Foreign investment
Company Formation in Saudi Arabia for Foreign Investors
Darb Legal sets up companies for foreign investors in Saudi Arabia through clear lawful steps: the investment license, the trade name, the articles of association and commercial registration, then the government platforms, with no local partner needed in activities open to full ownership.
If you have an innovative idea and no existing company abroad, the Entrepreneur License route may suit you better.
Why Darb Legal
Lawyers Who Specialise in Company Formation for Foreigners
Licensed lawyers
Local representation inside the Kingdom that speeds up procedures and secures compliance.
Contracts that protect rights
Drafting that reduces risk from the articles of association through to operation.
A clear timeline
A roadmap from day one, based on your activity and documents.
Support after formation
VAT, zakat, work regulations, and supplier and customer contracts.
Steps
How to Set Up a Foreign Company in Saudi Arabia
We check restricted or conditional activities early, before work starts.
Investment license
Issuing the foreign investment license from the Ministry of Investment (MISA) according to the activity.
Trade name
Reserving the name and aligning the objects with the investment license.
Articles and commercial registration
Drafting and approving the articles of association and issuing the commercial registration.
Government platforms
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Qiwa platform and Social Insurance.
Requirements
Required Documents
Requirements vary with the activity. The main ones are:
- A valid passport for the shareholders, or a copy of the residence permit for residents.
- The commercial registration and articles of the parent company when forming through a foreign entity.
- Audited and attested financial statements of the foreign company.
- Legal translation and attestation of documents not in Arabic.
- A power of attorney authorising us to complete the procedures.
Before you start
Timing and Cost
Timing
It depends on the type of activity, how ready the documents are and the approvals of the authorities. We give you a clear timeline from the start.
Cost
It consists of government fees, translation and attestation costs, and the professional fees of Darb Legal, which we estimate after reviewing your documents and activity.
After the license
Premium Residency and Operating After Formation
Premium Residency for foreign investors
We help you apply for Premium Residency alongside the formation procedures, and explain its conditions when we assess your case.
Operating from day one
The VAT certificate where required, supplier, customer and employment contracts, work regulations, and legal representation when needed.
FAQ
Common Questions About Company Formation for Foreigners
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, depending on the activity and the investment license. We check that the activity qualifies before starting.
What are the requirements to set up a company as a foreigner in Saudi Arabia?
A valid passport, the parent company documents if any, a power of attorney, an office address, and translations and attestations depending on the case.
What are the steps to form a foreign company, and how long does it take?
The investment license, then the trade name, then the articles of association and commercial registration, then the government platforms. Timing varies with the activity and the approvals of the authorities.
Do you handle the government platforms on our behalf?
Yes, within the limits of the power of attorney and legal representation.
Can I apply for Premium Residency together with the formation?
Yes for foreign investors. We explain the conditions when we assess the case.
Contact
Planning to Set Up Your Company in Saudi Arabia?
The Darb Legal team is ready to explain the legal options and the formation steps for your case.
