From Singapore to Saudi Arabia
How to Set Up a Business in Saudi Arabia from Singapore
A Blueprint for Singaporean Companies
Launch and grow your Singapore-based business in Saudi Arabia with full confidence.
AstroLabs provides hands-on, end-to-end support throughout the entire business setup journey from regulatory approvals and licensing to market entry strategy and growth enablement. We make your expansion into Saudi Arabia smooth, compliant, and tailored to local expectations. Learn how to set up your business in KSA.
Company Formation from Singapore to Saudi Arabia in Sector-Specific Markets
Saudi Arabia and Singapore are strengthening their economic relationship at a rapid pace. As of 2023, bilateral trade between the two nations reached an estimated $12 billion, highlighting a steady upward trend. In 2022, Singapore’s trade volume with Saudi Arabia grew by nearly 50% compared to the previous year, reflecting both nations' commitment to deepening economic cooperation. Additionally, by September 2024, Singapore’s total outward foreign direct investment (FDI) expanded by $12.8 billion, further cementing its position as a major global investor, including in the Middle East. This evolving partnership positions Saudi Arabia as a strategic and high-potential destination for Singaporean companies looking to expand their global footprint.
1. Logistics, Ports & Supply Chain
Singapore is a global logistics hub, and Saudi Arabia is fast becoming the same for the Middle East. With massive investments in ports and smart logistics corridors (like NEOM and King Salman Park), companies like PSA International and CrimsonLogic are expanding supply chain solutions in the Kingdom.
2. Renewable Energy & Green Tech
Singapore’s leadership in sustainable infrastructure and cleantech is a natural fit for Saudi Arabia’s $180B+ investment in renewable energy by 2030. Singaporean firms in solar, hydrogen, and waste-to-energy are already forming strategic partnerships with Saudi ministries and giga-projects.
3. Fintech, Digital Infrastructure & Smart Cities
Saudi Arabia’s digital economy offers rich opportunities for Singapore’s renowned fintech and innovation startups. The Kingdom is investing heavily in AI, open banking, cloud computing, and smart urbanization, creating space for platforms like Validus, InstaReM, and others to scale.
4. Life Sciences & Health Innovation
With Singapore’s deep R&D and healthcare innovation track record, there’s growing demand for its biotech and medtech solutions in Saudi Arabia. Singaporean firms are supporting projects in public health, personalized medicine, and digital health platforms.
Company Formation in Saudi Arabia from Singapore: 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 | | | | |