Set Up Your Business in Saudi Arabia with 100% Foreign Ownership — In Just 3 Months

Simplifying Business Setup in Saudi Arabia Starts Here

Navigate Your Business Expansion with Expert Legal Support

Info@almadanilaw.com

Al Madani & Co.

25 Years Of Undefeated Success

With 25+ years of experience in legal services and company registration in Saudi Arabia, Al Madani & Co. provides trusted, end-to-end solutions that empower local and foreign investors to establish and grow with confidence.

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Successfully Project Finished.

25+

Years of experience with proud

2000+

Satisfied Clients

100%

Success Rate

The Business Setup Process in Saudi Arabia Made Simple

Your Company Fully Established in 3 Months

Here’s how we do it. At Al Madani & Co., we’ve refined the Business Setup Process in Saudi Arabia into a clear, efficient, and fully guided journey. From your first consultation to full legal activation, every step is handled by our experts with precision and care—so you can focus on your business while we handle the groundwork.Our streamlined approach to business registration in Saudi Arabia ensures speed, legal compliance, and peace of mind.

First Month

Company Formation in Saudi Arabia

We begin with a deep client consultation to understand your goals and finalize the legal groundwork. As part of your Business Setup in Saudi Arabia, we handle everything from MISA licensing to commercial registration, ensuring all foundational documents are prepared, approved, and aligned with local regulations.

Determine ISIC4 business activity
Identify municipality requirements
Define Saudization quota
Draft Board Resolution (BOD)
Draft Power of Attorney (POA)
Draft Articles of Association (AoA)
Collect required notarized documents
Submit name reservation
Finalize AoA
MISA license application
AoA publishing and approval
Commercial Registration (CR) issued
Chamber of Commerce (CoC) registration

Second Month

Business Registration & Legal Compliance

As part of your company formation in Saudi Arabia, we manage critical registrations with the Ministry of Labor (MoL), GOSI, and ZATCA. We also initiate the General Manager’s visa process and national address requirements to ensure smooth compliance.

Company stamp
MOL registration
National Address (SPL) registration
GOSI registration
ZATCA & VAT registration
GM visa application
ENJAZE delegation & attestation

Third Month

Full Activation & Business Launch in KSA

Final phase to ensure your company is fully operational. We activate portals, complete health checks, and open the company’s bank account. business Setup In Saudi Arabia is done

GM visit & border number collection
KSA work permit & Iqama issuance
GM medical checkup and health insurance
MOL activation
Chamber of Commerce reactivation
Absher portal registration
Qiwa portal registration
Muqeem portal registration
Mudad portal registration
Bank account registration

Company Entities for Business Setup in Saudi Arabia

Choosing Your Ideal Company Structure: A Comparative Overview of Entity Types

Starting your journey of business setup in Saudi Arabia involves choosing the optimal company structure. The right entity not only affects your legal and financial exposure but also determines how smoothly you can pursue company formation in Saudi Arabia and future business expansions in Saudi Arabia. Below is an overview of the primary entity types, each designed to suit different investment sizes, risk profiles, and growth plans.

Professional Company

A Professional Company is tailored for licensed practitioners “such as lawyers, doctors, engineers, and accountants” who want to formalize their services under a corporate umbrella. This entity provides legal protection and lets you offer professional services while complying with Saudi regulations.

Joint-Stock Company (JSC)

A Joint-Stock Company (JSC) is ideal for large-scale ventures seeking to raise significant capital. Shareholders hold limited liability, and shares can be publicly traded on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul). This makes it a premier choice for foreign investors and corporations eyeing major business expansions in Saudi Arabia.

Simplified Joint-Stock Company (SJC)

The Simplified Joint-Stock Company offers the capital-raising advantages of a JSC with streamlined governance and lighter compliance requirements. Startups and fast-growing SMEs benefit from its agility, making it a compelling option for entrepreneurs pursuing company formation in Saudi Arabia with fewer procedural hurdles.

Partnership Company

A Partnership Company is formed by two or more individuals who share both management duties and personal liability. Best suited for small enterprises where partners are hands-on, this structure is straightforward and cost-effective for initial business setup in Saudi Arabia.

Simple Limited Partnership (SLP)

An SLP consists of general partners—fully liable for debts—and limited partners—whose liability is capped at their capital contribution. This hybrid model attracts investors seeking passive involvement, making it a strategic choice for those funding company formation in Saudi Arabia without day-to-day operational roles.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

The LLC is the most popular entity for both local entrepreneurs and foreign investors. It requires minimal capital, restricts each partner’s liability to their investment, and offers flexibility in management structure. An LLC is often the first step in business setup in Saudi Arabia due to its balance of simplicity and legal protection.

