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Company incorporation in Saudi Arabia is a legal permit that allows non-GCC entrepreneurs to establish a business setup in the largest economy in the Middle East, with a GDP of over 1.1 trillion. The country also ranks as the 19th largest economy in the world, with emerging markets in tech, e-commerce, and financial services.
Enterslice's consultants will search for a trade name for your business, prepare documents, apply for company registration, and obtain a foreign investment license to get you started. They will also assist you in appointing a corporate service provider, enrolling for taxes, and opening a corporate bank account.
Sit back and relax- let us handle the tedious groundwork required for company setup in Saudi Arabia, giving you the bandwidth for core business operations. Receive reminders for tax filings, license renewals, and annual financial reporting- no more penalties for late submissions.
100% Foreign Business Welcoming Nation
Zero-rated VAT within SEZs
Easy Setup via One Portal
No Visit Required- Completely Remote
Handle Administrative Tasks via a Local Agent
Custom Duty Relaxation
Open a company in Saudi Arabia with our experts at Enterslice and enter one of the largest consumer markets of the Middle East. Get expert guidance on tax planning and financial strategizing after company registration in Saudi Arabia.
The benefits of company registration in Saudi Arabia include ownership for foreigners, global market access, 100% profit repatriation, and a digital incorporation process. Key advantages are as follows:
Global entrepreneurs can fully own companies in most industry sectors without a local director after company incorporation in Saudi Arabia.
The location connects businesses to top markets in Asia, Africa, and Europe. You can gain easy access to other GCC countries like the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman, and tap into various consumer segments once you register a company in Saudi Arabia.
Over 1.5 trillion worth of investments in top emerging sectors like tech, AI, renewable energy, logistics, biotech, and advanced manufacturing.
As a non-Saudi Arabian founder, you can remit profits to your home country without any deductions because thereโs no tax on foreign remittances.
If you apply for company registration in Saudi Arabiaโs Special Economic Zones, you can take the benefit of a reduced 5% corporate tax, zero-rated withholding tax, 0% custom duties/VAT on transactions within the zones.
You can seamlessly establish a business setup in Saudi Arabia, obtain regulatory approvals, and get local permits through one of the online MISA portals.
The list of documents required for online company registration in Saudi Arabia is as follows:
A passport copy of the applicant
Current address/residence proof of the directors
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Articles of Association (AOA)
Trade Name Reservation Certificate
Foreign Investment License MISA Approval Certificate
A business plan
A board resolution for incorporating a branch office
Power of Attorney (POA), if required
Official company address- Ejar certificate
Document translation in Arabic
Resident permit of the corporate service provider (if any)
Company registration certificate of the parent company (for the branch)
MOA/AOA of the foreign parent entity (if needed)
Entrepreneurs must select a structure, depending on the business activity, capital availability, future, and workforce strength. The different types of company structures for business setup in Saudi Arabia are as follows:
The most common company setup in Saudi Arabia that entitles foreigners to exercise full ownership of the legal entity. You just need one director and shareholder for easy incorporation. Members are only liable to the extent of their capital contribution in the company.
Online company registration in Saudi Arabia through a joint stock company requires at least two shareholders and three directors. You must have at least USD 27,000 to 133,350 as a minimum capital requirement, with 25% paid-up before incorporation. Foreigners donโt need a local partner in most sectors, like tech, consultancies, and professional services.
A branch office of a foreign company is a mere extension of a parent organization in the applicantโs native country. Essentially, a company setup in Saudi Arabia has no separate existence. The international entity exerts all the control, and the branch is liable to pay taxes as per the Saudi taxation laws.
Foreigners with venture capitalist and angel funding can open a simplified joint stock company setup in Saudi Arabia with just one shareholder for SaaS and tech startups. You can also save a lot of money for a potential IPO with no company conversion required for raising capital from the public on the Saudi stock exchange.
