Business Setup

Starting a Business in Saudi Arabia as a Foreigner.What You Need to Know.

Apply to register your company in Saudi Arabia

Please fill up the form above or bottom of the page and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Saudi Arabia has become one of the most accessible markets in the world for foreign investors and business owners. The government has digitized the entire company formation process and removed the need for a local Saudi partner in most sectors.

The regulatory framework now allows a fully compliant foreign-owned entity to be operational within weeks. Whether you already have a company abroad or are starting from scratch, there is a clear path into the Kingdom.

Siraj Ventures handles the full setup for you, from licensing and registration to bank accounts and residency.

Existing Company

Do you already have a company outside Saudi Arabia?

If you have an existing business registered abroad, the most direct route into Saudi Arabia is through a branch office or a new Saudi entity using your parent company as the base. Your foreign company becomes the foundation for your Saudi registration, and MISA issues you a Foreign Investment License that gives you the legal right to operate in the Kingdom.

A branch is not a separate legal entity. It operates under your parent company's name and carries the same activities. The parent company retains full ownership and full legal responsibility. No local Saudi sponsor is needed.

Requirements

A foreign investment license from MISA
Commercial Registration from the Ministry of Commerce
A business bank account opened in Saudi Arabia
A physical office address registered in a Saudi city
The branch manager must hold a Saudi residency permit

Documents needed from your parent company

Business license of the parent company
Memorandum of Association
Audited financial report
Shareholder certificate
Copies of shareholders passports

All foreign documents must be translated into Arabic and legally attested by MOFA and the Saudi Embassy in your country.

No Company Yet

Do not have a company abroad yet?

That is completely fine. Siraj Ventures handles the full overseas company formation for you in an eligible jurisdiction, from scratch, end to end. We then use that entity to meet all of MISA's requirements for your Saudi registration. You do not need to find foreign lawyers, deal with overseas agents, or manage document logistics across multiple countries. Everything is handled in one place, and by the time we begin your Saudi registration, every requirement is already met.

Process

How the process works

Assess your situation

We assess your situation and confirm the right route, whether that is a branch, a new LLC, an Entrepreneur License, or incorporating abroad first.

Prepare and attest documents

We prepare and attest all required documents, including overseas incorporation if needed.

Apply for Foreign Investment License

We apply for your Foreign Investment License through MISA.

Commercial Registration

We register your company with the Ministry of Commerce and obtain your Commercial Registration.

Government portal registrations

We complete all government portal registrations including ZATCA, GOSI, QIWA, MUDAD, and MUQEEM.

Bank account and Iqama

We support your bank account opening and GM Iqama processing.

Fully operational

You are fully registered and operational in Saudi Arabia.

FAQs

Does my company need to have been operating for a certain period before applying?

Yes. For a standard MISA Investment License, the parent company must have been operational for at least 1 to 2 years with audited financials. If you do not have this, we will advise on the right alternative route, including overseas incorporation.

Can the branch carry out different activities than the parent company?

No. The branch is restricted to the same business activities as the parent company. This is why choosing the right activities at the parent company level matters.

Is the parent company liable for the branch's obligations?

Yes. The parent company is fully liable for any legal or financial matters arising from the branch.

What is the tax rate for a foreign company in Saudi Arabia?

A 20% corporate income tax applies on Saudi-sourced revenue. Standard VAT of 15% also applies on goods and services.

What if I am not sure which route is right for me?

Fill out the form below and our team will review your situation and come back to you with the right recommendation for your specific background and business goals.

Apply

Apply to register your company in Saudi Arabia

Fill out this short form below, and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.