Starting and owning a business in Saudi Arabia as a 100% foreign national has been made easier through the proprietary New investment law of 2025. The Arab nation seeks to invite global business owners to register their businesses in the region without restrictions. Here’s everything you need to know about registering your business in Saudi Arabia.
Important Highlights of the New Investment Law.
- Foreigners investing in Saudi Arabia are no longer required to obtain the foreign Investment Permit. Users can now easily register their businesses without going through a rough process.
- Equal Treatment for Foreign Investors: Foreign owned companies can now enjoy the same rights that Saudi owned companies have always enjoyed.
- No Fee Economical Benefits: There is greater access to incentive policies for foreign owned companies such as subsidy funding, tax rebates, which were previously granted only to local companies.
- Investment Protection: The law guarantees that compensation will be provided should the state attempt to expropriate assets, thus facilitating smoother Saudi company registration.
How To Register A Business Wholly Owned By Foreign Investors In Saudi Arabia
According to the new guidelines, in Saudi Arabia follows a simple straightforward methodology:
1. Decide On Your Business Sector.
Make sure that your business sector isn’t part of the Negative List, which has limited sectors.
2. Pick A Registered Business Entity.
The more common accepted company types are:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): Preferred for new enterprises and small and medium sized enterprises.
- Joint Stock Company (JSC): Most suitable for big businesses.
- Branch Of A Foreign Company: If you are seeking to set up a branch of an already existing company in Saudi Arabia.
3. Register At The Ministry of Investment.
Present documents like:
- Company Charter and the Company Memorandum of Association.
- Identity Documents of board members and shareholders.
- Financial Statements for parent companies, if any.
4. Acquire A Commercial Registration Certificate.
After receiving approval, go to the Ministry of Commerce to gain a Commercial Register (CR) certificate.
5. Create A Corporate Bank Account.
Open a business bank account for Saudi Arabia for company transactions.
6. Get Business Permits.
Certain corporations may need further permits from certain regulatory agencies.
7. Sign up for Taxes Business Account.
Apply with General Authority of Zakat GAZT to get:
- Tax Identification Number for VAT
- Taxes for Corporations
8. Adhere to Employment Regulations.
Saudi policy, which mandates a foreign company to employ a specified ratio of Saudi employees, should be followed.
Advantages of 100% Foreign Investment in Saudi Arabia.
- Complete Ownership: Business decisions always rest in the hands of the foreign investor.
- Maximum Profit: A foreign investor is entitled to use all profits earned without local equity participation.
- Growth of business: Saudi Arabia serves as a gateway to the rest of the Middle East with its emerging economy.
- Favourable Regulations: The new law offers tax deductions, investments, and grants support, and subsidies to foreign enterprises.
Important Factors to Consider and Lawful Actions
- Remain Ready: Changes might happen to investment policies, so be ready for them.
- Consult with Local Professionals: Legal and compliance concerns require the assistance of local professionals.
- Comply with Basic Requirements: Comply with labor relations legislation of Saudi Arabia, tax laws, and the rules of corporate incorporation.
What Services Helpline Group Offers?
Setting up a new company for a foreign investor in Saudi Arabia according to new investment law of 2025 is difficult in the absence of local knowledge and rely on Helpline Group for better guidance. We provide the following services for registration:
- Legal Services for Registration of Business: Preparing and submitting all documents and obtaining approvals.
- Investment Advisory: Supporting foreign business investment with 100% ownership opportunities.
- PRO and Visa Services: Coordinating work permits, authority approvals, and employment visas.
- Tax and Licensing Compliance: Supporting tax and business legal compliance.
- Ongoing Business Support: Assistance with Saudization policies, company restructuring, and other post registration activities.
With Helpline Group, you can register a new business in Saudi Arabia seamlessly and in no time according to new investment law of 2025. Speak to us now to establish your business in one of the fastest emerging markets in the world.
