Business Setup in Riyadh
Navigate the steps and legal procedures involved in registering a 100% foreign-owned company in Riyadh.
Setting Up a Business in Riyadh
Riyadh is the Saudi economic powerhouse and the region’s top hub for business, finance, and entertainment, and has firmly established itself as a premier global destination for companies looking to set up a business in Saudi Arabia.
Business setup in Riyadh has gained accelerated momentum. Thanks to the flagship “Riyadh Headquarters Program,” the capital city has attracted the regional headquarters of 616 multinational companies, surpassing the original Vision 2030 target of 500.
Benefits of Setting Up a Business in Riyadh
Host of World-Class Events
Riyadh is fast emerging as the top location of global and regional events across various domains, from sporting and entertainment to business and technology.
A Global Talent Pool
Riyadh is home to a diverse, skilled workforce, driven by its role as a major economic, business, and entertainment hub.
Expanding Consumer Base
Riyadh’s population is projected to reach 10 million by 2030, fueling demand for housing, infrastructure, healthcare, and consumer services.
Large Infrastructure Development Initiatives
Heavy investments in resilient and integrated infrastructure systems offer new avenues for investment and profit generation.
Global Growth Recognition
Riyadh is projected to rank among the 15 fastest-growing cities in the world by 2033, offering unmatched growth prospects.
Essential Procedures to Set Up a Business in Riyadh
Phase 1: Establishing Your Legal Entity (1 Month)
Firstly, this stage requires the establishment of a legal entity.
- Secure a one-year MISA Investor license
- Choose and register a company name
- Draft Articles of Association (AoA)
- Secure Commercial Registration (CR)
- Register with the Chamber of Commerce
Phase 2: Team Authorization and Hiring (2 Months)
This phase involves obtaining the authorization to hire staff.
- Obtain a Company Seal
- Register with the Ministry of Labor
- Enroll in the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI)
- Register a national address
- Issue a Visa for the General Manager (GM)
- Register with the General Authority of Zakat and Tax (GAZT)
Phase 3: Residency and Banking (3 Months)
The final stage requires completing the Iqama issuance process for the general manager (GM), among other steps.
- Activate the Chamber of Commerce account
- Obtain health insurance
- Complete a medical checkup
- Issue the GM’s Iqama (Residency permit)
- Register with Muqeem
- Sign up on Absher
- Register on the Qiwa portal
- Enroll on the Mudad platform
- Open a Bank account
Key Steps After Forming a Business in Riyadh
Tax Compliance
To remain compliant with the ZATCA regulations, foreign businesses must submit tax returns correctly and on time while also keeping thorough and accurate transaction records.
Saudization (Nitaqat) Regulations
All foreign companies are required to meet a specific Saudization quota determined by their sector and business size. Failure to comply may place the company in the “Red Zone,” making it ineligible to receive a Saudization certificate, an essential requirement for participating in government tenders.
Government Portal Management
Keeping government portals up to date is crucial for businesses to function seamlessly and handle key processes like securing employee work visas. Penalties for portal non-compliance can escalate to SAR 5,000–10,000 in fines.
Business License and Certificate Renewal
Taking a proactive approach to renewing key documents—such as the GM’s Iqama, Commercial Registration (CR), and MISA license—ensures smooth and uninterrupted business operations. Conversely, neglecting timely renewals can cause major compliance challenges and operational disruptions that impact both the company and its workforce.
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 | | | | |