Set Up Your Foreign Business in Saudi Arabia
With a vibrant private sector, robust infrastructure, and a fast-growing economy, Saudi Arabia remains an ideal launchpad for international businesses, aligning with national priorities in fostering non-oil sectors.
Establish Your Foreign Business in Saudi Arabia with AstroLabs
At AstroLabs, we’ve supported over 800 companies from more than 50 countries in successfully setting up a foreign business in Saudi Arabia. We specialize in offering end-to-end incorporation and corporate services, from company registration to ongoing compliance management.
Steps to Setting Up a Foreign Company in Saudi Arabia
Here's a detailed overview of the foreign business setup process in Saudi Arabia.
Step 1: Prepare Essential 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 officially authorizes your foreign entity to operate in the Kingdom.
Step 3: Register with Government Entities
Complete registration with key 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 (SPL) — to obtain a national address
Step 4: Manage Your National Address
Ensure accurate address updates and renewals through the SPL portal.
Step 5: Appoint a General Manager and Complete Registrations on Governmental Portals
Foreign companies must register on core platforms to ensure legal compliance:
Step 6: Open a Corporate Bank Account
Once your business is legally registered, open a Saudi corporate bank account for handling transactions, payroll, and vendor payments.
Step 7: Hire Staff and Issue Visas
Hire local employees in line with Saudi Arabia’s Saudization (Nitaqat) system. To hire international talent, issue work visas under your company’s sponsorship.
5 Scenarios for Your Foreign Business Expansion in Saudi Arabia
Scenario 1: Expanding an Existing Company to Saudi Arabia
- Service license
- Industrial license
- Agricultural license
- Real estate license
- Trading license
- Mining license
- Professional license
- Scientific & Tech Office
- Economic & Tech Liaison Office
Currently, industrial, agricultural, and service licenses allow 100% foreign ownership.
Scenario 2: GCC-Owned Companies Expanding to Saudi Arabia
GCC-owned businesses can incorporate a subsidiary or establish a branch in Saudi Arabia.
Scenario 3: Foreign Individuals Starting a New Company in Saudi Arabia
There are limited pathways for foreign individuals wishing to start a business in Saudi. To establish a foreign entity in Saudi Arabia, foreign individuals must have a support letter from a government entity (e.g., MISA, PIF, CODE, KAUST, TDF) or hold a patented idea.
Scenario 4: GCC Nationals Starting a New Company
GCC nationals have the same rights as Saudi citizens when establishing a business. They can choose from business structures including sole proprietorships, LLCs, and joint stock companies.
To that effect, they must provide a certificate proving their non-government employment and a police clearance.
Scenario 5: Entrepreneurial License for Startups
Saudi Arabia offers an entrepreneurial license for eligible startups. To qualify, your startup must be operational for at least five years and meet one of the following:
- VC-backed
- Holds a patented idea
Has a support letter from a government entity
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 | | | | |