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Launch Your Business in
Saudi Arabia in Record Time
with 100% Ownership
& Seamless Setup

Our TASC company formation experts will guide you through every step of setting up in Saudi Arabia with premium support and our proprietary Incorpify platform, enabling full visibility, simplified licensing, and rapid go-live timelines.

Everything You Need to Know to Start a Business in Saudi Arabia

As the leading experts in company formation in Saudi Arabia, we've compiled all the key steps, legal options, and growth sectors into one easy-to-navigate resource. Use the cards below to jump straight to what matters most.

Market Entry Resources & Insights

Explore our most requested tools and insights for launching your business in KSA.

Discover Resources

Business Setup Timeline

Step-by-step timeline from licensing to full operations.

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Company Structures

Compare the top 5 legal structures and their benefits.

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Special Economic Zones

Learn about KSA's five SEZs and their unique advantages.

Explore SEZs

High-Growth Sectors

Tap into booming industries like tech, healthcare, and tourism.

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FAQS

Get answers to common investor questions in Saudi Arabia.

Browse FAQS

Saudi Arabia Market Entry
Resources & Insights

Explore our most requested tools and insights to help you confidently launch and grow your business in the Kingdom.

Business Setup Guide

Our most downloaded guide walks you through every step to establish your company in Saudi Arabia - including documentation, licensing, and timelines.

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Incorpify Platform

Our proprietary platform automates and tracks every step of your business setup — integrating with government portals and minimizing paperwork. View real-time status, receive alerts, and eliminate bottlenecks with full transparency.

Explore Incorpify

Industry Reports

Access deep insights across Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing sectors, including healthcare, fintech, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Our reports help you validate demand, understand regulatory trends, and localize your value proposition.

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Webinars

Watch past recordings of expert-led webinars and panel discussions covering everything from GRO services to RHQ licensing and Saudization. Ideal for founders, legal teams, and international HR leads.

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Business Setup Requirements Checklist

Our interactive checklist includes everything you need to launch: entity type, license prerequisites, tax ID, portal access, and visa requirements. A perfect tool for internal planning or pitching KSA expansion to your board.

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Company Formation Structures in Saudi Arabia: 100% Foreign Ownership and Strategic Fit

Saudi Arabia offers a range of fully foreign-owned company structures that align with your investment goals, operational scope, and future expansion plans. Whether you're establishing a regional HQ or setting up a single branch, choosing the right structure is key to speed, compliance, and success.

Foreign Branch Office
Foreign Branch Office

Operate as a legal extension of your foreign parent company. Allows full commercial activities under the parent’s scope and identity, ideal for executing contracts and government tenders.

Joint Stock Company (JSC)
Joint Stock Company (JSC)

Suitable for large corporations planning to raise capital, issue public shares, or structure complex ownership. Offers limited liability and governance under the Saudi Companies Law.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Limited Liability Company (LLC)

The most common setup for SMEs and service firms. 100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors. Simple governance, flexible capital structure, and low startup cost.

Regional Headquarters (RHQ)
Regional Headquarters (RHQ)

Designed for multinationals to centralize operations in KSA, Backed by incentives including visa privileges, tax benefits, and regulatory support through the RHQ Program.

Company in SEZ
Company in SEZ

Set up in one Saudi's Special zones for reduced taxes, relaxed Saudization, and customs advanyages. Ideal for logistics, tech, and industrial ventures.

Book a Free Consultation

Not sure which structure suits your business? Our experts will guide you through every option and help you set up with full transparency and speed.

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The TASC Advantage

With over 200 professionals on the ground in Saudi Arabia and more than a decade of experience, TASC is your trusted partner in seamless market entry. Since 2018, we've helped hundreds of companies set up and grow their operations across the Kingdom. From licensing to legal compliance, from staffing to visas, we cover it all through our end-to-end solutions and our proprietary platform, Incorpify.

  • Local Expertise

    With a team based in KSA since 2018, we understand local regulations, industries and business etiquette.

  • Dedicated Team

    Over 200 people in-country, including GROs, legal experts, HR professionals and PROs.

  • Incorpify Technology

    Our tool reduces setup times by up to 40%, providing real-time status updates and automation.

  • Full Lifecycle Support

    We assist beyond incorporation with staffing, payroll, GRO services, renewals, and compliance.

