business set-up in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a country of unrivalled opportunity. Statistics show rapid growth and spending increases – a dramatic contrast to most other markets. Despite this, there is a perception that to pursue, win and deliver business in Saudi is “just too difficult.”. Our commitment is to allow you to compete and win in the Kingdom.

We provide market-leading advice, services and infrastructure to expedite establishment in KSA and assist our clients to align their business priorities with the Vision 2030 national economic strategy. Often, the most critical of these are focused on job creation and knowledge transfer.

Investment vehicles and structures can take the form of a ‘direct presence’ through the new Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia (MISA), which was created in February 2020, as the former Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) was transformed under Royal Decree. It will give SAGIA additional powers enjoyed by ministries to increase its effectiveness in attracting local and international investments.

MISA will perform three crucial functions;

• Improving the Kingdom’s competitiveness for global investment by making it a more attractive investment destination for international investors
• Expanding the value proposition and service quality offered to potential investors
• Offering new investment opportunities to attract both businesses and investors, which can help the Kingdom meet its economic diversification goals
• The main establishment options available for a foreign-owned entity incorporating in KSA are;

Limited Liability Company (LLC) – the most popular form of legal entity for foreign investors

• Branch of a Foreign Company
• Temporary Commercial Registrations
• Scientific and Technical Offices
• Economic Cities
• Industrial Cities

In addition, the investment sector has been separated from the Ministry of Commerce, which was formerly known as the Ministry of Commerce and Investment (MOCI), in a step that confirms the seriousness of the Saudi objective to diversify the economy, involve the private sector in development and attract more investments that add value to the national economy.

The Ministry of Commerce is the regulatory authority concerned with all types of companies. A form of ‘indirect presence’ can also be achieved based on commercial agency or franchise arrangements.