Professional License in Saudi Arabia
Launch your legal, engineering, architecture, or consulting firm in Saudi Arabia with 100% ownership. AstroLabs provides comprehensive setup support.
Establish a Consultancy or Advisory Practice with 100% Ownership
License Information: Professional License in KSA
Foreign professionals seeking to operate in Saudi Arabia under a professional license span a wide range of sectors, and offer different structures, ownerships and requirements.
Who Should Apply for the Professional License?
Law Firms & Legal Practitioners: Legal professionals and firms offering consultancy must also obtain Ministry of Justice approval. Engineering & Architectural Consultancies: Firms in these fields can apply under two pathways: with a local partner or, for 100% foreign ownership, meet higher investment and experience thresholds. Tax, Accounting & Advisory Firms: Include services such as audit, financial advisory, tax consultancy, and more. Specialist Consultancy Practices: Covering marine, mining, environmental, technical, and business consulting fields.
License Structure & Ownership Options
Option A: With Saudi Partner Requires minimum 25% Saudi ownership, fulfilled by an experienced local partner. Suitable for professional practices looking for market entry with local expertise. Option B: 100% Foreign Ownership (Engineering Firms Only) To qualify for full ownership, engineering firms must meet all the following criteria: Operate at least four international branches Have share capital of SAR 10 million in one branch Maintain a minimum of 7 years’ professional experience
Requirements & Documentation
1. Commercial Registration (CR) copy, duly certified by Saudi Embassy 2. Last-year financial statements, embassy-certified 3. Partner/company professional licenses (engineer, lawyer, etc.) 4. For imports/exports, endorsement from relevant bodies (e.g., Ministry of Justice for lawyers) 5. For full ownership route: proof of 4 international branches, SAR 10 million capital, and 7 years' experience
Company Formation in Saudi Arabia: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Prepare Company Documents
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (MoA and AoA)
- Audited financial statements
- Board resolution to expand into Saudi Arabia
Step 2: Obtain MISA License
Step 3: Register with Government Entities
- Ministry of Commerce (MoC) - for commercial registration
- Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority - for tax compliance
- General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI)
- Chamber of Commerce
- Saudi Post - to obtain a national address
Step 4: National Address Management:
Step 5: Appoint a General Manager and Obtain an Iqama
- Muqeem: employee sponsorship management
- Absher: government services portal
- Qiwa: workforce management
Step 6: Open a Corporate Bank Account
Step 7: Hire and Issue Visas
AstroLabs Advantage
| Offering | AstroLabs | Corporate Services Companies offering PRO & GRO | Law Firms | In-House |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40+ on-ground local team of experts |  |  | | |
| Government portal management and compliance support | | | | |
| Full management of your company licenses and certificates | | | | |
| Management of registered employees across the employee journey, from hiring to ongoing management | | | | |
| Full suite of support: PRO, GRO, HRs support and access to a pool of Saudi talent | | | | |
| National Address Registration with varied coworking and private office locations | | | | |
| Seamlessly manage GRO services online using a digital platform | | | | |
| Corporare bank account opening | | | | |
| Access to a community of 700+ high-growth businesses in Saudi Arabia | | | | |
| Extended media and exposure support through press releases, social media coverage and articles | | | | |
| Opportunity-matchmaking with potential partners in governmental entities and corporates | | | | |
| Access to global and regional events such as BIBAN, LEAP, Seamless, etc | | | | |