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Company registration in Saudi Arabia
A strategic step for managing international capital
- 100% foreign ownership
- Reduced tax burden
- Company registration from 1 week
- Corporate bank account opened within 48 hours
Submit a request and get a consultation with a corporate law specialist
About the program
Creating a company in Saudi Arabia provides an opportunity for rapid entry into Middle Eastern markets. Foreign investors can enjoy 100% business ownership in most sectors without the need for a local partner. Since April 2025, a unified commercial registration system applies across the entire country.
Special economic zones offer incentives, including a reduction of corporate tax to 5% and exemption from customs duties. The registration process is streamlined through the Ministry of Investment’s platform, allowing for quick issuance of an investment license.
- Dividend, profit, and capital gains tax: from 0%
- Corporate tax: 0-20%
- Company registration time: from 1 week
- Office requirements: physical office
- Currency restrictions: none
Types of companies and key features
Registering a company in Saudi Arabia provides access to the region’s largest economy, with a population of 35 million people.
Mainland
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A local company is a legal entity authorized to conduct business across the entire country. Since 2021, full foreign ownership is available in most sectors.
- 100% foreign ownershipFull control without a local partner in permitted sectors.
- Unlimited tradeAccess to government contracts and the entire Saudi Arabian market.
- Tax benefitsCorporate tax: 20% for non-residents; VAT: 15%.
- International reputationA recognized jurisdiction for unrestricted banking services.
Free Zone Company
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A company located in one of the special economic zones offering maximum incentives for international business.
- Preferential taxationCorporate tax reduced to 5% for foreign companies.
- 100% profit repatriationCapital can be transferred abroad without additional conditions.
- Simplified registrationAccelerated processing of documents and business licenses.
- Duty exemptionFull exemption from customs duties on imports and exports.
Holding company
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A parent company for managing a group of enterprises, optimizing taxation, and protecting assets.
- Liability protectionIsolation of subsidiary company risks from the parent structure.
- Tax optimizationUtilization of double taxation avoidance agreements.
- Centralized managementUnified control over all business processes within the group.
- Attracting investmentHigh capitalization for external financing.
Family Foundation
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A specialized structure for managing family wealth and estate planning through licensed structures via Family Offices.
- Full tax exemptionNo taxes on inheritance, capital gains, or dividends.
- Maximum confidentialityProtection of personal data and anonymity of owners.
- Estate planningTransfer of assets to future generations without losses.
- Asset protectionReliable safeguarding of capital from third-party claims.
How to choose a location and corporate structure for business in Saudi Arabia: Mainland, Free Zones, Family Foundation
- Which business entity in Saudi Arabia is right for you
- Documents required to start a company in Saudi Arabia
- Updated business registration rules for 2025
How to choose a location and corporate structure for business in Saudi Arabia: Mainland, Free Zones, Family Foundation
Step-by-step process to company registration
Step-by-step process to company registration
Andris Kaushelis
General Manager
Personal consultation and business model analysis
Corporate lawyers Mirsatori conduct a detailed analysis of your business, determine the optimal structure and jurisdiction for registering a company in Saudi Arabia from scratch, taking into account tax benefits.
Get a consultationObtaining a MISA investment license
Specialists Mirsatori ensure the issuance of a license from the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia, preparing the complete set of documents and liaising with government authorities.
Get a consultationCommercial registration and license selection
Commercial registration is carried out through the Ministry of Commerce with an initial fee of approximately USD 1,600. Lawyers assist in choosing the optimal type of license for your activity.
Corporate bank account registration
Setting up a company in Saudi Arabia includes opening a corporate bank account within 48 hours, along with preparation of all necessary documents and support throughout the KYC (Know Your Customer) verification process.
Get a consultationInvestor residency visa processing
Specialists Mirsatori organize the issuance of a 2–3 year investor visa with the right to sponsor family members, with the possibility of obtaining Premium Residency for long-term stay.