A professional company is a civil entity structure that enables global professionals like engineers, accountants, lawyers, and medical professionals to establish a firm-like setting up in the form of an LLC and JSC. However, you will have to appoint a Saudi partner who would hold at least 25% stake in the business setup in Saudi Arabia.
A limited partnership is a firm that requires at least two partners. A general one with unlimited liability and an active role in the management, and a limited one with liability protection against debts of the firm and a passive role in the business.
A representative office is a setup in Saudi Arabia that allows foreigners to conduct market research and network with the local business community, provided you donโt conduct any commercial activity. An RO is not a non-legal entity, meaning it doesnโt have a legal existence of its own like a branch office.
Scroll down and find out how Entersliceโs expert consultants help you with company setup in Saudi Arabia:
The first step starts with you deciding on the business activity and structure. Our associates will assist in ascertaining whether or not your activity is aligned with the Ministry of Investment (MISA).
In the next step, weโll help you obtain a working office, depending on your operations. Some flexible options include a flexi-desk, co-working space, or small private office in top areas like Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, and NEOM. Get high-quality solutions at cost-effective prices.
Our legal associates will help you draft an MOA and AOA, and business analysts will prepare a business plan before applying for Saudi Arabia company registration.
National from outside the GCC who want to open a company in Saudi Arabia must obtain a foreign investment license from the MISA before incorporating the company. We'll help you apply for the permit by submitting documents like incorporation papers, business plans, certificates of business address, and passport copies of all company members.
A company name should be reserved before the official business setup in Saudi Arabia. We'll help you search the name via the Ministry of Commerce and Small Business Centerโs website to ensure you donโt reserve an already registered name. Our IPR experts will search your proposed name against the trademark registration to avoid potential legal disputes after online company registration in Saudi Arabia.
Once youโve conducted the name search procedure, weโll proceed with the reservation with the Ministry of Commerce via the Trade Name Reservation System to complete the registration. The name should be in Arabic with a literal English translation, mostly done by foreigners.
After youโve obtained the foreign investment MISA license and trade name reservation, weโll help you sign and submit the application with documents to the Ministry of Commerce. Documents include license, MOA/AOA, bylaws, business plan, and KYC details of key directors and shareholders.
Once youโve obtained the Saudi Arabia company registration approval, weโll assist in enrolling for ZATCA (Zakat, corporate tax, and customs duty). Even though foreigners are required to pay Zakat, you will still have to register for it because all three are combined under the ZATCA single registration.
All registered companies are required to enroll as members with their local chamber of commerce office (Riyadh, Jeddah, or any other area). The membership will assist you in opening a bank account, visa approvals, and acquiring contracts.
A municipality license (Baladi) approval will help you officially operate your business from the registered company office. Basic paperwork checks include a lease agreement, co-working license, and company registration in Saudi Arabia. We'll complete the process on your behalf.
Banks like D360, Saudi British Bank, and Bank Albilad are some of the best banking solutions that provide a digital application process. Your appointed corporate service provider will act as an authorized signatory to represent you before the banking authorities. We'll help you connect with the best professional CSPs and application filing in Saudi Arabia.
The timeline for Saudi Arabia company registration is as follows:
Submit the required documents with the MISA to obtain the foreign investment license before you apply for company registration in Saudi Arabia.
Reserve the company name with the Ministry of Commerce. Pre-name search is recommended to avoid unnecessary delays.
Sign and attest all the documents, including license, trade name reservation, AOA/MOA, and passport copies, and submit them to the Ministry of Commerce.
Enroll for taxes like corporate, VAT, and customs duties once you open a company in Saudi Arabia with the ZATCA portal. Subsequently, obtain the local chamber membership and verify your business activity/address.
Open a corporate bank account with a well-suited bank that facilitates online onboarding via video verification after online company registration in Saudi Arabia.
