Set up Your Regional Headquarters
(RHQ) in 8 Weeks' Time
Trust TASC to stand up a Saudi RHQ with end-to-end licensing, activation, and
compliance delivered by one accountable team.
Your RHQ Eligibility Checklist
Requirements for Establishing an RHQ
in Saudi Arabia
To qualify for and operate a Regional Headquarters (RHQ) in Saudi Arabia, your company must meet the following criteria
International Presence
Your parent company must already operate in two or more countries beyond its home base and Saudi Arabia.
This confirms your multinational status and ensures the RHQ acts as a genuine regional coordination centre, not a local branch.
It demonstrates the company's global footprint, leadership reach, and ability to manage cross-border operations effectively.
Local Legal Entity
You must establish your RHQ as a registered legal entity in Saudi Arabia either a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a branch office of the parent company. This provides full legal standing to employ staff, enter contracts, and liaise with Saudi authorities.
Your choice between LLC or branch structure depends on your operational flexibility and taxation strategy.
Geographic Scope
The RHQ must coordinate and support your group's operations across the MENA region, serving as the regional nerve centre.
MISA also allows management of additional regions such as Sub-Saharan Afric or South Asia if relevant.
This reinforces the RHQ's role as a strategic command point with oversight beyond Saudi Arabia.
Core Functions
Every RHQ must perform core management functions like strategy, planning, and executive oversight plus at least three support functions from MISA's approved list.
Eligible areas include HR, finance, legal, marketing, and supply chain. Together, these functions ensure the RHQ provides measurable strategic and operational value within your corporate ecosystem.
Operational Timeline
Core strategic functions must start within six months of receiving your RHQ license.
The additional support functions must be fully operational within the first year. This phased approach guarantees your RHQ quickly transitions from registration to active regional leadership.
Staffing Requirements
Within 12 months, your RHQ must hire at least 15 full-time employees, including three senior executives or C-level leaders. These professionals should oversee strategic, financial, and administrative operations.
The staffing requirement reflects MISA's commitment to ensuring RHQs have real decision-making capabilities in the Kingdom.
Non-Commercial Focus
An RHQ is strictly a management and coordination hub-it cannot directly conduct revenue-generating activities. All sales or commercial operations must be run through a separate licensed entity.
This distinction preserves compliance and keeps the RHQ focused on strategy, governance, and group-level efficiency.
Non-Commercial Focus
MISA will conduct a formal review one year after licensing, followed by periodic evaluations.
Your RHQ must submit regular activity and staffing reports to verify continued adherence to all requirements.
Consistent compliance is essential to maintain your license and access long-term benefits such as tax incentives and visa privileges.
The Premier Benefits Package for
Your Regional Headquarters
Saudi Arabia's Regional Headquarters (RHQ) program offers a powerful suite of incentives designed to accelerate your
growth. Here's a look at the benefits tailored for your key business functions.
For Your Finance & Tax Strategy
Dramatically improve your bottom line and simplify your financial operations with major tax exemptions.
- Zero Corporate Tax: Enjoy a 30-year exemption on all eligible RHQ income.
- No Withholding Taxes: Save on dividends and intercompany payments for three decades.
- Guaranteed Predictability: Lock in long-term fiscal stability for strategic planning.
For Your People & Talent Management
Build a world-class team quickly and gain a competitive edge in attracting top global talent.
- Saudization Flexibility: 10-year exemption lets you hire freely across roles and nationalities.
- Fast Global Hiring: Receive up to 250 visas immediately after licensing.
- Family & Talent Support: Simplified onboarding, family work rights, and extended dependent residency.
For Your Executive Leadership & Growth
Gain a strategic edge with exclusive benefits that empower your leadership and growth.
- Government Access: RHQs gain eligibility for public tenders and giga-project partnerships.
- Premium Residency: Up to three executives qualify for long-term premium status.
- VIP Support: Enjoy fast-tracked services and priority assistance from MISA.
From Licence to Launch: RHQ Setup
Timeline in Saudi Arabia
You can move from RHQ licence to full operational launch in weeks, not months-with parallel tracks handled by TASC (GRO/PRO, banking, tax, visas, office, and RHQ activation).
TASC Advantages
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.
Company Setup in 5 weeks in the kingdom with 'Incorpify'
TASC’s digital incorporation platform fast-tracks business setup via direct integration with MISA, MoC, and GOSI, cutting delays by 50%+.
GROs Who Work Daily with MoL & GOSI, Not Just Forms
Our in-house legal, HR, and GRO teams are embedded in KSA processes, not just trained on them ensuring real-time updates and faster resolution.
Everything After Your Trade License, Done for You
Support includes GM Onboarding, Post Incorporation, Govt. Portals Set Up, End to end compliance services, visa services, Payroll setup, Banking, ZATCA, Book keeping support and license renewals, managed via a single platform “Governify” and Skilled Saudi based compliance team
100% Compliance and Cost Savings Guaranteed
Automates delivery steps, provides right solutions -fast and saves hiring large teams inhouse. Real-time tracking, direct integration with Saudi e-portals (MISA, MoC, GOSI), and zero paperwork delays, accelerating go-live timelines for new entities and international companies
End to End Service Delivery On Saudi-Built Digital Platform That Covers Setup, Onboarding & GRO
No other comliance partner in the region offers an end-to-end tech platform for company setup, employee onboarding, and GRO compliance; fully localized, fully integrated, and built for KSA labor law and HR operations.
Track Everything. Escalate Nothing
Every action from license approvals to onboarding checklists and GRO submissions is timestamped, tracked, and visible via integrated dashboards. Zero chasing. Full visibility
Partner with TASC Today
Discover a smarter way to hire and scale with TASC your partner in building future-ready teams.
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.