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Team in Saudi Arabi

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Offices in KSA

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Years established in KSA

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High-Growth Sectors in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and regulatory reforms are driving explosive growth in a number of key sectors. These industries are attracting significant investment and represent the biggest opportunities for new entrants looking to establish a strong local presence.

Download Growth Sector Reports

In-depth analysis of defense-sector recruitment trends, featuring a 2.8% year-on-year growth in military and security roles.

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Highlights mega projects across NEOM, Riyadh, and Jeddah, focusing on smart-city infrastructure and heritage-sensitive urban development.

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Showcases the rapid manufacturing scale-up, including smart factories, automation advancements, and a $158 billion market footprint.

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Examines privatization, a $66 billion budget allocation, and sweeping digital-health adoption across hospital and telehealth sectors.

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Reviews major energy and mining investments under Vision 2030 with recruiting insights and localization strategy implications.

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Details growth in digital- and infrastructure-focused consulting, industry rate increases, and evolving Saudization policies.

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View All Reports

High Growth Sectors in Saudi Arabia

Technology & Innovation

Entertainment and Tourism

Healthcare & Pharma

Energy and Renewables

Construction & Real Estate

Manufacturing and Mining

Defense and Aerospace

Aviation

Banking & Financial Services

From License to Launch:
Setup Timeline in Saudi Arabia

You can obtain your investment license in as little as 10 days and become fully operational in under 3 months - thanks to streamlined digital processes, integrated government portals, and support from TASC's Incorpify platform.

  • 01

    Pre Licensing

    In this phase, choose your legal structure, prepare required documents, and reserve your trade name. Finalize your business activities and apply for the MISA (investment) license to start your company setup process.

    • Choose your legal structure and prepare documents
    • Apply for MISA (investment) license
    • Reserve trade name and finalize business activity
    Week 1-2
  • 02

    Company Incorporation

    Company Incorporation is the official registration of your business with government authorities. It includes submitting all required documents and fulfilling legal formalities. Once completed, your company is legally recognized.

    • Draft and notarize Articles of Association
    • Obtain Commercial Registration (CR)
    • Join the Chamber of Commerce
    Week 3-4
  • 03

    Post Incorporation

    Post-Incorporation covers all steps after registering your company. This includes obtaining licenses, opening bank accounts, and fulfilling regulatory requirements. It ensures your business is fully compliant and operational.

    • Register with ZATCA for Tax ID and VAT
    • Set up GOSI, Qiwa, and National Address (Wasel)
    • Apply for General Manager visa and Iqama
    Week 5-6
  • 04

    Go Live

    Go Live is the final step where your business officially starts operations. This includes launching your products or services to customers. It marks the transition from setup to active business functioning.

    • Open a business bank account
    • Hire and onboard employees
    • Start operations, invoicing, and compliance filings
    Week 7-12

Types of Business Licenses in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia offers a variety of business licenses through the Ministry of Investment (MISA), each tailored to specific industries and activities. Choosing the right license ensures compliance, efficient operation, and eligibility for sector-specific benefits. Below are the primary types of licenses available:

Local Expertise

Ideal for consulting, IT, marketing, and other service-based businesses. Requires minimal capital and is one of the fastest to obtain.

Commercial License

Enables trading activities including import/export, wholesale, and retail. May require higher capital and specific location approvals.

Industrial License

For manufacturing and industrial operations. Requires approvals from the Ministry of Industry and includes incentives for local production.

Entrepreneur License

Tailored for startups and early-stage ventures. Offers relaxed requirements and faster access for innovative businesses.

Professional License

Enables trading activities including import/export, wholesale, and retail. May require higher capital and specific location approvals.

Agricultural & Real Estate Licenses

For manufacturing and industrial operations. Requires approvals from the Ministry of Industry and includes incentives for local production.

Saudi Arabia Business Setup Checklist

Stay prepared with our comprehensive step-by-step checklist that outlines everything you need before, during, and after your business setup journey in the Kingdom. This free resource includes guidance on documentation, timelines, visa requirements, and post-incorporation steps.

  • 1. Documents required for MISA licensing
  • 2. Steps for legal incorporation and CR issuance
  • 3. GOSI, Qiwa, ZATCA, and Wasel registrations
  • 4. Visa and Iqama application process
  • 5. Bank account setup and operational go-live
Download Checklist

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in
Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has introduced five strategic Special Economic Zones designed to attract international companies in priority sectors. Each zone offers unique incentives such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, duty-free imports, and relaxed labor laws. These SEZs are part of the government's Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a regional business hub.

