Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into Saudi Arabia climbed to SAR 159.1 billion in 2025, a 33.5% increase from SAR 119.2 billion recorded in 2024. The jump reflects growing investor confidence as the Kingdom continues to open up its economy.
A key driver is the updated Investment Law, which replaced the previous Foreign Investment Law after its statutory implementation period. The new framework treats Saudi and foreign investors under a single system, while foreign investors must still register with وزارة الاستثمار before carrying out any investment activity.
Once an investor receives registration confirmation, they can issue a Commercial Registration and obtain the activity licenses required from the relevant authorities. The Ministry of Commerce company-establishment service generally takes up to 72 hours.
What it costs to set up
Establishment fees through the Ministry of Commerce vary by company type: SAR 1,600 for a joint-stock or simplified joint-stock company, SAR 1,200 for a limited-liability company, and SAR 1,000 for a general or limited partnership. Publication fees are SAR 500, with 15% VAT applied to the listed service fees.
For residents and entrepreneurs in الرياض, جدة and beyond, the clearer rules and faster timelines mean a smoother path to launching a business. The strong FDI figures signal continued momentum behind the Kingdom's economic diversification goals under رؤية السعودية 2030.
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