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Saudi Arabia’s prestigious Vision 2030 is transforming the Kingdom diversifying the economy, launching Giga‑projects like NEOM, and intentionally inviting global entrepreneurs to play a leading role
Reforms have slashed red tape, lowered minimum capital, and now allow 100% foreign ownership in key sectors like consulting, IT, healthcare, and technical services. As J K, this means you can enjoy full ownership, autonomy, and brand control.
Choose the Right Business Activity & Structure
- Select from LLC, Branch Office, Joint Stock Company (JSC), Regional Headquarters, or Technical & Scientific Services Office each fitting different business goals.
- Your chosen sector must be eligible under MISA’s foreign investment list.
Follow the 3‑Stage, 21‑Step Setup Journey
Stage 1: Legal Foundations (1 month)
- Secure a MISA license, reserve your company name, draft Articles of Association, obtain Commercial Registration (CR), and register with the Chamber of Commerce (CoC)
Stage 2: Compliance & Hiring (1–2 months)
- Stamp your company seal, register with the Ministry of Labor, join GOSI, assign a National Address, obtain General Manager (GM) visa, and register with ZATCA (formerly GAZT) for taxes/VAT
Stage 3: Activation & Operations (1 month)
- Activate CoC account, arrange health insurance, conduct GM medical check-up, issue Iqama, register on Muqeem, Absher, Qiwa, Mudad, and open a bank account
Estimated Timelines
- Startup path: 19 working days
- Basic entity: 21 days
- Full establishment: 59–64 days
Costs & Capital Requirements
- MISA application and license fees apply.
- Industrial ventures need SAR 25,000+ as initial capital
- Trading and some sectors may require much higher capital (e.g., SAR 30 million)
- VAT is set at 15%, corporate tax for foreign-owned firms at 20%, and Zakat applies to Saudi/GCC-shareholding
Saudization & Workforce Rules
Through the Nitaqat (Saudization) program, foreign businesses must hire a minimum quota of Saudi nationals, categorized into tiers Platinum, Green, Yellow, Red based on compliance
Premium Residency: The New “Green Card” Advantage
Foreign entrepreneurs can also apply for Premium Residency, granting rights like business ownership and property leasing no Saudi sponsor required.
Quick FAQs for J K
- 100% foreign ownership?
Yes, in eligible sectors (e.g., consulting, IT, technical services)
- Need a local sponsor?
Generally, not if you hold a MISA license.
- Office space required?
Yes, a physical presence is mandatory.
- Must come to KSA?
GM must visit for medicals and Iqama processing.
- Renewals & compliance?
Annual license renewal, audits, Saudization audits, and VAT submissions are required.