Holding Company and Subsidiaries

A Holding Company (which can be structured as a JSC, SJC, or LLC) owns shares in multiple subsidiaries, enabling centralized governance and consolidated financial oversight. This setup is perfect for conglomerates planning large-scale business expansions in Saudi Arabia across diverse sectors.

Branch of a Foreign Company

Establishing a Branch of a Foreign Company allows you to extend your existing international brand into the Saudi market without setting up a new legal entity. Governed under the rules of JSCs, SJCs, or LLCs, a branch lets you maintain global consistency while pursuing local company formation in Saudi Arabia.

Requirements for expanding your company to Saudi Arabia

To establish your foreign company in Saudi Arabia, specific legal, operational, and financial conditions must be met. These requirements ensure that your business is credible, compliant, and prepared for successful entry into the Saudi market.

1. Attested & Notarized Legal Documents

The company must submit its CR, MoA, and AoA, all duly notarized and attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Saudi Embassy in its country of origin. These documents confirm the company’s legal status and eligibility to operate within the Kingdom’s legal framework.

2. Minimum Operating History

Applicants must prove that their business has been active for at least 1 to 2 years in its home country. This is verified through valid commercial records and registrations, showing that the company has a credible and sustained track record in its field of operation.

3. Proven Financial Stability

The company is required to submit audited financial statements for the past 1 to 2 years. These documents prove that the business is financially stable, capable of expansion, and possesses the financial strength to meet legal, operational, and regulatory obligations in Saudi Arabia.

Why Choose Al Madani & Co for Saudi Arabia Business Registration

For over 25 years, we’ve helped entrepreneurs and global companies launch and grow their businesses in Saudi Arabia.

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Years Experienced

Working Directly with Saudi Government Entities

We work Directly with key Saudi government entities to streamline your company formation and ensure full compliance with local laws. Our strong regulatory relationships allow us to fast-track approvals and provide accurate, up-to-date legal guidance every step of the way.

Establish Full Foreign Ownership with Hassle-Free Company Registration in Saudi Arabia

Take full control of your venture with 100% foreign ownership rights in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Our expert legal team handles every aspect of company registration in Saudi Arabia, from licensing and compliance to post-setup support. Whether you’re pursuing business setup in Saudi Arabia or company formation in KSA, we ensure full foreign ownership, minimal delays, and total peace of mind.

Business Setup FAQs in Saudi Arabia

Everything You Need to Know Before You Launch

Explore the most frequently asked questions about company registration, MISA licensing, banking, digital portals, and compliance in Saudi Arabia. This section simplifies the legal and administrative process for foreign investors and entrepreneurs planning their business setup in Saudi Arabia.

Can my company in Saudi Arabia have 100% foreign ownership?

In most cases, no physical presence is required. However, to open a bank account in Saudi Arabia, the authorized signatory must be physically present in the Kingdom. All other incorporation steps, including licensing and registrations, can be completed remotely with the help of a local legal representative.

What is a Commercial Registration (CR) Certificate, and why do I need it?

A Commercial Registration (CR) is a mandatory certificate issued by the Saudi Ministry of Commerce. It officially authorizes your business to operate in Saudi Arabia. You can apply for the CR after obtaining your MISA license. Without it, your company cannot engage in commercial activities or legally sign contracts within the Kingdom.

What documents do I need for company formation in Saudi Arabia?

The required documents depend on your shareholder structure. For corporate shareholders: notarized and attested commercial registration, Articles of Association (AoA), board resolution, and power of attorney are typically needed. For individual shareholders: passport copies, residency details, and personal KYC documents are required. Our legal team handles all documentation and attestation processes for smooth company registration in Saudi Arabia.

Can I obtain residency in Saudi Arabia through my business?

Yes. Once the company is registered, the General Manager (GM) can apply for a work visa and receive an Iqama (residency permit). Your registered company can also sponsor work and residency permits for foreign employees. Al Madani & Co. manages this as part of your business setup in Saudi Arabia.

What are the benefits of business registration in Saudi Arabia?

Full foreign ownership and repatriation of profits
Access to the largest economy in the Middle East
Strong government support for foreign investment under Vision 2030
Strategic location with access to GCC markets
Modern infrastructure and digital government systems
Access to a young, tech-savvy workforce

Al Madani & Co. ensures you get the most out of your company formation in Saudi Arabia.

What are the ongoing obligations for companies in KSA?

