
Starting a company in a new country can be difficult and exciting. With its fast-growing economy and ambitious Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia, and specifically its capital city, Riyadh, has become a leading destination for businesspeople and investors.
The procedure of a company setup in Riyadh has become more seamless in existing years, but it still includes particular legal and management moves. Express Business Service is a reputable business setup company that assists you in comprehending the business landscape and the practical moves of launching your business.
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ToggleWhy Choose Riyadh for Company Setup?
Riyadh is not only the political capital of Saudi Arabia; it is the heart of the economic change of the country. Establishing a business in Riyadh means you are not only commencing a corporation; you are becoming part of a vibrant, forward-looking economy. The city is a center for finance, invention, and technology, making it a perfect location to launch a new business.

A Growing Economy
Saudi Arabia is actively spreading its economy away from oil, making new prospects in industries such as entertainment, tourism, technology, and manufacturing. Riyadh is at the forefront of this change, with huge assignments such as the King Abdullah Financial District and the Qiddiya entertainment city.

Government Support
The government of Saudi Arabia is dedicated to enticing foreign investment. They have launched business-friendly guidelines and incentives, comprising full foreign ownership in a number of industries.

Strategic Location
The central location of Riyadh makes it an amazing base for companies targeting both the domestic market and the broader Middle East and North Africa region

Access to Talent
Business Structure Options & Legal Entities in Riyadh
Selecting the appropriate structure is one of the most crucial decisions you will make when you begin a business. It impacts the liability of your company, how it is taxed, and its administrative structure. Here are the most typical choices for a company formation in Riyadh:-
- Limited Liability Company (LLC):This is the most famous option for foreign investors. An LLC is a separate legal unit from its owners, which means your personal assets are secured if the corporation faces financial issues.
- Branch Office: This is a choice for foreign corporations that wish to have an existence in Riyadh without establishing a new, separate corporation. The branch runs under the name of its parent corporation.

- Simplified Joint Stock Company (SJSC): This newer corporation structure is created to make it simpler for startups and smaller companies to get started and make a profit.
Our specialists at Express Business Service can assist you in selecting the most suitable structure for your particular business objectives.
Step-By-Step Company Setup Process in Riyadh
Obtain an Investment License
For foreign investors, the first move is to obtain an investment license from the Ministry of Investment. This is a compulsory need that permits you to legally run a company in the Kingdom.
Reserve a Company Name
Draft and Notarize the Articles of Association
Issue the Commercial Registration
The commercial registration of the official ID of your corporation. It is granted by the Ministry of Commerce and proves that your business is lawfully registered.
Register with Government Authorities

Requirements & Documents for Company Setup in Riyadh
- Passport copies of all stakeholders and managers.
- A thorough business plan.
- Audited financial statements
- A power of attorney for the person managing the registration.
- The registration documents of the parent company.

Government Support & Incentives for Businesses in Riyadh
- 100% Foreign Ownership:- In several industries, foreign investors can now hold 100% of their corporation, without the requirement for a local partner.
- Tax Incentives:- The government has presented enticing tax advantages, particularly for multinational corporations that set up their regional headquarters in Riyadh. There are also incentives for companies in specific economic zones.
- Funding and Support Programs:- Government authorities deliver training, funding, and support to assist new companies and startups in succeeding.
How Express Business Service Will Help You Set Up Business in Riyadh
- Expert Guidance:- Our team of professionals understands the ins and outs of Saudi laws. We will guide you through each move, from selecting the appropriate business structure to gathering the vital documents.
- Document Preparation:- We will make sure all your documentation is right, translated, and attested, controlling expensive uncertainties and rejections.
- Liaison with Authorities:- Express Business Service works as your representative with government departments, managing the submissions and follow-ups so you do not have to.

- Customized Solutions:-We do not deliver a one-size-fits-all system. We will customize our services to your particular business requirements and budget.
How a Foreigner Will Set Up a Business in Saudi Riyadh

Visa Requirements
To work in your company, you will have to obtain an investor visa or work visa. Our services comprise assisting you in obtaining this visa and the necessary residence permit.

MISA License
A MISA investor license is the first legal move. This license permits you to own and run a company in Saudi Arabia with full foreign ownership in most industries.

Physical Presence

Benefits of Setting up a Company in Riyadh
The rewards of establishing a business in Riyadh go far beyond the instant financial achievements.
- Market Access:- You achieve direct access to a big, developing customer market with high power of purchasing.
- Gateway to the Region: Riyadh works as a strategic launchpad for expanding your company in the Middle East.
- Favorable Business Environment:- The Saudi government is actively making a supportive climate for companies, with new rules and regulations created to secure investors and inspire growth.
- Innovation Hub:- Riyadh is becoming a center for technology and invention, delivering a robust ecosystem for startups and tech corporations.
Cost of Starting a Company in Riyadh

Government Fees

Office Space

Service Fees

Visa and Residency Fees
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
The new rules do not require a local sponsor because they allow foreigners to own 100% of many industries.
The Ministry of Commerce is in charge of Commercial Registration and other associated processes, while the Ministry of Investment (MISA) is the primary government agency for foreign investment.
Companies must pay Value Added Tax (VAT), which is currently 15% on the majority of goods and services, and corporate tax (for foreign companies).