Company Formation in Saudi Arabia: MISA, Ownership & the New Law
Setting up in Saudi Arabia: 100% foreign ownership via MISA registration, the new Companies Law, capital expectations, and the Regional HQ program.
Foreign investors set up through MISA (the Ministry of Investment). Under the new Investment Law (in force ~Feb 2025) the old 'MISA license' was replaced by a single registration in a National Investor Register before commercial registration. 100% foreign ownership is allowed in most activities; some are on a negative list. The LLC has no statutory minimum capital, but MISA applies activity-based expectations (e.g. SAR 30M for 100%-foreign trading). The Simplified Joint Stock Company is a flexible new form.
FAQ
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Saudi Arabia?
Yes in most activities, by registering with the Ministry of Investment (MISA), subject to a negative list and regulated sectors that may need local participation.
What is the minimum capital in Saudi Arabia?
There is no statutory minimum for an LLC, but MISA applies activity-based expectations — up to SAR 30 million for 100%-foreign trading companies.
What is the Regional Headquarters program?
Since 2024, government entities cannot contract with multinationals whose regional HQ is outside the Kingdom; a qualifying RHQ gets tax incentives.