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.

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.
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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.
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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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Partner with TASC Today
Discover a smarter way to hire and scale with TASC your partner in building future-ready teams.
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.

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

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

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

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

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

High Growth Sectors in Saudi Arabia
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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


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 SEZsExplore Our Business Cities
From industrial ports to tech innovation zones, each Saudi city offers unique advantages depending on your sector and business goals. Here's a quick guide to help you decide where to launch your operations:
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.
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