From India to Saudi Arabia
How to Set Up a Business in Saudi Arabia from India
A Blueprint for Indian Companies
India & Saudi Arabia: A Strategic Business Alliance
AstroLabs empowers companies to confidently expand their operations into Saudi Arabia, seamlessly navigating licensing, compliance, and strategic execution. Whether you're in energy, tech, infrastructure, healthcare, or trade, we provide end-to-end support aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Learn how to set up your business in KSA.
Company Formation from India to Saudi Arabia in Sector-Specific Markets
India is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trade partner, while the Kingdom ranks fourth among India’s top trading partners. In 2024–25, the trade volume stood at USD 41.88 billion, comprising USD 11.76 billion in Indian exports and USD 30.12 billion in imports from Saudi Arabia. Indian companies have responded to this deepening relationship with over USD 3 billion in cumulative investments in the Kingdom as of August 2023, focusing on energy, infrastructure, digital technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Around 2,783 Indian companies were registered in Saudi Arabia as of January 2022, including major players like L&T, TATA, Wipro, and TCS. The bilateral momentum continued at the first India–Saudi Investment Forum, where over 50 MoUs were signed.
1. Energy & Renewables
Saudi Arabia remains a vital energy partner for India, ranking as the third-largest supplier of crude oil with 33.35 million metric tons imported in FY 2023–24. Beyond traditional energy trade, opportunities are expanding in refining, renewables, and green hydrogen, where Indian firms are increasingly engaging through joint ventures and collaborative R&D initiatives. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) and other Saudi investors have also deepened ties in this sector. Al-Fanar, for example, has invested in 600 MW of wind power projects in India, demonstrating mutual commitment to the renewable transition.
2. Infrastructure & Engineering
India’s engineering giants are contributing to Saudi giga-projects such as NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea Project, offering EPC contracting, smart city development, and civil works expertise.
3. Digital Transformation
India’s tech ecosystem complements Saudi Arabia’s digital push. Targeted sectors include AI, fintech, healthtech, and cloud platforms, all of which receive state support and incentives. The Public Investment Fund has taken major stakes in leading Indian tech ventures, including USD 1.49 billion in Reliance Jio Platforms, and USD 75 million in HealthifyMe, supporting cross-border innovation.
4. Healthcare & Life Sciences
Indian pharmaceutical, med-tech, and digital health companies are addressing the Kingdom’s growing demand for affordable, quality healthcare. PIF’s USD 1.3 billion investment in Reliance Retail also supports expanded healthcare access through diversified retail and service platforms.
5. Trade & Consumer Goods
India’s manufacturing base supports strong exports in FMCG, textiles, auto parts, and agri-products, all of which are in growing demand across the Kingdom. In the agri-sector, SALIC’s acquisition of a 29.91% stake in Daawat Foods for USD 17.2 million further underscores the scope of Indo-Saudi collaboration in food security and supply chains.
Company Formation in Saudi Arabia from India: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare Company Documents
Start by gathering essential documents, including:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (MoA and AoA)
- Audited financial statements
- Board resolution to expand into Saudi Arabia
These documents must be legalized and translated into Arabic.
Step 2: Obtain MISA License
Apply for an investment license from the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA). This step officially allows your foreign entity to operate in the Kingdom.
Step 3: Register with Government Entities
You'll need to complete registration with multiple Saudi governmental bodies:
- 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
You’ll also need to choose a physical office space to meet the national address requirement.
Step 4: National Address Management:
Ensuring accurate updates and renewals on the SPL portal.
Step 5: Appoint a General Manager and Obtain an Iqama
Foreign companies in Saudi Arabia must register on core platforms to ensure legal compliance:
- Muqeem: employee sponsorship management
- Absher: government services portal
- Qiwa: workforce management
Mudad: wage protection and payroll compliance
Step 6: Open a Corporate Bank Account
Once your business is legally registered and operational, open a Saudi corporate bank account to handle transactions, payroll, and vendor payments.
Step 7: Hire and Issue Visas
Hire local employees in line with Saudi Arabia’s Saudization (Nitaqat) quota system. For international hires, you’ll need to issue work visas under the company’s sponsorship.
Avoid Common Cases of Non-Compliance in Saudi Arabia with AstroLabs’ GRO Solutions
Missed Deadlines
Fines and delays from late renewals or submissions
Operational Interruptions
Incomplete or outdated official documents causing business interruptions
Amendment Needs
Challenges in updating business activities, management structures, or shareholder details
Portal Issues
Delayed updates to key government platforms like SPL or CoC
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 | | | | |