Saudi Investment Licenses Jump 252% to 9,018 in Q2 2026

Saudi Arabia issued 9,018 investment licenses during the second quarter of 2026, a 252% increase compared with 2,561 licenses in the same period of 2025. The licenses were granted by the Ministry of Investment through its electronic investor portal, which handles standard foreign and local investment applications.

Investors apply online by creating an account, selecting an activity and license type, and submitting documents digitally. Common categories in 2026 include service, commercial, industrial, entrepreneurial/startup, and regional headquarters (RHQ) licenses. Standard applications are typically processed within 3 to 10 business days.

How the process works

The steps include creating and verifying an investor account, opening a “New Investment License” request, and uploading legalized and translated corporate documents — such as the parent company’s commercial registration, a board resolution to invest in Saudi Arabia, articles of association, and a power of attorney for the Saudi representative. Applicants then provide basic details of the proposed entity, including name, capital, ownership percentages, activities, and city, before submitting electronically for review and issuance.

Fees and costs

As of mid-2026, several guides report that the historic Ministry of Investment issuance fee of SAR 12,000 and the multi-year renewal fee of up to SAR 62,000 have been suspended or waived for many categories, leaving mainly commercial register and chamber of commerce costs of roughly SAR 1,200 to SAR 3,000. Other guides still describe an active model with a SAR 2,000 issuance fee and a SAR 10,000 investor services subscription in the first year, totaling about SAR 12,000.

The sharp rise in licenses reflects continued momentum in attracting investment under Saudi Vision 2030. For residents, entrepreneurs, and international firms, the streamlined digital process and reduced direct fees make it easier to establish a presence in the Kingdom.

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