Saudi RHQ Programme: Benefits and How to Qualify

Oct 26, 2026•2 min read

Multinational companies looking to set up a regional base in the Kingdom can apply for a Regional Headquarters (RHQ) licence through the وزارة الاستثمار investor platform, unlocking long-term tax incentives in exchange for establishing genuine regional operations in Saudi Arabia.

To qualify, a multinational group must have subsidiaries or branches in at least two countries outside both Saudi Arabia and the group's home country. The Saudi RHQ is expected to manage or supervise regional operations and deliver approved strategic and support functions. Core activities—strategic direction, business planning, budgeting, and performance monitoring—must begin within six months of licensing, alongside at least three optional support functions such as HR, finance, legal, IT, marketing, or procurement.

Staffing and documents

The programme requires a minimum of 15 full-time employees within the first year, including at least three senior executives. Applicants typically submit the parent company's commercial registration, proof of operations in two other countries, the latest audited consolidated financial statements, the group structure, a board resolution, a business plan, and authenticated foreign documents.

After the RHQ licence is approved, companies obtain a Saudi commercial registration through the Ministry of Commerce or Saudi Business Center, then complete ZATCA, GOSI, Ministry of Human Resources, قوى, banking, premises, and employee-residency registrations.

Incentives and fees

Qualifying RHQ activities may benefit from a 0% corporate income-tax rate for up to 30 years, and certain payments to non-resident related parties may receive 0% withholding tax for the same period. Reported 2026 figures on the licence fee conflict—some cite SAR 10,000 for the first year and SAR 2,000 for renewal, while others describe fees being suspended after previously being set higher. Companies should confirm the payable amount, validity period, and current requirements directly on the وزارة الاستثمار platform before submitting.

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