Business Setup in Saudi Arabia
End-to-end company formation for foreign investors, UK companies, and international corporations. MISA licensing to operational in 4–8 weeks.
Why set up in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is the world's largest Arab economy and one of the fastest-growing destinations for foreign direct investment. Vision 2030 has opened the market to 100% foreign-owned businesses across most sectors, making this one of the most significant windows of opportunity in the region's history.
The combination of no personal income tax, a large and growing consumer market, and a government actively incentivising foreign investment means the structural case for entry has rarely been stronger.
- World's largest Arab economy — GDP exceeding $1 trillion
- 100% foreign ownership now available in most sectors
- Vision 2030: $1.1 trillion in infrastructure and diversification investment
- Tax advantages: 0% personal income tax, 20% corporate tax (competitive)
- Strategic location between Europe, Asia and Africa
Ownership structures.
100% Foreign-Owned LLC
The most common structure. A separate Saudi legal entity with limited liability, fully foreign-owned (no Saudi partner required). Requires a MISA foreign investment license and minimum capital of SAR 500,000 for most activities.
Foreign ownership guide →Branch Office
An extension of your foreign parent company. Faster to establish, lower capital requirements, but the parent retains full legal liability. Suitable for companies testing the market or with limited operational scope.
Compare Branch vs Subsidiary →Joint Venture
A shared-ownership structure with a Saudi partner. Required in certain restricted sectors. Can provide access to local networks, government contracts, and market knowledge where 100% foreign ownership is not permitted.
Discuss your structure →The Process
From consultation to operational.
Consultation & Strategy
We assess your business objectives, activity type, and ownership structure to determine the optimal path.
Document Preparation
We compile, notarise, apostille, and Saudi Embassy legalise all required corporate and personal documents.
MISA License Application
We manage your foreign investment license application through the MISA e-portal, responding to queries throughout.
Commercial Registration
We register your company with the Ministry of Commerce, assign trade name, and obtain your CR certificate.
Secondary Registrations
ZATCA (tax), GOSI (social insurance), HRSD, Chamber of Commerce, national address, Qiwa, Muqeem, Mudad.
Bank Account & Operations
We assist with opening a Saudi corporate bank account and final operational setup.
UK company entering Saudi Arabia?
We coordinate everything from London and Riyadh so UK companies get a single point of contact from first enquiry to commercial registration.
Alpha Oak Partners has a dedicated London office to support UK companies at every stage of their Saudi expansion. We manage the full process — from legalising UK documents (apostille, Saudi Embassy) to MISA licensing and commercial registration — with coordination between our London and Riyadh teams.
- UK document preparation, notarisation, and legalisation
- LLC subsidiary vs branch assessment
- MISA foreign investment license management
- Post-registration compliance and PRO services
Related Guides
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