Foreign Ownership
100% Foreign Ownership in Saudi Arabia
Yes — foreign investors can own 100% of a company in Saudi Arabia in most approved business sectors. No Saudi partner required.
Yes — foreigners can own 100% of a company in Saudi Arabia
Under MISA (Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia) regulations, foreign investors can own 100% of a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in most approved business sectors. No Saudi sponsor, local partner, or "kafeel" is required.
This is one of the most significant changes to Saudi commercial law in recent history — part of Vision 2030's drive to attract foreign direct investment. The 100% foreign ownership rule now applies across most commercial, professional, and service sectors.
How It Works
The path to 100% ownership.
Confirm sector eligibility
We verify that your intended business activity is on the MISA approved list for 100% foreign ownership. Most commercial and service sectors qualify.
Obtain MISA license
Apply for a MISA foreign investment license. This is the legal authorisation for your foreign-owned company to operate in Saudi Arabia.
Incorporate your LLC
Register your Limited Liability Company with the Ministry of Commerce (CR). You are the 100% shareholder — no Saudi co-owner required.
Complete registrations
ZATCA, GOSI, HRSD, Chamber of Commerce, national address registration — we handle all secondary compliance registrations.
Open bank account
With your CR and MISA license, you can open a Saudi corporate bank account in your company's name.
Ready to start?
Speak to an adviser100% foreign ownership is not an exception in Saudi Arabia — it is the rule for most sectors. We help you get there.
Sector Eligibility
Where 100% ownership applies.
Most commercial and service sectors allow 100% foreign ownership; a few remain restricted or on the MISA negative list.
Eligible (100% foreign ownership)
- Consulting & advisory services
- Information technology & software
- Construction & engineering
- Logistics & supply chain
- Healthcare services
- Education & training
- Food & beverage (restaurants, FMCG)
- Tourism & hospitality
- Manufacturing (most categories)
- Financial services (with sector-specific licensing)
Restricted or excluded sectors
- Oil & gas exploration (requires ARAMCO JV framework)
- Certain defence and security activities
- Some broadcasting & media activities
- Retail in small-format retail (below a certain threshold)
- Real estate brokerage (Saudi nationals preferred)
- Activities on the MISA negative list
Restrictions change as Saudi regulations evolve. We confirm eligibility for your specific activity before any work begins.
Next step
Ready to set up your 100% foreign-owned company?
Schedule a confidential consultation. We'll confirm your sector eligibility and guide you through MISA licensing and company formation.