MISA license renewal (annually)
Commercial Registration (CR) renewal
National Address update
Annual audited financial statement submissions
VAT filings with ZATCA
GOSI (social insurance) payments
Health insurance for employees
Portal management (Absher, Qiwa, Muqeem, Mudad)

Our post-setup legal support covers all these to keep your company fully compliant.

What are the tax requirements for foreign-owned companies in KSA?

Corporate Tax: 20% income tax on foreign-owned entities
Zakat: For fully Saudi-owned businesses
VAT: 15% on most goods and services
Withholding Tax: 5–20% for non-residents Al Madani & Co. provides full ZATCA compliance and business registration in Saudi Arabia advisory services.

Our post-setup legal support covers all these to keep your company fully compliant.

Can I register as a sole proprietorship in Saudi Arabia?

Foreigners cannot operate as sole proprietors. A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the most common and accepted structure for company registration in KSA. We guide you through choosing the best structure for your needs.

Can Al Madani & Co. help me obtain a MISA license?

Absolutely. We assist with all license types—service, industrial, trading, and entrepreneurial. For startups, we can also guide you through obtaining an endorsement letter from authorized accelerators or VCs to qualify for the Entrepreneurship License.

What is an apostille, and do I need one?

An apostille is an international certification verifying the authenticity of official documents for use in another country. If your home country and Saudi Arabia are both members of the Hague Convention, an apostille may replace embassy attestation. If not, we guide you through MOFA and embassy legalization instead.

What is an endorsement letter for the Entrepreneurship License?

It’s a document from an approved Saudi accelerator, VC, or incubator supporting your startup’s eligibility for the Entrepreneurship License. It proves you’re a real tech-based startup, not a traditional business seeking reduced setup costs. We help you identify and apply through proper channels.

Do I need to have an office to start a business in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. To register your business in Saudi Arabia, an official company address is required. This registered office is used for legal communications and is essential for obtaining your commercial registration (CR), MISA license, and other regulatory approvals.

Do I Have to Come to Saudi Arabia to Finalize the Process?

In most cases, no physical presence is required. However, to open a bank account in Saudi Arabia, the authorized signatory must be physically present in the Kingdom. All other incorporation steps, including licensing and registrations, can be completed remotely with the help of a local legal representative.

What Is the Purpose of the Mudad Portal?

The Mudad Portal is a digital payroll platform designed to serve businesses operating in Saudi Arabia, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It facilitates secure and transparent salary payments, ensures wage protection system (WPS) compliance, and integrates seamlessly with banking and HR systems.

What Can I Do with the Muqeem Portal?

The Muqeem portal is used by Saudi companies to manage expatriate employee data, including residency status, exit/re-entry visa issuance, Iqama renewals, and more. It ensures accurate record-keeping for foreign workers and supports compliance with immigration and labor regulations in Saudi Arabia.

Is a Deposit Required to Open a Business Bank Account?

In most cases, no upfront deposit is required to open a business bank account in Saudi Arabia. However, this may vary depending on the bank’s policies, the type of business entity, and its initial capital structure.

How Long Does It Take to Open a Corporate Bank Account in Saudi Arabia?

Opening a business bank account in Saudi Arabia typically takes between 5 to 15 working days. The timeline depends on the selected bank, the completeness of your documents, and the verification process for the authorized signatory and company profile.

Looking to start your business setup in Saudi Arabia?

Contact Us

Get in touch with Almadani & Company for expert guidance and tailored solutions. We’re here to help you establish and grow your business effectively. Let’s embark on this journey to success—together.

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Our clients are the cornerstone of our business, spanning diverse industries. We prioritize strong relationships, delivering tailored solutions to drive their success.

“Al Madani & Co. is committed to providing expert legal services with integrity and excellence. Our experienced team delivers personalized solutions tailored to meet your unique needs.”

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Our Location

Riyadh

Office No.11|567 Al-Righi Building -Salah Al-Deen Street (60st) Malaz, P.O Box 10083, Riyadh 11433 , Saudi Arabia

Jeddah

Office : No. 8 , 8153 Prince Sultan Road ,5152 Al Basatin district , Zip Code 23717, Jeddah , Saudi Arabia

Khobar

Office 25 - Al-Barghash Building- Northern AlKhobar District , Al Khobar , Saudi Arabia

Cairo

Office No.4, Building No.30, Al Fareeq Awal Mohamed Rashad Street, Masr El Gdida, Cairo , Egypt

Amman

Office No.4, Building No.68, Al-Aayan Street , Um Al-Sumaq , Amman , Jordan