Entity Setup

Obtaining a legal presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Navigating the intricacies of regulatory compliance, administrative procedures, and documentation requirements for establishing a legal presence in the KSA can be daunting, especially for those unfamiliar with the process. We ensure a seamless setup process, allowing companies to focus on realizing their vision and tapping into the immense potential of the KSA marketplace.

Main Phases

Here’s the breakdown of the main phases involved in establishing a business entity in KSA, particularly for international and foreign investors:

Phase 1

Entity Establishment

This phase involves preparing and attesting necessary documentation for the MISA license. It includes reserving the trade name, notarizing the Articles of Association for the Commercial Registration certificate, and registering with the Chamber of Commerce. Additional registrations may be needed based on business type and activities, including with specific ministries or regulatory bodies.

Phase 2

Authorization to Hire

This phase includes registering with the Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Labor, and the General Organization for Social Insurance to hire staff, registering the entity’s physical location for legal correspondence, obtaining a visa for General Manager, and registering the entity with the General Authority of Zakat and Tax.

Phase 3

Activation

This phase involves activating the Chamber of Commerce account, completing the necessary requirements for obtaining the General Manager’s residency, registering with key portals for accessing governmental services, and opening a company bank account for conducting business transactions.

Registration & Licensing

Establishing a business in the KSA requires adherence to regulatory requirements, including acquiring a KSA Business License. For international and foreign investors, securing a MISA license is crucial. MISA, the Ministry of Investment, facilitates the establishment of licenses through a streamlined process, enabling companies to commence their operations promptly and efficiently.

The types of business structures in the Kingdom include Limited Liability Company (LLC), Joint Stock Company (JSC), Limited Partnership Company, Representative Office, and Branch Office. The most popular form of legal entity attracting foreign investors is the Limited Liability Company (LLC), which allows for 100% Foreign Ownership through MISA. However, certain activities, such as Engineering & Consultancy, may require a Saudi national shareholder to be actively involved in the business and hold a significant stake (at least 25%).

Setup Documentation

We guide you through governmental and regulatory steps and provide clarity on requirements to obtain the foreign business license approval. Beyond assisting with setup documentation, we support all legal steps and actions to procure essential licenses such as the MISA License and Commercial Register, indispensable for legal operation within the Kingdom.

Portal Registrations

We support with the registration and administration of necessary online platforms with government agencies, including the Ministry of Commerce and Investment (MCI), the Ministry of Labor (MOL), the General Authority of Zakat and Tax (GAZT), and the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI). With our dedicated support, navigating the complexities of government registration becomes seamless, allowing you to establish a strong foundation for success in the Saudi market.

Bank Account Opening

The KSA has strict regulations governing business operations. Maintaining separate financial records for a company and having a local business bank account are essential requirements for companies. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for transparency, tax obligations, and overall legal adherence. A corporate bank account ensures efficient financial management, receipt of payments, payment to suppliers, and tax compliance. It also facilitates transparency in financial reporting and demonstrates compliance with regulatory requirements.