From The US to Saudi Arabia
How to Set Up a Business in Saudi Arabia from the US
A Blueprint for American Companies
Set up your business in Saudi Arabia with a step-by-step guide tailored for US companies. Navigate the full company formation process, including licensing, registration, expansion, and post-setup compliance requirements with expert support.
Company Formation from the US to Saudi Arabia in Sector-Specific Markets
Saudi Arabia is actively creating investor-friendly opportunities for foreigners to own and expand their businesses in Saudi Arabia. With the USA being one of the top audiences for this sector growth. Key growth sectors include the energy, IT, tourism, entertainment, and automotive industries. Thanks to its future vision, Saudi Arabia is reshaping its economic foundation to attract US companies that are playing a leading role in this developmental process.
1. Clean Energy and Green Technology
Saudi Arabia has planned to invest over $180 billion in renewable energy by 2030, creating a massive influx of American companies looking to register and expand to Saudi Arabia US firms such as Baker Hughes, Aerosol and Air Products are but a few already capitalizing on the growing market.
2. Information Technology and AI
The IT sector's market size in Saudi Arabia is projected to reach $76B by 2029. Riyadh has also announced plans for the largest AI cluster in MENA, attracting hyperscalers and chip manufacturers.
3. Tourism, Hospitality, and Entertainment
Aiming to attract 150 million tourists annually by 2030, Saudi Arabia is transforming its tourism and entertainment ecosystem. American companies that have currently expanded to KSA, include AMC Entertainment, Six Flags, Hilton, and Marriott, show the demand for large MNCs willing to invest in a key area for American business setup to Saudi.
Company Formation in Saudi Arabia from the US: 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 | | | | |