Expanding your business to Saudi Arabia involves several legal and administrative steps to ensure compliance and success in the market.
Begin by choosing a legal structure. Common options include Limited Liability Company (LLC), Branch of a Foreign Company, and Joint Stock Company (JSC). The LLC is usually the most recommended option.
To qualify, your foreign entity must be at least 1 year old, and have audited financials of at least SAR 250,000.
You’ll need several documents with apostille or equivalent legal attestations: incorporation certificate, articles of association, latest financial audit, owner’s resolution, power of attorney, and passport ID of the appointed general manager.
Apply for the MISA license through the Ministry of Investment. It takes 5–10 business days and costs SAR 12,000 in the first year and SAR 62,000 from the second year onward.
Trade names must have meaning in Arabic or English — transliterations are not allowed.
Commercial Registration is handled via the Saudi Business Center. Attested documents must be submitted, and fees are SAR 1,775. You can use a standard or customized Articles of Association.
You must register on various government portals to meet administrative and HR compliance. This process takes about 7–10 business days and costs approximately SAR 5,000 annually.
Apply for the General Manager’s visa through the Ministry of Labor and Ministry of Investment. Once approved, the GM completes visa formalities in their home country. Annual cost is SAR 10,350.
After arriving in Saudi Arabia, the GM must undergo a medical exam and obtain a residence permit (Iqama) via Jawazat. It’s also recommended to register a SIM card and national address.
You are required to hire at least one Saudi employee with a minimum salary of SAR 4,000 to comply with Nitaqat.
The full setup process takes around 4–6 months. Initial setup costs range from SAR 35,000 to SAR 50,000 (excluding legal/consulting fees). Annual recurring costs can reach SAR 85,000 to SAR 100,000.
Company owners may apply for Saudi Premium Residency through the Investor Residency Path, offering long-term residency benefits.
Ready to expand into Saudi Arabia? Our experts guide you through the entire setup and compliance process. Book a consultation now.
Legal Structure
Choose a suitable structure like LLC, Branch, or JSC. LLC is generally recommended for foreign investors.
Foreign Company Criteria
The foreign entity must be at least one year old and hold audited financials of SAR 250,000 or more.
Required Documents
Includes incorporation certificate, articles of association, audit statement, and POA with apostille or legal stamps.
MISA License
Submit documents to Ministry of Investment. Fees start at SAR 12,000. Takes 5–10 business days.
Trade Name
Reserve names in Arabic or English (no transliteration). Fees range from SAR 200 to 500.
Commercial Registration
Register via Saudi Business Center. Requires attested documents. Takes 5–7 days and costs SAR 1775.
Gov Portals
Register with multiple portals for HR and admin compliance. Annual cost is approx. SAR 5000.
GM Visa
Apply via MOL and MISA. Visa costs SAR 10,350 annually. Takes 7–10 days.
Residence Permit
After arrival, GM must get a medical test and Iqama via Jawazat. SIM and National Address are recommended.
Hire Saudi Staff
You must employ at least one Saudi national earning SAR 4000+ to meet Nitaqat rules.
Timeline & Costs
Setup takes 4–6 months. Startup cost: SAR 35K–50K. Annual fees: SAR 85K–100K.
Premium Residency
Company owners may qualify for Saudi Premium Residency under the Investor path.
