From Switzerland to Saudi Arabia
How to Set Up a Business in Saudi Arabia from Switzerland
A Blueprint for Swiss Companies
Launch and grow your Swiss-based business in Saudi Arabia with full confidence.
Your Bridge to the Gulf’s Strategic Growth Market: AstroLabs supports Swiss companies in expanding into Saudi Arabia, providing full-spectrum guidance from business formation and licensing to operational launch and compliance. Whether you're in finance, technology, precision manufacturing, or research, we design your entry strategy in sync with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Learn how to set up your business in KSA.
Company Formation from Switzerland to Saudi Arabia in Sector-Specific Markets
Saudi Arabia is actively embracing collaboration with Switzerland across multiple sectors. The 4th Saudi–Swiss Financial Dialogue in Zurich addressed opportunities in fintech, sustainable finance, and insurance, with Saudi officials noting that over 100 Swiss companies are already operating in the Kingdom. In 2023, Swiss exports to Saudi Arabia reached $6.77 billion, led by gold ($4.52 billion) and pharmaceuticals ($351 million), while Saudi exports to Switzerland totaled $810.67 million, highlighting a strong and evolving trade relationship. Notably, between February 2024 and February 2025, Saudi exports to Switzerland surged from SAR 39.8 million to SAR 511 million. This deepening partnership is poised to mobilize billions of euros in sustainable investment, underscoring Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a global destination for responsible and future-focused capital.
1. Finance & Fintech
Saudi Arabia actively seeks Swiss expertise in digital banking, insurance, wealth management etc... The nation’s Financial Dialogue and collaboration between regulatory bodies reflect a strong interest in Swiss innovation.
2. Precision Engineering & Manufacturing
Swiss strengths in machinery, pharmaceuticals, and precision equipment align with Saudi infrastructure and industrial modernization needs. Over 100 Swiss firms are already registered and operate in Saudi Arabia.
3. Mining & Utilities
Saudi Arabia and Switzerland are deepening cooperation in mining, energy, and logistics through key partnerships. A major joint venture between Switzerland’s Valcambi Suisse and Saudi Arabia’s Ajlan & Bros is establishing a recycling and refining facility for precious and platinum group metals in Riyadh’s Integrated Logistics Bonded Zone (ILBZ), with a planned $2 billion investment. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goal to boost the logistics sector’s GDP share to 10% by 2030.
4. Research & Innovation
Swiss–Saudi scientific collaboration is rapidly gaining momentum, exemplified by a high-level science mission led by Swiss State Secretary Martina Hirayama to Riyadh. The delegation met with leaders from KAUST, KACST, and the Saudi Research Development and Innovation Authority to explore joint efforts in cutting-edge fields such as AI, biotechnology, nanotechnology, renewable energy, and cybersecurity. Switzerland’s robust R&D ecosystem, investing over 3% of GDP (nearly 30 billion Swiss francs annually), paired with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 innovation agenda, provides fertile ground for shared pilot projects, seed funding, and research partnerships under Switzerland’s "Leading House" framework and the Swiss National Science Foundation’s grants.
Company Formation in Saudi Arabia from Switzerland: 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 | | | | |