You can benefit from the Vision 2030 by establishing a strong presence through the following business opportunities for company registration in Saudi Arabia:
Top Industries to Register a Company in Saudi Arabia
Emerging Businesses for Company Incorporation in Saudi Arabia
The criteria for online company registration in Saudi Arabia are as follows:
The key considerations for selecting a trade name before company registration in Saudi Arabia are as follows:
Let our consultants check and propose names as per your business activity.
The list of compliance requirements after company registration in Saudi Arabia is as follows:
At Enterslice, we close 99% cases on the first submission for company registration in Saudi Arabia.
Enterslice has established itself as the top consulting and compliance partner for ventures worldwide. Given below are the reasons why we are the first choice for business enthusiasts seeking online company registration in Saudi Arabia-
Yes, foreign founders can now start a company in Saudi Arabia in most business sectors. You may need a corporate services provider who would act as an authorized signatory for bank account opening and other administrative tasks.
The company registration in Saudi Arabia will take around a week, but the overall process may take at least 1 to 3 months, starting with foreign investment license approval, trade name reservation, preparation of documents and notarization, post-registration obligations, and company bank account.
Yes, the business setup fee structure in (USD) is as follows:
A limited liability company is one of the best-suited structures for new entrepreneurs seeking global business expansion in Saudi Arabia. An LLC provides flexible management, liability protection, no minimum fund requirement, and easy compliance obligations.
The standard corporate tax rate is 20% in Saudi Arabia. A reduced rate of 5% applies to companies registered in the special economic zones.
No, you do not have to travel for company incorporation in Saudi Arabia. The process is fully digital, and you can appoint a corporate service provider to assist you with application submission, license approvals, and company bank account opening.
Yes, you can start a company in Saudi Arabia with a flexi-desk or co-working office, without needing a full-fledged private office for most business activities. However, some regulated activities like fintech, digital lending, or any related financial activity will require a separate dedicated office.
You must enroll for value-added tax if your annual taxable supplies exceed the USD 100,000 threshold. However, if youโre a non-resident company, then youโll have to register for VAT after the company setup. Voluntary registration is available if your supplies are USD 50,000 or above.
No, you donโt need a local sponsor or partner for Saudi Arabia company registration, as a non-resident in the country, for most sectors. 100% ownership is permitted for most economic activities. A Saudi resident must be hired as a general manager, irrespective of nationality.
You can setup a branch office of your parent entity in Saudi Arabia without any restrictions, provided you appoint a local resident as a general manager in the branch while retaining complete ownership.
Even though not mandated by law, you will still need a CSP to handle communications, liaison with the authorities, and open a corporate bank account after business setup.
The capital depends on the type of business structure. Currently, thereโs no minimum requirement for simplified joint stock (SJSC) and limited liability companies (LLCs) for foreigners seeking global company expansion in Saudi Arabia.
The value-added tax rate is 15% on most products and services. A zero rate is applicable on export, global transport, medications, and applicable goods and services.
Saudi Arabia has five SEZs that are dedicated for Vision 2030 with benefits like a 5% corporate tax, 0% withholding tax, and no customs duties for up to 20 years. You can also get access to the best workforce and enjoy an easy setup with fewer regulations, as a foreign founder.
Yes, if youโre repatriating the profits, royalties, dividends, or management fees to a nonresident entity, then youโll have to remit a withholding tax, ranging:
The above-mentioned rates can be reduced or eliminated if thereโs a double tax treaty between Saudi Arabia and the concerned nonresident entityโs jurisdiction. For more information to optimize your taxes, contact Enterslice and connect with a global tax treaty consultant.
-- Testimonials
โEnterslice explained the Saudi Arabia company incorporation process clearly. Their guidance on licensing, documentation, and compliance helped us confidently plan our expansion into the Middle East market.โ
Verified Customer
โGreat guidance for foreign investors exploring Saudi Arabia. The business setup process and compliance obligations are explained in a clear and practical manner.โ
Verified Customer
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