MISA Foreign Investment Licence: Types & How to Apply

Foreign companies and entrepreneurs looking to set up in Saudi Arabia can obtain a foreign investment licence issued by the Ministry of Investment, a key step before establishing a legal business presence in the Kingdom.

The licence covers several categories, including service, industrial, agricultural, mining, professional, commercial, and entrepreneurial activities. Applications are submitted through the Ministry of Investment’s eServices / Invest Saudi online portal, and investors can reach out through the Ministry’s dedicated investor care phone line and email for support.

Documents you typically need

Applicants are generally asked to provide an attested foreign commercial registration, audited financial statements, passports of shareholders and authorized signatories, a board resolution approving the Saudi investment, and constitutional documents for the parent company.

Fees remain inconsistent in 2026

The current fee structure is not stable across all categories. Some 2026 guidance indicates the headline licence issuance and renewal fees have been suspended or waived. Other current materials still list a SAR 2,000 issuance fee, plus a SAR 10,000 first-year investor services subscription, with SAR 60,000 applied for subsequent years in some cases. Because published guidance conflicts, applicants should confirm the exact fees before applying.

Validity periods vary by licence type and setup. Some 2026 materials describe the investment licence as issued for up to five years when fees are paid annually.

After securing the investment licence, company incorporation is completed through the Ministry of Commerce’s online company-establishment service, with stated fees of SAR 1,200 for a limited liability company and SAR 1,600 for a joint-stock or simplified joint-stock company.

For residents and expats considering launching or expanding a business, understanding these steps and confirming the latest fee treatment can help avoid delays and unexpected costs during setup.

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