19 August 2026
Buy a Shelf Company in Saudi Arabia
To buy a shelf company in Saudi Arabia, rely on our local specialists. You can contact us if you want to open a new company in Saudi Arabia.
Buying a shelf company in Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest ways to start a business in this country. Discover what the procedure entails below.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Legal entities available for shelf company | – private limited liability company, – public limited liability company |
Time required for purchasing the company | A few days |
Types of features it includes (corporate bank account, VAT number, etc) | – company name, – registered address, – corporate bank account, – Articles of Association, – director, – tax identification number |
| The advantages of a shelf company | – simple acquisition formalities, – variety of legal entities available, – multiple uses, – possibility of entering partnerships with local companies, – possibility of incorporating history of a foreign business in it |
| Appointing new directors | Yes |
| Capital increase allowed | Yes |
| Certificate of no commercial activities | No |
| Modify the objects of activity | Yes |
| Participants in the purchase procedure | Buyer or local representative and seller |
| The cost of buying a shelf company | Costs depend on the age of company and amendments to be made. |
Can I buy a shelf company as a foreigner in Saudi Arabia?
Definitely, such companies are usually created for foreign investors who do not want to go through the Saudi business incorporation process.
Can you help me buy a Saudi ready-made company?
Yes, this service is part of our portfolio of solutions for foreign entrepreneurs.
What are the main features of a Saudi shelf company?
What differentiates a shelf company from a new company in Saudi Arabia is that the former is already registered and can be bought as such. This means that it comes with:
- a trading name, which is essential for doing business in Saudi Arabia;
- a registered address, which is mandatory for any local enterprise;
- constitutive documents – Memorandum and Articles of Association;
- shareholders and directors, as requested by the Company Law;
- a bank account and tax identification number, which are mandatory for any company.
Recent changes in the legislation come with the introduction of the value added tax, which is why some of these entities may come with VAT numbers. These numbers must be obtained from the Tax Authority in Saudi Arabia.
What is the procedure for buying a Saudi shelf company?
- verifying suppliers and their offers (we recommend checking 2 or 3 offers to move as fast as possible);
- having the offer verified by our local specialists (we will first need some information from you on the activities you want to undertake and advise on the entity to purchase);
- preparing the purchase documents;
- traveling to Saudi Arabia or using our services to complete the acquisition remotely.
What types of shelf companies are available for sale in Saudi Arabia?
- new companies, which have been on the market for 1 or 2 years;
- vintage companies, which are older, usually registered for more than 3 years.
In terms of legal structures, most shelf entities are registered as private limited liability companies.
What documents do I need to buy a ready-made company in Saudi Arabia?
Your passport, if you are a foreign national. You can send a copy via email, and we can handle the purchase on your behalf, so you can travel here after it is completed. For remote acquisition, we will also need a power of attorney.
What are the changes to be made to a shelf company in Saudi Arabia?
There are several changes that need to be made after acquiring a Saudi aged company, and the first and most important is the name of the shareholder and director. Then, the company’s legal address and name can also be changed. When changing the trading name, it should be noted that the company will need a new bank account created under the new name.
These alterations will attract the amendment of the company’s statutory documents and their reporting with the Companies Register.
How long does it take to buy a Saudi shelf company?
A few days, depending on how soon the sale-purchase contract is ready.
How much does a Saudi ready-company cost?
There are various price ranges available for such companies, and the most important element is the age. Older companies are more expensive.
For guidance on buying a shelf company in Saudi Arabia, please contact our local representatives.