Business Setup Support
Start, Scale, and Succeed in Saudi Arabia with End-to-End Business Setup Support
Saudi Arabia
01 — 04
| Service Description |
Essential
18,000 SAR
|
Professional
23,000 SAR
|
Turnkey Solution
Enterprise
30,000 SAR
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Account Manager | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Document Checklist | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Opening of MISA Account | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Activity Selection | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Virtual Address Support | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Applying for MISA License | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Trade Name Registration & Booking | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Preparing Documents for Company Registration | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Support with Formation Deed / Articles of Association / Shareholder Agreement | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manager / Owner Authorization for Company Activities | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Applying for Company Registration | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Generation of Company Registration (English & Arabic) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Generation of Articles of Association (English & Arabic) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Generation of Social Insurance Certificate | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Registration with Ministry of Labor (HRSD) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Registration with GOSI | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Registration with Qiwa | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Registration with Mudad | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Registration with Muqeem | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Generation of Company Tax Identification Number (TIN) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Registration with ZATCA | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Support in Opening Chamber of Commerce (COC) File | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Preparing Documents for Bank Account Opening | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Opening of Official Corporate Bank Account | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Generation of General Manager Visa | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Support in Obtaining Medical Insurance | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Applying for Residency Permit (Iqama) | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Handover of Residence Permit Card (Iqama) | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Assistance in Company Address Registration (Virtual / Co-working Space) | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Sharing CVs of Saudi Candidates for First Hire | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Onboarding & Ministry Approved Employment Contract | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Registration of Saudi Employee with GOSI | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Registration for Saudization Points | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Generation of Nationalization Certificate | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Guidance on Medical Insurance Plans | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Support in Finding Office Premises | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Consultation from Lawyer on Drafting the Employee Agreement | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
Estimated Government Expenses (Company Formation)
GOVT fees for Foreign Companies
| # | Expenses | Amount (SAR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trade Name Reservation | 500.00 | One time cost |
| 2 | CR Issuance Fee | 1,775.00 | Annual Cost |
| 3 | Chamber of Commerce (Recharge) | 1,100.00 | One time cost |
| 4 | Muqeem (Ministry of Interior) | 1,265.00 | Annual Cost |
| 5 | Qiwa Subscription | 1,075.25 | Annual Cost |
| 6 | Mudad WPS | 460.00 | Annual Cost |
| 7 | MISA License Fees - Now not issuing the Invoice | 12,000.00 | Annual Cost |
| Total Government Payment (A) | 18,175.25 SAR | ||
Estimated Government Expenses (Company Formation)
GOVT Fees for GCC Companies
| # | Expenses | Amount (SAR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trade Name Reservation | 500.00 | One time cost |
| 2 | CR Issuance Fee | 1,775.00 | Annual Cost |
| 3 | Chamber of Commerce (Recharge) | 1,100.00 | One time cost |
| 4 | Muqeem (Ministry of Interior) | 1,265.00 | Annual Cost |
| 5 | Qiwa Subscription | 1,075.25 | Annual Cost |
| 6 | Mudad WPS | 460.00 | Annual Cost |
| Total Government Payment (A) | 6,175.25 SAR | ||
What will be your General Manager Appointment Cost
| Additional Costs | Estimated Cost (SAR) |
|---|---|
| General Manager (GM) Visa Issuance | 2,000 |
| GM Iqama & Medical Insurance (Annual) | Approx. 9,500 |
| Medical Examination (GAMCA Approved Center) | Approx. 300 |
| Virtual Office / Co-working Space | 2,500 – 35,000 |
Notes
- Government and third-party fees are subject to change.
- Virtual office and co-working costs vary based on the city and facility selected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The yearly cost of running a company in Saudi Arabia depends on several factors, including the type of business, industry, workforce size, office requirements, and day-to-day operations.
Some of the ongoing expenses businesses should plan for include:
| Cost Category | Estimated Annual Cost (SAR) |
|---|---|
| General Manager Visa | 15,400++ |
| Office Space / Workspace | From 35,000+ |
| Compliance & Annual Renewals | From 12,000+ |
| Annual Audit | From 18,000+ |
Other important costs to keep in mind:
- Value Added Tax (VAT): A standard rate of 15% applies to eligible goods and services.
- Corporate Income Tax: Non-Saudi shareholders are generally subject to a 20% tax on their share of net taxable profits.
- Withholding Tax: Depending on the type of transaction, withholding tax rates typically fall between 5% and 20%.
- Social Insurance and Employer Contributions: These costs can range from approximately 15% to 30% of employee salaries, depending on the employee's nationality and applicable regulations.
The overall cost of maintaining a Saudi company will vary according to your legal structure, staffing levels, office facilities, and operational requirements. Our specialists can prepare a customised estimate based on your business plans.
Obtaining the Commercial Registration (CR) usually takes around 10 to 15 days. The complete incorporation process, including the General Manager's Iqama and opening a corporate bank account, generally requires 45 to 60 business days.
Our local experts will guide you through each stage and help ensure the process moves forward as efficiently as possible.
Yes. The appointed General Manager is required to visit Saudi Arabia to complete the Iqama application process. The Iqama is a key requirement for activating the company's bank account.
Our team in Saudi Arabia will help coordinate the visit and provide support throughout the final stages of the company formation process.
Yes. Foreign investors can establish a business in Saudi Arabia, but the available options depend on their background and investment profile.
- Existing foreign companies Businesses looking to expand into Saudi Arabia generally require a MISA licence, with different categories available based on the intended business activity.
- 100% GCC-owned companies These businesses can establish either a branch office, which remains legally connected to the parent company, or a subsidiary, which operates as a separate legal entity. They may also benefit from combining multiple activities under a single licence, subject to regulatory approval.
- Individual GCC nationals GCC citizens are treated similarly to Saudi nationals and can choose from a wide range of business structures, including sole establishments, limited liability companies (LLCs), and joint stock companies.
- Startup founders Entrepreneurs may qualify for Saudi Arabia's Entrepreneurial Licence if their startup is less than five years old and meets specific eligibility criteria, such as venture capital backing, patent ownership, or support from a recognised [PASTE REMAINING TEXT HERE - cut off in screenshot]
The standard annual renewal fee for a MISA licence is SAR 62,000.
For businesses operating under the Entrepreneurial Licence, the fee structure is more gradual:
- Initial registrationSAR 2,000
- Second and third-year renewalsSAR 2,000 per year
- Fourth-year renewalSAR 12,000
- Fifth year onwardSAR 62,000 annually
The most suitable licence type will depend on your business model and long-term expansion plans. Our team can help you determine the right option for your requirements.