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Residency in Saudi Arabia through business
*The cost is calculated on a case-by-case basis
- Cost: from USD 5,000*
- Processing time: from 2 months
Submit a request to receive a consultation with a specialist
About the program
Establishing a company in Saudi Arabia gives foreign entrepreneurs access to the Middle Eastern market and opportunities to develop their business in the region. In most sectors, 100% foreign ownership is available without a local partner, while obtaining an investment license and registering a business can be completed through the digital services of the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia. Once the applicable legal requirements have been met, an entrepreneur may obtain residence status to conduct business activities in the country. Certain industries may also benefit from special economic zones offering tax and administrative incentives.
Advantages of residency in Saudi Arabia
Residence status for the entire family
A Saudi Arabian residence permit allows an entrepreneur to obtain residence status for family members, subject to the applicable requirements. A spouse and children may live in the country together with the main applicant, access available services, and adapt to life in the Kingdom.
Access to one of the region’s largest markets
Residence status enables entrepreneurs to legally develop a business in Saudi Arabia and use the country as a hub for entering Middle Eastern markets. Entrepreneurs gain access to developed infrastructure, international partners, and promising investment opportunities.
100% foreign business ownership
Foreign investors in most sectors may retain full control over a registered company without being required to involve a local partner. This allows them to independently manage operations, make strategic decisions, and develop the business in their chosen direction.
Favorable tax environment
Saudi Arabia offers competitive conditions for entrepreneurs, including special tax regimes and investment incentives for certain projects. Depending on the business structure and registration zone, additional benefits may apply.
Convenient international business operations
Residence status facilitates interaction with banks, government services, and commercial organizations within the country. Entrepreneurs can open accounts, enter into contracts, and manage the company’s operational activities.
High level of security and quality of life
Saudi Arabia offers a stable social environment, developed urban infrastructure, and a high level of security. Major cities in Saudi Arabia have modern infrastructure, including residential complexes, international schools, and medical facilities.
Opportunities for long-term residence
A residence permit allows a person to legally reside in the country for the validity period of the permit, with the possibility of renewal provided the underlying grounds remain in place. This enables entrepreneurs to gradually integrate into Saudi Arabia’s business and social environment.
Access to investment programs and special zones
Entrepreneurs can benefit from government business development initiatives, including special economic zones and investor support programs. These projects are aimed at attracting foreign capital and creating new opportunities for international companies.
Get your residence permit guide
- Step-by-step process for applicants
- Specific requirements and financial costs
- Ready-to-use residence permit strategy
- Updated 2026 program
Get your residence permit guide
Who is eligible for residency
Main applicant (Entrepreneur)
- Proof of company registration in Saudi Arabia
- Investor license issued by the Ministry of Investment (MISA)
- Valid passport and proof of the lawful source of funds
- Medical insurance and completion of a medical examination
Spouse
- Marriage certificate with the required legalization
- Medical insurance covering the period of residence
Children
- Proof of the family relationship between minor children and the applicant
- Children over the age of 18 in cases permitted under the residence rules
- Birth certificate with the required legalization
Parents
- Proof of the family relationship with the main applicant
- Financial dependence on the applicant
Step-by-step plan for obtaining residency
Step-by-step plan for obtaining residency
Andris Kaushelis
General Manager
Business project assessment and selection of the company structure
At the first stage, the appropriate business structure, type of activity, and requirements for entering the Saudi Arabian market are determined. Mirsatori specialists assess the project, help select the optimal corporate structure, and prepare a residence strategy in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA).
Get a consultationObtaining an investment license
A foreign investor submits an application for an investment license through the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA), providing the required information and documents concerning the company and its activities. Mirsatori lawyers assist with document preparation, verify compliance with the applicable requirements, and support the client throughout the process of interaction with government authorities.
Get a consultationCompany registration in Saudi Arabia
After obtaining the investor authorization, the company is registered through government electronic services, including obtaining a Commercial Registration from the Ministry of Commerce of Saudi Arabia. Mirsatori specialists support the business incorporation process, preparation of corporate documents, and completion of registration formalities.
Get a consultationObtaining the required permits and preparing for residence status
After the company has been registered, the permits required to conduct business are obtained, including registration with the relevant government systems and fulfillment of the requirements applicable to a foreign entrepreneur. Mirsatori experts help prepare the documents and complete the administrative steps required for the subsequent residence application.
Get a consultationObtaining a residence permit and resident documents
Once the requirements for residence in the country have been met, the applicant submits documents for a residence permit (Iqama) through the prescribed government procedures. Mirsatori supports the client at the final stage, helps prepare the documents, arrange completion of the mandatory procedures, and obtain residence status in Saudi Arabia.
Get a consultation
Get Saudi Arabia residency by starting your own company
- Establishing a company in a stable Middle Eastern economy
- Access to modern financial and digital services
- Opportunities to scale the business and attract investment
Submit a request to receive a consultation with a specialist
Advantages of registering a company in Saudi Arabia
Access to a strategic Middle Eastern market
Registering a company in Saudi Arabia enables businesses to operate in the largest economy in the Arab world and use the country as a platform for entering regional markets. The Vision 2030 strategy is aimed at developing the private sector, attracting foreign investment, and diversifying the economy beyond the oil industry.
100% foreign ownership of the company
Foreign investors may own 100% of a company’s share capital in most sectors without mandatory participation by a local partner. Full foreign ownership is governed by Saudi Arabian investment legislation and is available subject to licensing requirements and restrictions applicable to certain business activities.
