21 · Starting a Saudi Company
Choose the right legal vehicle for your Saudi entry.
Six structures, one decision. Compare setup time, capital, ownership and best fit – then pick a plan.
Most Popular
Recommended
Joint Venture LLC
Time: 21 days
Capital: 5K+
Ownership: Joint venture
- Market Entry
- Access B2G and B2B Tenders
- Soft landing support
- Long-term business setup
Best for
Soft landing for a long-term business in Saudi Arabia.
Most common
100% Foreign LLC
Time: 4–8 weeks
Capital: SAR 500K – 5M
Ownership: 100% foreign
- Full P&L control
- MISA license + CR
- No local partner needed
- B2B & B2C eligible
Best for
Selling B2C/B2B with full ownership control.
Large Enterprise
Regional HQ (RHQ)
Time: 6–10 weeks
Capital: From SAR 2M
Ownership: 100% foreign
- 30-year tax holiday
- Saudization exemption (Y1)
- Eligible for gov. contracts
- Mandatory for B2G
Best for
Multinationals targeting Saudi government contracts.
Project-based
Branch Office
Time: 3–6 weeks
Capital: No minimum
Ownership: Foreign parent
- Extension of parent
- MISA branch license
- Local service agent only
- No separate legal entity
Best for
One large project, no permanent presence.
Tax shelter
SEZ Entity
Time: 4–8 weeks
Capital: Zone-dependent
Ownership: 100% foreign
- 0% corporate tax (qualified)
- Customs exemptions
- Relaxed Saudization
- NEOM, KAEC, Jazan, CCSEZ
Best for
Manufacturing for export with tax optimization.
Test the market
Representative Office
Time: 4–6 weeks
Capital: No minimum
Ownership: 100% foreign
- Market research & liaison
- Brand presence only
- Cannot invoice
- MISA approved
Best for
Testing the market before commitment.