Business Setup in Saudi Arabia
CIG assist with company formation in Saudi Arabia, from MISA licensing to LLC setup and full business registration in Saudi Arabia.
- MISA – Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia
- Tradename
- MOA – Memorandum of Association
- CCR – Commercial Registration Certificate
Saudi Arabia Business Setup Benefits You Need to Know
Launch and grow your business in Saudi Arabia within 10 days with expert guidance. We provide end-to-end support, leveraging direct connections with key government authorities to streamline the process. While you focus on your business goals, our local team ensures a smooth and hassle- free setup. Seamless Business Setup in Saudi Arabia
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Note:You must have an existing company outside the country that has been in existence for at least 1 year
100% Foreign Ownership for Most Business Activities in Saudi Arabia
One of the biggest advantages of company formation in Saudi Arabia is the ability for foreign investors to own 100% of their business.
Whether you're registering a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or setting up under a service or trading license, foreign ownership is permitted in key sectors, especially through MISA licensing.
Multiple Business License Options Including RHQ, LLC, and Branch
Saudi Arabia offers various company setup options, including the Regional Headquarters (RHQ) license, LLC registration, and even branches of foreign companies.
Depending on your industry, you can apply for an industrial, trading, or professional license, all backed by the Ministry of Investment (MISA).
Strategic Location Connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa
"When you choose business setup in KSA, you position your company at a strategic gateway for trade and regional expansion. With access to Jeddah, Riyadh, and major economic cities, Saudi is ideal for regional HQs, logistics hubs, and cross-border businesses."
Cost-Effective Setup with Government Incentives and Support
The cost of business setup in Saudi Arabia is competitive, with many incentives for first-time entrants.
MISA frequently offers discounted fees for company registration, and there are tax exemptions and support schemes — especially for businesses aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.
Choose Your Business Activity & Structure
Selecting the right structure—LLC, Branch, or RHQ—is critical to align with Saudi company registration laws and MISA license requirements.
Apply for Your MISA Investment License
All business setup in Saudi Arabia starts with MISA approval. Your license type depends on your sector—trading, services, or industrial.
Prepare Legal Documents & Articles of Association
We help you draft and notarize all company documents based on your selected entity and shareholding model, ensuring smooth approvals.
Obtain Commercial Registration (CR)
The CR is your legal gateway to operating in KSA. It enables contracts, invoicing, and access to corporate banking in Saudi Arabia.
Complete Post-Incorporation Steps
From national address registration to Iqama (residency) for your GM, we handle all compliance steps for full business formation in KSA.
We Handle All of This for You — Start to Finish
From MISA licensing to VAT, banking, and final approvals — our team manages the entire setup process, so you can focus on growing your business.
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No Delays, No Hidden Steps
Who Can Start a Business in Saudi Arabia? Your Options Explained
Saudi Arabia offers tailored pathways for different investor types. Whether you're a foreign entrepreneur, a GCC national, or a Saudi citizen, the formation process, license type, and ownership structure vary slightly — and getting it right from the start is crucial.
Business Setup in Saudi Arabia for Foreign Investors
Foreigners can own 100% of their business in approved sectors through a MISA investment license.
Activities like trading, industrial, and professional services are fully eligible, but licensing and document requirements must be met precisely.
Company Formation for GCC Nationals in Saudi Arabia
GCC citizens can register a business under similar rights as Saudi nationals. You can set up an LLC, branch, or sole proprietorship, often without needing a Saudi partner, making the process smoother and faster.
Business Registration for Saudi Citizens
Saudi nationals have the widest range of options for company formation in KSA, including access to local support schemes, SME benefits, and sector-specific incentives.
We assist with full licensing and CR issuance for local entrepreneurs.
Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Saudi Arabia
- An LLC is the most flexible option for foreign company registration in Saudi Arabia, allowing 100% ownership in many sectors.
- Ideal for trading, services, or industrial activities with limited liability and lower capital requirements.
Joint Stock Company (JSC)
- A JSC is suited for larger enterprises looking to raise capital or go public.
- This Saudi company formation model allows shared ownership among shareholders and is governed by strict corporate regulations under the Ministry of Commerce.
Branch of a Foreign Company
This option allows international firms to operate in KSA without setting up a separate legal entity. Branch registration in Saudi Arabia requires MISA approval and mirrors the parent company’s business model.
Regional Headquarters (RHQ) License in Saudi Arabia
- The RHQ license allows multinational groups to open a central hub in Riyadh to manage operations across the MENA region.
- This license is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 push and offers unique tax and visa incentives for foreign business setup in KSA.
Documents Required for Saudi Company Registration
Getting your business approved starts with proper documentation. Here's what you'll need to prepare for smooth company registration in Saudi Arabia:
- Certificate of Incorporation / Trade License of parent company
- Audited Financial Statements (last fiscal year, notarized)
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Board Resolution authorizing Saudi expansion
- Passport copies of owners/directors
- Power of Attorney (POA) notarized & legalized
- Proposed business activity details
- Lease agreement for office (for national address)
Types of Business Licenses in Saudi Arabia
Selecting the right license is a crucial step in your Saudi business setup journey. Each license governs what activities your company can legally perform and must align with MISA or other regulatory bodies.
Professional License
Ideal for those offering consulting, IT, marketing, training, and other specialized services. This license is perfect for service-oriented companies looking to operate within a regulated framework in Saudi Arabia.
Commercial License in Saudi Arabia
Best suited for businesses engaged in retail, trading, import/export, or general commercial services. It allows broad operational flexibility for companies entering the Saudi market.
Industrial License
Required for businesses involved in manufacturing, industrial processing, or product assembly. It also authorizes the import of raw materials and export of finished products, especially for factories or large-scale operations.
Tourism License
Essential for entities in the travel, hospitality, and tourism sector, including tour operators, hotels, and destination management companies, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism growth strategy.