Find out more about SEZs

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about starting and managing a business in Saudi Arabia, including licensing, legal requirements, and company formation.

Yes. Saudi Arabia permits 100% foreign ownership in most sectors under the MISA licensing regime. This major reform aligns with Vision 2030 goals to attract international investors. Foreigners can establish Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Branches, and other structures without needing a local sponsor, except in a few restricted categories like military or pilgrimage services.

No, in most cases. Saudi Arabia no longer requires a local sponsor for the majority of business sectors. However, in some professional categories like engineering or legal consultancy, a partial local partnership may be recommended or required. TASC can guide you on specific regulations based on your business model.

Saudization (Nitaqat) is a labor policy requiring companies to employ a minimum quota of Saudi nationals. The quota varies by industry, company size, and workforce composition. Businesses failing to meet Saudization targets may face restrictions on visa issuance or government services. TASC offers recruitment support to help clients remain compliant and reach premium Saudization status for additional benefits.

The average time to complete setup in Saudi Arabia ranges from 6 to 12 weeks. This includes licensing, commercial registration, portal activation, and visa processing. With TASC’s Incorpify platform, many steps are completed in parallel, often reducing setup time by up to 40% through automation and proactive coordination with government authorities.

Corporate tax is 20% on foreign-owned profits. VAT is charged at 15% on most goods and services. Withholding tax may apply to international payments like royalties or service fees. There is no personal income tax in Saudi Arabia. Saudi or GCC partners pay Zakat instead of corporate tax, which is 2.5% of net assets or adjusted income.

Company owners can obtain an Investor Visa (issued through MISA). Employees are eligible for work visas and Iqamas sponsored by the company post-formation. Dependent, contractor, and visitor visas are also available. TASC handles the entire visa and Iqama process, including medicals, portal registrations, and renewals.

Yes. A registered commercial address is a legal requirement and must be registered through the Wasel system. Options include flexi-desks, co-working spaces, or dedicated offices depending on your license. TASC helps clients secure compliant space efficiently to prevent delays in CR activation.

Incorpify is TASC’s proprietary digital platform that centralizes all business setup tasks into a guided dashboard. It integrates with government portals, automates workflows, tracks real-time progress, and flags pending items. This ensures faster approvals, lower costs, and complete transparency throughout your incorporation journey.

Yes, if the activities fall under the same category (e.g., consulting and software under services). However, cross-category combinations like retail and professional services may require additional approvals or separate licenses. TASC helps structure your application to optimize licensing and reduce costs.

SEZs are dedicated zones with custom legal, tax, and employment rules to encourage foreign investment in strategic sectors. Benefits include 100% ownership, reduced Saudization quotas, customs exemptions, and long-term tax holidays. SEZs include NEOM, KAEC, and the Riyadh Logistics Zone. TASC can help you assess eligibility and register in an SEZ.

Foreign investors commonly choose between Limited Liability Company (LLC), Branch Office, or setting up in a Special Economic Zone. Multinationals may opt for RHQs or Joint Stock Companies. TASC advises clients based on operational goals and tax impact.

Yes. You can apply to amend your commercial registration and MISA license to add or remove activities. Changes may require documentation, updated Articles of Association, or re-approvals depending on the type. TASC manages the entire change process for existing clients.

The Regional Headquarters (RHQ) initiative is designed to attract global firms to base regional operations in Saudi Arabia. Benefits include 10-year tax incentives, simplified visa issuance, and relaxed regulations. Companies must manage regional subsidiaries and functions from their RHQ base in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia offers a Temporary Commercial Registration (TCR) for companies delivering project-based work (e.g., construction, engineering, consulting). This allows you to fulfill the contract scope without setting up a full LLC or branch. TASC can assist with TCR license issuance and contract structuring.

Yes. There are no restrictions on repatriating profits, dividends, or capital from Saudi Arabia. However, applicable taxes (like withholding tax) must be cleared before remittance. Foreign exchange is stable and international transfers are well-regulated via local banks.

Download the 2025 Saudi Arabia Business Setup Guide

Gain strategic insights, market opportunities, and step-by-step licensing instructions with our comprehensive setup guide. Perfect for entrepreneurs, consultants, and international firms entering the Kingdom.

Download Now

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