Manufacturing Business Setup in Saudi Arabia
Explore the licensing requirements and setup procedures to launch your manufacturing business in the Kingdom's growing industrial landscape.
Launch Your Manufacturing Business in Saudi Arabia's Thriving Industrial Market
As Saudi Arabia transforms into a global manufacturing powerhouse, international companies are seizing the opportunities this evolution presents. AstroLabs helps manufacturers establish a solid foundation for growth in the Kingdom, drawing on over 12 years of on-the-ground expertise to navigate licensing, local content rules, and Saudization requirements unique to the sector.
Why is Saudi Arabia a Premier Manufacturing Destination?
36,000 Factories
Vision 2030 target by 2035, including 4,000 fully automated
SAR 895 billion ($239 billion)
Expected industrial sector GDP contribution by 2030
40% Local Content
Requirement for government contracts, creating supplier opportunities
60% increase
The number of industrial facilities in Saudi Arabia rose from 7,206 in 2016 to 11,549 in 2023
2.1 milli Jobs
Targeted job creation in the industrial sector by 2030
A Step-by-Step Guide to Business Setup
First Stage: Legal Entity Establishment (1 Month)
- Obtain a MISA Investor License (valid for one year)
- Reserve company name
- Draft & notarize Articles of Association (AoA)
- Secure Commercial Registration (CR) from the Ministry of Commerce
- Register with the Chamber of Commerce (CoC)
Second Stage: Authorization & Hiring (2–3 Months)
- Obtain the official company seal
- Register with the Ministry of Labor
- Enroll with GOSI for employee insurance
- Register the business National Address
- Issue a General Manager (GM) visa
- Register with ZATCA for VAT compliance
Compliance After Company Registration
Tax Filing with ZATCA
File your annual tax returns through ZATCA (formerly GAZT) to remain compliant with Saudi tax regulations.
Business License Renewals
Be vigilant about renewing your Commercial Registration (CR), MISA license, and the GM’s Iqama, as well as any other required approvals.
Government Platform Management
Keep your accounts active and updated on Muqeem, Qiwa, and Mudad platforms to ensure smooth compliance and reporting
Payroll and HR Compliance
Regularly report payroll and social insurance obligations, keeping salary records and GOSI registrations current.
Saudization (Nitaqat) Requirements
You must meet local hiring (Saudization) targets based on your industry and company size. Failing to comply can lead to restrictions or operational penalties.
Why Manufacturing Firms Choose AstroLabs
End-to-End Support to Set Up, Operate, and Grow in Saudi Arabia
Manufacturing is one of the most operationally complex sectors to set up in Saudi Arabia, with IKTVA local content requirements, industrial zone considerations, and activity-specific Saudization quotas all adding layers that most expansion consultants are not equipped to handle. AstroLabs has set up manufacturers across several domains and specializations.
Licensed in 10 Days, Operational in Three Months
We fast-track MISA license approval to as little as 10 days, and our clients reach full operational status in an average of three months. In manufacturing, that head start translates directly into production timelines and contract delivery.
Local Content and Compliance Built In
Meeting Saudi Arabia's local content and Saudization requirements isn't optional—it determines your eligibility for government contracts and your standing in the Nitaqat system. AstroLabs builds compliance into the setup process from the outset.
On-Ground Support
From your MISA investor license to VAT registration, GM Iqama, GOSI enrollment, and payroll compliance—our in-country team handles the complete setup chain under one roof, with a dedicated account manager keeping your expansion on track at every stage.
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 | | | | |