Simplified conditions for foreign investors
The Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) provides digital services for obtaining investment licenses and interacting with government authorities. This allows foreign entrepreneurs to structure the market-entry process and register a business in accordance with the applicable requirements.
Attractive tax system
Saudi Arabia offers a competitive tax environment for international businesses. Corporate income tax for companies with foreign ownership is generally 20% of taxable profit, while the standard VAT rate is 15%. Additional incentives may apply to certain projects in special economic zones, subject to the relevant requirements.
Free movement of capital and profits
Foreign investors are entitled to transfer capital, profits, and investment income abroad, subject to compliance with applicable legislation. This enables international financial planning and asset management through a registered company.
Access to special economic zones
Saudi Arabia is developing special economic zones with dedicated investment regimes for priority sectors. These zones may provide additional benefits, including tax, customs, and regulatory incentives for companies that meet the applicable criteria.
Developed digital business infrastructure
Saudi Arabian government services allow entrepreneurs to interact remotely with registration, licensing, and tax authorities. This simplifies company management and reduces the administrative burden of doing business.
Opportunities for international expansion
Saudi Arabia occupies a strategic position between Asia, Europe, and Africa and is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Registering a business in the country creates opportunities to develop trade, investment, and partnership projects across regional markets.
Get a personalized strategy for obtaining Saudi Arabian residency through company registration
A Mirsatori specialist will prepare an individual residence plan tailored to the specifics of your case:
- Optimal business structure in Saudi Arabia
- Selection of the appropriate jurisdiction
- Instructions for creating a corporate structure
- Obtaining a 1-year residence permit
Get a personalized strategy for obtaining Saudi Arabian residency through company registration
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 company
A mainland company is a legal entity entitled to conduct business throughout the country. Since 2021, foreign investors have been permitted to own 100% of a company in most sectors.
- Foreign ownership of a company without mandatory involvement of a local partner in most permitted sectors.
- Ability to conduct business throughout Saudi Arabia, including participation in commercial projects and government contracts.
- Corporate income tax for foreign companies is 20%, while the standard VAT rate is 15%.
- Registering a business in Saudi Arabia enhances credibility with international partners and financial institutions.
Special Economic Zone company (Free Zone Company)
A company registered in one of Saudi Arabia’s special economic zones, with access to investment incentives and benefits for international business.
- Preferential tax conditions for companies registered in special economic zones, depending on the requirements of the relevant program.
- Ability to freely distribute profits and repatriate capital in accordance with applicable legislation.
- Simplified procedures for business registration and obtaining the licenses required to conduct activities.
- Access to special economic zone benefits, including customs and administrative incentives for certain types of activities.
Holding structure
A parent company used to manage assets and subsidiaries with centralized control over business processes.
- Separation of risks between individual companies within the group and protection of the parent company’s assets.
- Ability to manage the tax burden efficiently within the framework of applicable legislation.
- Centralized control over operations and the strategic development of the group of companies.
- Simplified investment attraction through a transparent corporate structure.
Family Foundation
A specialized structure for managing family assets and long-term succession planning.
- Ability to structure family wealth and manage assets within the applicable legal framework.
- Enhanced level of confidentiality in asset ownership and family wealth management.
- Planning the transfer of assets to heirs in line with long-term family objectives.
- Protection of family capital from potential risks and third-party claims.
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Company registration: comparative analysis
Category
Saudi Arabia
France
Bahrain
Qatar
Corporate tax
20%
15-25%
0%
10%
Dividend tax
5%
30%
0%
0%
Personal income tax
0%
up to 45%
0%
0%
Residency processing time
depends on the grounds
from 6 months
from 2 weeks
depends on the grounds
For children
public, private and international schools
Access to EU universities
Several schools
public and private schools
Residency for spouse/children
yes
yes
yes
yes
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Company registration: alternative programs
Country
Cost
Processing time
Benefits
France
Cost
from EUR 20,000
Processing time
from 6 months
Benefits
Learn more
- Simple company registration process
- Residency for spouse and children under 18
- No language test required
Bahrain
Cost
from USD 13,500
Processing time
from 2 weeks
Benefits
Learn more
- Fast and simple registration process
- Residence status for family members
- 0% corporate tax
Qatar
Cost
from USD 3,000
Processing time
up to 2 months
Benefits
Learn more
- 5-year residency status, renewable
- Residence permits for family members and dependents
- Up to 100% foreign ownership of companies in certain areas
Frequently asked questions about obtaining a Saudi Arabian residence permit through business
What types of businesses can a foreign investor establish in Saudi Arabia?
Foreign entrepreneurs may register a company in most commercial sectors, except for activities restricted by law. Specific requirements depend on the type of activity and whether additional licenses are required.
Can a foreign national establish a company in Saudi Arabia without a local partner?
Yes. In most sectors, foreign investors may own 100% of a company without a Saudi partner, provided that the required permits and licenses are obtained.
How long does it take to obtain a residence permit through business?
The timeframe depends on the type of activity, company structure, and processing period applied by the relevant government authorities. On average, the process takes several months when a complete set of documents has been prepared.
Can family members relocate after the residence permit has been obtained?
Yes. Saudi Arabian residents may obtain dependent residence permits for eligible family members, subject to the applicable requirements.
Can I open a bank account and conduct financial transactions after registering for a business?
After establishing a company and complying with applicable banking and regulatory requirements, entrepreneurs may use corporate banking services to conduct business in Saudi Arabia. Account opening requirements depend on the bank, the company structure, and the documents provided.
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.
Fill out the form to schedule a meeting in the office or online
If you would like to offer our services to your clients, visit our partnership page to learn about the terms of cooperation and opportunities to grow your business.
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