MISA Suspends License Fees, Eases Foreign Investor Entry

Saudi Arabia has moved to make it simpler and cheaper for foreign investors to set up in the Kingdom, combining a modernized investment framework with the recent suspension of longstanding license and subscription fees. The National Investment Law, in force since 2024 and effective for foreign investors from February 2025, is now paired with fee changes announced for April 2026.

Under the new law, the separate "foreign investment license" has been removed. Foreign and domestic investors are guaranteed equal treatment, protection from expropriation, and the free transfer of funds. The law also broadens the definition of "foreign investor" to cover both companies and individuals.

To begin, foreign investors must register with وزارة الاستثمار (MISA) before carrying out any investment activity. Once registration is complete, they obtain commercial registration and operating licenses from the relevant authorities through official e-channels — including قوى for labor matters and ناجز for company formation and notarial services.

Lower costs of entry

As of April 2026, MISA has suspended collection of its traditional license and investor-services subscription fees. Previously applied fees now suspended included an annual license fee of SAR 2,000 (valid up to five years) and a one-time investor-services subscription of SAR 10,000 in the first year, alongside multi-year subscription options ranging from SAR 74,000 for two years up to SAR 260,000 for five years.

The law also explicitly allows investment incentives under fair, objective eligibility criteria, with detailed conditions set through regulations and sectoral programs. Incentives may include tax, customs, financing, and utility advantages.

Most steps are handled online. ناجز supports incorporation and corporate documents, قوى manages labor contracts and Saudization compliance, while مقيم and أبشر handle residency and visa services for foreign employees. Municipal permits are issued through Balady, identity verification and e-signatures run via توكلنا and نفاذ, and Etimad enables participation in government tenders once the entity is operational.

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