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A company in Saudi Arabia as a strategic gateway to global markets
Registering a company provides direct access to international markets and global banking systems. With the license, you also receive:
- Personal and corporate residency visas for you and your team
- Tools for effective tax optimization
- A structure for protecting, managing, and growing capital at a global level
Submit a request and get a consultation with a corporate law specialist
Get a personalized strategy for entering the Saudi Arabian market
A Mirsatori specialist will prepare a tailored company registration plan based on your goals, business scale, and ownership type. The strategy will include:
- Selection of the optimal jurisdiction (Free Zone or Mainland)
- Capital requirements and types of activities
- Timelines and costs at each stage
- Opportunities for obtaining residency
Get a personalized strategy for entering the Saudi Arabian market
Advantages of registering a company in Saudi Arabia
Strategic location
Saudi Arabia is located at the crossroads of three continents, providing access to markets in Asia, Africa, and Europe with a combined population of over 2 billion people.
100% foreign ownership
Full business control without a local partner in most sectors of the economy, including technology, healthcare, and tourism.
Preferential taxation
Zero corporate tax on profits up to USD 100,000 per year and no capital gains tax.
Investment protection
Government-level guarantees for capital preservation, asset protection from confiscation, and equal rights with local investors.
Access to financing
State support programs under Vision 2030, with investments exceeding USD 500 billion in infrastructure and economic diversification.
Premium infrastructure
Modern business centers, international airports, a developed logistics network, and world-class digital infrastructure.
Family residency
The ability to sponsor visas for a spouse, children up to 25 years old, and parents through the Premium Residency program.
Global opportunities
Direct access to the markets of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, with a combined GDP exceeding USD 2 trillion.
Company registration: comparative analysis
Category
Saudi Arabia
Qatar
UAE
Bahrain
Minimum share capital
USD 6,660
from USD 55,000
USD 0
USD 0
VAT
15%
from 0%
5%
10%
100% foreign ownership
yes
yes
yes
yes
Audit
yes
yes
yes
yes
Corporate tax
20%
10%
from 0%
0%
Personal income tax
0%
0%
0%
0%
Dividend tax
0%
0%
0%
0%
Double taxation treaties
80+
80+
130+
40+
Currency control
no
no
no
no
Company registration: alternative programs
Country
Cost
Processing time
Benefits
Qatar
Cost
USD 12,500
Processing time
from 2 weeks
Benefits
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- 0% tax on foreign income
- Access to the Gulf market
- Advantageous strategic location
The UAE
Cost
from USD 10,000
Processing time
from 1 week
Benefits
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- Tax optimization and access to new markets
- Residency for family members
- Full business ownership in a free zone
Bahrain
Cost
from USD 13,500
Processing time
from 1 week
Benefits
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- Residency with renewal option
- Tax optimization and access to new markets
- 100% ownership of the company and capital management
FAQ
What is the minimum capital required to register a company?
The registration cost depends on the type of company — for example, USD 6,660 for an LLC. For trading companies with 100% foreign ownership, approximately USD 8 million is required. Registration fees in free zones are lower than for an LLC on the mainland.
Is it possible to register a company without a local partner?
Yes, since 2021, 100% foreign ownership is allowed in most sectors. Purchasing a company in Saudi Arabia provides full control without a partner. Exceptions include strategic industries such as oil and gas, telecommunications, and banking.
What taxes do companies pay in Saudi Arabia?
Corporate tax is 20% for foreign companies (0% on profits up to USD 100,000), and VAT is 15%. Free zones offer preferential rates of up to 5%.
How long does registration take?
Turnkey company registration in free zones takes from 1 week with a complete set of documents.
What licenses are available for business?
Three main types are available:
- Trade license – for buying and selling
- Professional license – for services
- Industrial license – for manufacturing
The choice depends on the type of activity.
Is it possible to obtain residency through the company?
Yes, owning a company grants the right to an investor visa for 2–3 years, with the possibility of renewal and family sponsorship.
Is physical presence required to manage the company?
In most free zones, physical presence is not required. To maintain the visa, it is recommended to visit Saudi Arabia at least one day every six months.
What advantages do special economic zones provide?
Reduced corporate tax of 5%, exemption from customs duties, lower requirements for hiring Saudi nationals, and accelerated registration.
Get expert guidance on your case
Schedule a meeting with our specialists, in-office or online, and receive a tailored case analysis, a clear cost estimate, and the best solution to achieve your goals.
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