Set Up Your Business in Saudi Arabia

Eligibility depends on the license type and corporate structure. According to the source requirements, the parent company must have branches in at least three countries to qualify for 100% foreign ownership. For a Basic Service License, a company registered in one country is sufficient.

A Commercial Registration (CR) is a mandatory certificate issued by the Saudi Ministry of Commerce. It officially authorizes your business to operate in Saudi Arabia. You can apply after obtaining the MISA license. Without it, the company cannot conduct commercial activities or legally sign contracts in the Kingdom.

Requirements depend on the shareholder structure. For corporate shareholders, notarized and attested Commercial Registration, Articles of Association (AoA), board resolution, and power of attorney are typically needed. For individual shareholders, passport copies, residency details, and personal KYC documents are required. AAC handles documentation and attestation processes.

Yes. Once the company is registered, the General Manager can apply for a work visa and receive an Iqama (residency permit). The registered company can also sponsor work and residency permits for foreign employees. AAC manages this as part of the business setup service.

MISA license renewal (annually); Commercial Registration renewal; National Address updates; annual audited financial statement submissions; VAT filings with ZATCA; GOSI (social insurance) payments; employee health insurance; and portal management across Absher, Qiwa, Muqeem, and Mudad.

Corporate Tax: 20% income tax on foreign-owned entities. Zakat: for fully Saudi-owned businesses. VAT: 15% on most goods and services. Withholding Tax: 5–20% for non-residents. AAC provides ZATCA compliance and Saudi business registration advisory services.

Foreigners cannot operate as sole proprietors. A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the most common and accepted structure for company registration in KSA. AAC guides clients through choosing the best structure for their needs.

Yes. AAC assists with service, industrial, trading, and entrepreneurial license types. For startups, the team can also guide applicants through obtaining an endorsement letter from authorized accelerators or venture capital firms to qualify for the Entrepreneurship License.

An apostille is an international certification verifying the authenticity of official documents for use in another country. If the home country and Saudi Arabia are both members of the Hague Convention, it may replace embassy attestation. Otherwise, AAC guides clients through MOFA and embassy legalization.

It is a document from an approved Saudi accelerator, venture capital firm, or incubator supporting a startup's eligibility for the Entrepreneurship License. It demonstrates that the applicant is a genuine technology-based startup. AAC helps identify and apply through the proper channels.

Yes. An official registered company address is required. The office address is used for legal communications and is essential for obtaining the Commercial Registration, MISA license, and other regulatory approvals.

In most cases, no physical presence is required. However, the authorized signatory must be physically present in the Kingdom to open the business bank account. Other incorporation steps, including licensing and registrations, can be completed remotely with a local legal representative.

Mudad is a digital payroll platform for businesses in Saudi Arabia, particularly SMEs. It facilitates secure and transparent salary payments, supports Wage Protection System compliance, and integrates with banking and HR systems.

Muqeem is used by Saudi companies to manage expatriate employee data, including residency status, exit/re-entry visas, Iqama renewals, and more. It supports accurate record-keeping and compliance with immigration and labor regulations.

In most cases, no upfront deposit is required. This may vary according to the bank's policies, the type of business entity, and the company's initial capital structure.

Opening a business bank account typically takes 5 to 15 working days. The timeline depends on the selected bank, the completeness of documents, and the verification process for the authorized signatory and company profile.