Saudi FDI Stock Climbs 12% to SAR 1.12 Trillion

Saudi Arabia's stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) reached approximately SAR 1,122.8 billion by the end of the first quarter of 2026, marking a 12% increase compared with the same period a year earlier. The figure represented roughly 32% of the Kingdom's total foreign investment.

The continued rise reflects growing confidence among international investors in the Saudi market and aligns with the economic diversification goals of رؤية السعودية 2030. For residents and expats, a larger inflow of foreign capital generally translates into more companies, more jobs, and a wider range of services across sectors.

Setting up a business

For investors looking to establish a presence, وزارة الاستثمار handles licensing through its electronic services portal. registration fees are set by the ministry after an application is approved, rather than through a single fixed universal fee. Once notified, applicants must generally pay the approved fees within 15 business days, or the application becomes void.

On the corporate side, establishing a company through the Ministry of Commerce is listed as taking up to 72 hours. Incorporation fees for 2026 include SAR 1,200 for a limited-liability company and SAR 1,600 for a joint-stock or simplified joint-stock company.

The combination of faster setup timelines and clear fee structures is part of a broader effort to make the Kingdom an easier place to do business, supporting the steady climb in foreign investment recorded over the past year.

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