Saudi Arabia · Company Registration
Entity types, registration process, required documents, costs, and official registries.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Setting up from abroad
- Usual entity for foreign founders
- LLC
Official registry: uqn.gov.sa
The 2022 Companies Law says an LLC is run by one or more managers drawn from the partners or from outside them, for a fixed or indefinite term — that is the entire qualification, with no nationality or residence condition. Where the Law does tie things to the Kingdom it ties the company: a company formed under it is Saudi and must have its head office there.
Foreign investors first obtain an investment licence from the Ministry of Investment (MISA), then register the Commercial Registration (CR) with the Ministry of Commerce; the LLC is the usual company. After the CR you complete Chamber of Commerce, tax (ZATCA), social-insurance (GOSI) and municipal steps.
Foreign investors obtain a licence from the Ministry of Investment (MISA) and then register a commercial registration with the Ministry of Commerce; the limited liability company is the common form.
- Foreign investors first obtain an investment licence from MISA.
- Commercial registration is then completed with the Ministry of Commerce.
- Many sectors now permit 100% foreign ownership.
- 1
Get a MISA investment licence (foreign investors)
A foreign investor first obtains an investment licence from the Ministry of Investment (MISA).
- 2
Reserve the trade name
Reserve the company trade name with the Ministry of Commerce.
- 3
Draft the articles of association
Prepare the articles of association setting the shareholders, capital, activity and manager.
- 4
Issue the Commercial Registration (CR)
Obtain the Commercial Registration (CR) from the Ministry of Commerce, which establishes the company.
- 5
Join the Chamber of Commerce and register for tax
Register with the Chamber of Commerce and with ZATCA for tax and VAT.
- 6
Complete labour, social-insurance and banking
Register with GOSI (social insurance) and the labour portals, obtain the municipal licence, and open a corporate bank account.
- MISA investment licence (foreign investors)
- Trade name reserved (Ministry of Commerce)
- Articles of association
- Commercial Registration (CR) from the Ministry of Commerce
- Chamber of Commerce membership
- Tax/VAT registration (ZATCA)
- GOSI (social insurance) + labour registration
- Municipal licence + corporate bank account
- Ministry of Investment (MISA)
Foreign-investment licensing.
- Ministry of Commerce
Commercial registration.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners own 100% of a Saudi company?
Yes — with a MISA investment licence, many activities allow full foreign ownership; some sectors have conditions or local-partner requirements.
What is the Commercial Registration (CR)?
The CR issued by the Ministry of Commerce is the company’s official registration certificate, required to operate, bank and contract.
What is ZATCA?
ZATCA is the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, with which the company registers for tax, zakat and VAT.
Government portals
- Saudi National Portal (my.gov.sa) — Saudi government services portal
- Absher (Ministry of Interior) — Residency (Iqama), visas, and entry/exit services
- Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) — VAT, zakat, and customs
- Ministry of Investment (MISA) — Foreign-investment licensing (formerly SAGIA)