Company Formation Saudi Arabia
Open a Company in Saudi Arabia
Start a company in Saudi Arabia fast and easy with the help of our local agents. Contact us if you want to open a Saudi company.
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What do you need?
Company formation in Saudi Arabia in 2026 can take several weeks, being quite distinctive from the procedures available in other countries. Our team of agents can offer in-depth assistance on registering a company in Saudi Arabia with the local institutions.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| What are the types of companies available for registration in Saudi Arabia? | – sole trader (establishment), – general partnership, – limited partnership, – limited liability company, – joint stock company, – simplified joint stock company |
Business forms available for foreign companies | – branch office, – subsidiary, – representative office |
Most popular business form among foreign investors | Private limited liability company |
| What are the company formation steps in Saudi Arabia? | – company name reservation, – bank account opening, – document drafting and filing, – tax registration |
| Documents | – valid ID/passport, – proof of local address, – share capital certificate, – ID/residence permit of the director, – Articles of Association, – MISA investment registration certificate (if applicable) |
| How long does it take to register a company in Saudi Arabia? | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Online registration availability (YES/NO) | Yes, through our local specialists |
| Bank account opening support (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Minimum number of shareholders | 1 |
| Minimum number of directors | 1 |
| Resident director required | A local director must be appointed, but the person need not be a Saudi resident |
| Minimum share capital for LTD | No statutory minimum (MISA may expect capital adequate to the activity for foreign-owned companies) |
| Local address required | Yes |
| Full foreign availability (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Special requirements for foreign investors | Foreign investors must first register the investment with the Ministry of Investment (MISA) and obtain an investment registration certificate. |
What are the steps to open a company in Saudi Arabia as a foreign investor?
Here are the steps to consider if you are a foreign investor and want to open a company in Saudi Arabia in 2026:
- you must choose the legal form for your business and check the type of license required, in accordance with the relevant MISA (Ministry of Investment) category: these steps can be performed with the help of our local team, who can explain the aspects to pay attention to;
- then, the company registration documents must be prepared, and they consist of the Articles of Association of the entity;
- the documents will be filed with MISA to obtain the investment registration certificate (which replaced the MISA licence in 2025).
Following that, the regular business incorporation procedure will be completed with the Ministry of Commerce (Commercial Register).
What are the documents required to set up a company in Saudi Arabia?
Here is a list of the papers required for company registration in Saudi Arabia:
- valid passport or residence permit (Iqama), if the shareholders are Saudi residents;
- proof of local address;
- the share capital deposit certificate;
- the MISA investment registration certificate (for foreign-owned companies);
- ID or residence permits for the directors;
- Articles of Association.
Please note that foreign-issued documents must be translated into Arabic and then notarized. For this purpose, you can benefit from PRO services, which are mandatory for foreign investors.
Here is also an infographic on this subject below:
What are the share capital requirements for registering companies in Saudi Arabia?
Compared to other jurisdictions, registering a company in Saudi Arabia has strict rules about the share capital requirements for each type of entity, as follows:
- there is no statutory minimum capital for a limited liability company (MISA may expect capital adequate to the activity),
- in the case of a joint stock company, at least SAR 500,000 is required (one quarter paid at incorporation),
- in the case of a simplified joint stock company, there is no minimum share capital,
- for general and limited partnerships, there is no statutory minimum capital,
- the partnership limited by shares was abolished by the 2023 Companies Law.
Another business form that does not require a minimum share capital is the sole proprietorship.
What are the management requirements for a Saudi company?
Saudi companies must appoint at least one resident director. It is also possible to appoint a foreign national, as long as the person has or obtains an Iqama. For this purpose, our local specialists can help with:
- confirm the eligibility for the position;
- obtain the work visa;
- register the director for employment and the labor agreement on Qiwa;
- secure medical insurance;
- arrange for the medical examination;
- obtain the residence permit.
What are the most important post-registration requirements to comply with in Saudi Arabia?
After commercial registration with the Ministry of Commerce, it is essential to complete the following:
- register for taxation and VAT with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA);
- register for social security with the General Organisation for Social Insurance;
- register the company’s address with the Saudi Post;
- enrol with the Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development for employment purposes;
- enrol with the Muqeem platform for residency and visa management purposes;
- apply for other licenses (if required).
What business forms can foreign companies employ in Saudi Arabia?
Foreign companies can establish their presence in this country through branch offices and subsidiaries.
How long does it take to start a company in Saudi Arabia?
The registration procedure as of 2026 can take between 4 and 8 weeks, depending on how soon the documents are ready.
Please contact our team of specialists in company registration in Saudi Arabia for more details related to the registration of a business form.