MISA: How to Set Up an LLC or Branch in Saudi Arabia

Foreign investors looking to establish a business in Saudi Arabia can now complete the entire licensing process online through the Invest Saudi / وزارة الاستثمار portal, with all applications fully digital in 2026. The two most common structures are a limited liability company (LLC) and a foreign branch.

An LLC requires between 1 and 50 shareholders and at least one manager. There is no statutory minimum share capital for general service companies, though banks and the ministry typically expect deposited capital of around SAR 100,000 to 500,000. Fully foreign-owned companies are permitted for most licensed activities, with no mandatory Saudi partner. A foreign branch, by contrast, requires the parent company's commercial registration and a board resolution approving the branch — both attested and translated — with corporate liability remaining with the head office.

The core steps

The process begins by attesting and legalising parent documents at home and at the Saudi embassy, then translating them into Arabic through an approved translator. Applicants then create an account and apply for the وزارة الاستثمار investment licence, reserve a trade name, and notarise the Articles of Association via the Ministry of Justice e-notary system. After that comes the Commercial Registration (CR) through the Ministry of Commerce e-services, followed by registration with the Chamber of Commerce, ZATCA, GOSI, قوى, مقيم, a national address (Wasel), and opening a corporate bank account. A municipal Balady licence is needed for premises.

On timing, document attestation usually takes about 3–5 working days once files reach the authorities, while the MISA licence is typically issued within 5–7 working days for complete applications. Drafting and notarising the Articles of Association takes roughly 3–5 days, and the CR follows within a few days of capital deposit. A straightforward setup — from planning to being fully operational — typically takes around 10 to 16 weeks.

For residents and expat entrepreneurs, the fully digital pathway means fewer in-person visits and clearer timelines, making it easier to plan launch dates and budgets ahead of time.

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