SaudiEntryManagedEnd to End
Build your business foundation in the Kingdom
Astrapi's Entity Formation service manages the full lifecycle of setting up a foreign-owned business in the Kingdom. Our advisors handle every regulatory touchpoint so you can launch compliantly and quickly.
Legal structure. Choosing the right entity for your ownership and operational goals
MISA licensing. Securing foreign investment approval from the Ministry of Investment
Corporate documentation. Articles, bylaws, and government platform activation handled end to end
Operational readiness. Bank account, VAT registration, and compliant launch from day one
Weeks to full operational readiness
Foreign ownership in eligible sectors
Government bodies coordinated on your behalf
From MISA license to bank account
Legal structures evaluated for fit
Dedicated advisors from start to launch
Advisor access during onboarding
Hidden fees or surprise costs
Your Path to a Saudi Entity
Five structured phases from first consultation to ongoing compliance. Click any phase to explore, or watch the journey unfold.
Pre-Establishment Consultation
We begin with a deep-dive into your business objectives to design the most efficient market-entry strategy before any paperwork is filed.
What we handle
Note: Phase 05 (Ongoing Compliance & Support) is part of our Corporate Governance & Compliance service and is not included in the one-time entity establishment fee. Timelines may vary based on regulatory approvals, document preparation speed, and industry-specific licensing.
Service Scope
Click each category to see the full breakdown of services included.
2026 Saudi Licensing Checklist
Get the complete step-by-step checklist of every license, platform, and document required to form your entity — straight to your inbox.
Minimum Capital Requirements
Requirements vary significantly by license type and ownership structure.
General Services / Consulting
LLC (100% Foreign)
No sector-specific minimums for most service activities
Trading / Retail
LLC (100% Foreign)
High threshold applies for fully foreign-owned trade licenses
Trading / Retail
LLC (with Saudi Partner)
Significantly lower when a Saudi national holds equity
Industrial License
Industrial / Manufacturing
Additional factory land and employment quotas may apply
Branch License (MISA)
Branch Office
Parent company financials substituted; parent bears liability
RHQ Designation
Regional HQ (RHQ)
Must employ minimum Saudi nationals per Saudization requirements
Note: MISA requirements update periodically. Astrapi confirms current thresholds during consultation.
Key Government Portals We Activate
Click each platform to understand what it does and why it matters.
Absher
Saudi Arabia's main government portal. Manages visas, Iqama (residency permits), and employee digital ID verification for companies and individuals.
Astrapi registers, configures, and hands over all 6 platforms fully activated as part of entity formation.
Home-Country Document Checklist
Documents your parent company must prepare before MISA application can begin.
Certificate of Incorporation
Notarized and apostilled in country of origin
Articles of Association / Bylaws
Must reflect current shareholding — all amendments included
Board Resolution
Authorizing the Saudi market entry and naming a local representative
Power of Attorney
For the in-Kingdom representative or law firm acting on your behalf
Proof of Good Standing
Issued by home country commerce authority, typically within 3–6 months
Passport Copies
All shareholders and the designated General Manager
Audited Financial Statements
Last 2 years; required by MISA for branch and trading licenses
Business Plan / Project Proposal
Required by MISA for service and consulting license categories
Astrapi handles: Coordination, translation, and MoFA certification of all documents on your behalf.
Who We Serve & How We Structure It
The Right Structure for Every Sector and Ambition
From legal form to industry-specific licensing, Astrapi matches your business model to the optimal Saudi setup.
Legal Structures We Establish
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Startups, investors, new market entrants
The most common vehicle for foreign investors. Flexible governance, limited liability, and full foreign ownership across most eligible sectors.
- Fewest governance formalities among corporate forms
- Eligible for MISA investment license in most sectors
- Simple profit repatriation and shareholder exits
Branch of a Foreign Company
Established corporations, franchise and contract operations
Operate in the Kingdom under your existing parent company's brand and balance sheet, without forming a separate Saudi legal entity.
- Faster to stand up for short-term or contract-based work
- Carries the parent's existing credit and brand standing
- Limited to activities permitted for foreign branches
Joint Stock Company
Large operations, capital-raising ventures
A capital-market-ready structure for larger operations planning to raise equity, list publicly, or bring on institutional investors.
- Only structure eligible to list on the Saudi exchange (Tadawul)
- Supports complex cap tables and future funding rounds
- Subject to stricter governance and disclosure requirements
Regional Headquarters (RHQ)
Multinational enterprises, regional hubs
A dedicated regional hub structure that satisfies Saudi government RHQ mandates and unlocks a package of incentives for multinationals.
- Required to bid on most government and PIF contracts
- Eligible for withholding-tax exemption and relaxed Saudization
- Permits regional management, not commercial Saudi sales
Industries We Serve
Technology & SaaS
Establishing RHQ or LLC structures to commercialize software and hire local talent.
Regulatory Considerations
Healthcare & Pharma
Navigating SFDA licensing and medical device importation requirements.
Regulatory Considerations
Manufacturing & Industrial
Setting up industrial licenses, SEZ entry, and equipment visa sponsorship.
Regulatory Considerations
Financial Services
Securing CMA approvals and structuring fintech sandboxes and regulated entities.
Regulatory Considerations
Energy & Renewables
Partnering on Vision 2030 mega-projects and local content compliance.
Regulatory Considerations
Real Estate & Construction
Obtaining municipal permits, contractor classification, and project visas.
Regulatory Considerations
Logistics & Aviation
Securing GACA approvals, freight forwarding licenses, and customs registrations.
Regulatory Considerations
Retail & E-Commerce
Launching D2C brands, marketplace listings, and consumer protection compliance.
Regulatory Considerations
Food & Beverage
Obtaining SFDA food registration, municipal trade, and halal certification.
Regulatory Considerations
Education & Training
Setting up licensed training institutes and TVTC-accredited programs.
Regulatory Considerations
Transportation & Mobility
Navigating TGA licensing for ride-hail, freight, and last-mile operations.
Regulatory Considerations
Media & Entertainment
Securing GCAM licenses for production, distribution, and content platforms.
Regulatory Considerations
Who It's For
Startups & Investors
Founders and investors seeking 100% foreign ownership access in eligible sectors.
What you get: Structure advisory, MISA licensing, and day-one operational setup.
U.S. & Foreign Corporations
Corporations expanding or establishing a branch in Saudi Arabia under their existing brand.
What you get: Branch or subsidiary formation, banking, and government platform activation.
Regulated Market Entrants
Foreign corporations requiring MISA licensing or strategic representation in regulated sectors.
What you get: Sector-specific licensing, regulator coordination, and compliance workflows.
Entrepreneurs & Residents
Entrepreneurs pursuing business investment or long-term residency in the Kingdom.
What you get: Entity setup, premium residency pathways, and ongoing advisory.
Why Companies Expand to Saudi Arabia
Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is undergoing transformative economic reforms creating unprecedented opportunities. Astrapi serves as your trusted advisor through every step of market entry.
- Largest economy in the Middle East with over $1 trillion GDP
- Strategic location connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa
- Major government investment in technology, aviation, and infrastructure
- Growing demand for international expertise in consulting, tech, and healthcare
- Regulatory framework increasingly designed to attract foreign investment
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The Heart of Vision 2030
Economy Size
Population
Vision 2030 Investment
Industries Targeted
Calculate the time and cost savings with Astrapi's end-to-end entity formation service
Schedule a consultation with our advisors to determine the best entity structure and licensing strategy for your business.
Or explore the complete Saudi Expansion Playbook