How Foreign Investors Open a Company in Saudi Arabia

Foreign investors looking to establish a business in Saudi Arabia now face a simpler and more digital path in 2026, with most steps completed online through the Ministry of Investment portal, the Ministry of Commerce and ناجز, and supporting platforms such as قوى, Balady, ZATCA, and the Chamber of Commerce.

The most common legal structures are a limited liability company (LLC), which allows 100% foreign ownership in permitted sectors, a branch of a foreign company, and a joint stock company for larger or regulated projects. Investors first choose their legal form and activities, ensuring they fall within permitted sectors, then prepare and legalise home-country documents including certificates of incorporation and board resolutions.

What changed in 2026

A key regulatory shift has removed the previous requirement for a separate paid وزارة الاستثمار investment license. Under the updated regulations, foreign investors are no longer required to hold a traditional paid MISA license, and the historic annual license fees of SAR 12,000 and above have been suspended.

On costs, issuing a Commercial Registration through ناجز runs about SAR 1,200, with validity commonly up to five years. Municipality (Balady) licences range from roughly SAR 1,000 to 3,000 for standard activities, rising to SAR 5,000–15,000 or more for restaurants and larger premises. Chamber of Commerce membership costs about SAR 1,000–3,000 annually, while electronic notarisation of the articles of association through ناجز costs around SAR 300–1,000. Basic ZATCA tax registration carries no government fee, though VAT registration applies once thresholds are met.

Overall, first-year government fees for a clean, foreign-owned LLC typically fall between SAR 16,000 and 20,000 when a municipality licence and Chamber membership are included. Labour and HR management through a قوى subscription adds roughly SAR 1,265 to 2,645 depending on the package. These figures exclude office rent and consulting fees, but the streamlined process reflects the wider push to attract foreign capital under رؤية السعودية 2030.

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