Foreign company setup in Saudi Arabia
Set up your company in Saudi Arabiawith 100% foreign ownership
Set up a service, engineering or trading company with no Saudi partner or sponsor, through your existing company abroad or a qualifying company we help you acquire.
What type of company?
Service companyContracting, restaurants, healthcare, IT and moreEngineering companyConsulting, design and supervisionTrading companyTrading, import and distributionLawyers handle your file from license to Commercial Registration
- Law firm based in Riyadh
- Legal due diligence before acquisition
- We follow your file through to CR
- Arabic and English
Company types
Choose your company type
Each type has its own requirements, and we check them with you before any step.
Service company
100% foreign ownershipFor providing services in the Saudi market.
Example activities
- Contracting and construction
- Restaurants and cafés
- Hospitals and clinics
- Hotels and hospitality
- Transport and logistics
- Information technology
- Education and training
- Marketing and advertising
Requirements
Sector authorities such as the Ministry of Health, municipalities or the Saudi Contractors Authority.
Submit your requestEngineering company
100% foreign ownershipFor engineering consulting, design and supervision.
Example activities
- Engineering consulting
- Architectural design
- Project supervision
- MEP engineering
- Project management
Requirements
Met before entering the Kingdom, and we help you with it.
Submit your requestTrading company
100% foreign ownershipFor selling, importing and distributing in the Kingdom.
Example activities
- General trading
- Import and distribution
- Wholesale and retail
- E-commerce
- Commercial agencies
Requirements
Met through your existing company, or one we help you acquire.
Submit your requestAlternative option
Engineering or trading company with a Saudi partner
If you don’t meet the full-ownership requirements, you can set up with a Saudi partner. This route only needs a company abroad that meets the activity requirements.
Where do you start?
Two routes, depending on your situation
I have a company abroad
- We review your company’s documents against your activity’s requirements.
- We handle attestation and translation.
- We obtain the investment license and Commercial Registration.
- We activate government platform accounts and obtain sector licenses.
I don’t have one, or it doesn’t qualify
- We define the requirements for the foreign company.
- We help you acquire a qualifying company after legal due diligence.
- We document the transfer of ownership and attest the documents.
- We set up your company in Saudi Arabia.
How we work
Five steps to get started
- Activity reviewWe define the company type, requirements and licenses.
- Foreign companyReviewing yours or acquiring a qualifying one.
- Investment licenseWe prepare and follow up the MISA file.
- Commercial RegistrationTrade name, articles of association and CR.
- Start operatingGovernment platforms and sector licenses.
Why Darb Legal
A law firm behind your file
Before you start
Timeline and cost
It varies with the activity, the completeness of the documents and the authorities’ procedures; we explain the expected steps after reviewing your case.
Government fees set by the competent authorities, plus Darb Legal’s fees, estimated after reviewing your case and written in the fee agreement.
Submit your request
Send your details and our team will contact you
We review your request and contact you by phone or WhatsApp.
FAQ
Before you submit your request
Do I need a Saudi partner or sponsor?
No, for activities open to full foreign ownership once their requirements are met. Engineering and trading companies can also be set up with a Saudi partner holding at least 25%.
I don’t have a company abroad. Can I still set up?
Yes, by acquiring an existing qualifying company abroad and then setting up. If your project is an innovative startup, the Entrepreneur License may suit you.
What are the requirements for a 100% foreign-owned engineering company?
A parent company abroad founded at least 10 years ago and present in at least 4 countries (its home country plus 3 others) before entering the Kingdom.
What are the requirements for a 100% foreign-owned trading company?
A parent company abroad founded at least 1 year ago and present in at least 3 countries (its home country plus 2 others).
How can I be sure about the company I acquire?
We carry out legal due diligence before the acquisition: registration, ownership and existing liabilities, then document its transfer to you.
Does a restaurant, hospital or contracting company need an extra license?
Usually yes: municipalities for restaurants and cafés, the Ministry of Health for healthcare facilities, and the Saudi Contractors Authority for contracting. We arrange this within the setup plan.
What documents are required?
Passports of the partners and manager, the foreign company’s documents (registration, articles, financial statements and setup resolution), and a power of attorney, translated and attested as required.
How long does it take and how much does it cost?
The timeline varies with the activity, documents and authorities’ procedures. The cost is government fees plus our fees, estimated after reviewing your case.
Ready to set up your company in Saudi Arabia?
Send your details, and we will review your activity and contact you.
Submit your request