Business Setup in Khobar
Learn how to successfully expand your business in Khobar and tap into the city’s strategic growth opportunities.
Start and Grow Your Business in Khobar
Khobar is a leading commercial hub in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, strategically located near King Fahd International Airport and central to the Kingdom’s major energy and industrial operations. Setting up a business in Saudi Arabia, particularly in Khobar, opens doors to dynamic business opportunities, investor-friendly policies, and a rapidly growing economy.
How to Legally Establish Your Business
First Stage: Legal Entity Establishment (1 Month)
- Obtain a MISA Investor License (valid for one year)
- Reserve company name
- Draft & notarize Articles of Association (AoA)
- Secure Commercial Registration (CR) from the Ministry of Commerce
- Register with the Chamber of Commerce (CoC)
Second Stage: Authorization & Hiring (2–3 Months)
- Obtain the official company seal
- Register with the Ministry of Labor
- Enroll with GOSI for employee insurance
- Register the business National Address
- Issue a General Manager (GM) visa
- Register with ZATCA for VAT compliance
Post Business Setup Compliance Requirements
Tax Filing with ZATCA
File your annual tax returns through ZATCA (formerly GAZT) to remain compliant with Saudi tax regulations
Business License Renewals
Ensure timely renewal of your Commercial Registration (CR), MISA license, the GM’s Iqama, and any other mandatory approvals to maintain full compliance
Government Platform Management
Keep all your accounts on Muqeem, Qiwa, and Mudad active and up to date to maintain smooth compliance and seamless reporting.
Payroll and HR Compliance
Consistently report payroll and social insurance obligations, ensuring salary records and GOSI registrations remain up to date.
Saudization (Nitaqat) Requirements
You’re required to meet Saudization (local hiring) quotas determined by your sector and company size. Non-compliance may result in operational penalties or restrictions.
Why Set Up a Company in Khobar
World-Class Sports Destination: 2034 FIFA World Cup & Aramco Stadium
Al Khobar will be one of the five host cities for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. It is home to Aramco Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue with a capacity of over 46,000.
Global companies in hospitality, event management, tourism, and sports infrastructure can leverage the influx of international visitors and large-scale events to establish operations and partnerships.
Heart of Khobar: A Major Innovation and Infrastructure Hub
A key infrastructure initiative in the region, Heart of Khobar spans 268,813 m² in the Al Rawabi neighborhood. This SR 6 billion project features 14 components, including residential and commercial spaces, hotels, and recreational venues.
International investors and developers can tap into opportunities in real estate, retail, hospitality, and mixed-use commercial projects.
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 | | | | |
| Corporate 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 | | | | |