From Netherlands to Saudi Arabia
How to Set Up a Business in Saudi Arabia from Netherlands
A Blueprint for Dutch Companies
Launch and grow your Dutch-based business in Saudi Arabia with full confidence.
Your Strategic Gateway to the Middle East: AstroLabs supports companies in expanding into Saudi Arabia, offering full-spectrum assistance from licensing to launch and beyond, helping you navigate local regulations, labor laws, and business growth. Whether you’re in logistics, agri-tech, water, or entertainment, AstroLabs' expert team ensures a smooth market entry aligned with Vision 2030. Learn how to set up your business in KSA.
Company Formation from the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia in Sector-Specific Markets
Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands are strengthening their economic ties through a growing network of strategic trade, investment, and infrastructure collaborations. At GreenTech Amsterdam 2025, both nations signed 27 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth USD 114 million, focusing on water, agriculture, and environmental technologies to support Saudi Arabia’s food-security goals. Additionally, 11 new agreements have brought Dutch companies into the Saudi AgriFood Tech Alliance (SAFTA), with an emphasis on smart farming and water innovation. Enhancing their connectivity, Saudi ports have expanded routes to 19 global destinations. Jeddah now connects to India, Egypt, and Turkey, while Dammam and Jubail have added links to major hubs in Asia and North America, significantly boosting logistics efficiency. In 2023, Saudi exports to the Netherlands reached approximately USD 4.33 billion, primarily driven by crude petroleum and gas turbines. These developments are aligned with the Kingdom’s ambition to become one of the world’s top ten logistics hubs by 2030.
1. Logistics & Port Services
Saudi ports handled over 320 million tons of cargo in 2024, a 14.5% increase, and loaded 2.8 million TEUs, up 8.9% year-on-year. Enhanced port infrastructure, backed by $773 million in private investment, is creating a high demand for Dutch expertise in smart logistics and shipping systems.
2. Agriculture & Water Tech
Dutch agritech and water-management firms have secured $114 million worth of MoUs, working on localized greenhouse solutions, environmental sustainability, and biotech agriculture, key pillars of Saudi Arabia’s agricultural innovation push.
3. Environmental & Sustainability Solutions
Collaborations include agreements with the Netherlands Water Partnership and Dutch Water Alliance to support Saudi Arabia’s Water Innovation Alliance. These partnerships aim to revolutionize irrigation efficiency, recycling, and sustainable water usage.
4. Entertainment & Tourism
Saudi Arabia’s entertainment market is projected to grow from $2.46 billion in 2024 to an expected $6.1 billion by 2033, creating opportunities for Dutch VR/AR content, cultural exhibitors, event technologies, and more to benefit from this massively growing market.
Company Formation in Saudi Arabia from Holland: 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 | | | | |
| 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 | | | | |