your parent company without a separate legal entity.
Joint Stock Company (JSC)
Designed for large-scale enterprises and public investments.
Regional Headquarters (RHQ)
For multinationals managing Middle East operations from Riyadh.
Technical/Scientific Offices
For market research and technical support.
Compliance Support
Full regulatory compliance including MISA, ZATCA, and Saudization.
Key Regulatory Authorities & Compliance
MISA
Investment licensing and investor rights
Ministry of Commerce
Commercial registration and naming
ZATCA
Tax, Zakat, and VAT compliance
Saudization (Nitaqat)
Guidance on mandatory local hiring ratios
Why Invest in Saudi Arabia Now?
Vision 2030
Massive government spending in non-oil sectors.
Strategic Location
Connecting three continents (Asia, Europe, Africa).
Business-Friendly Reforms
Streamlined digital portals and 100% ownership in most sectors.
Quality of Life
Rapidly evolving lifestyle and world-class infrastructure.
Immigration, Visas & Residency
Investor Visa
For business investors and owners
GM / Work Visas
For employees and general managers
Iqama Processing
Residency permit processing
Dependent Visas
For family members and dependents
Common Questions About Saudi Business Setup
Do I need a Saudi partner for an LLC?
No, in most sectors you can have 100% foreign ownership without a Saudi partner.
What is the minimum capital requirement?
Minimum capital requirements vary by activity. We can advise based on your proposed business activity.
How long does the process take?
2–4 weeks (Subject to business activity approval and document legalization)
3–7 working days (After MISA license approval and name reservation)
• 4 to 8 weeks for company incorporation
• 6 to 10 weeks including bank account and visa processing
Do I need a physical office?
Yes, a physical office or a licensed co-working space is mandatory for business setup in Saudi Arabia.
Ready to Start Your Journey in the Kingdom?
Speak to our experts for a personalized roadmap.