Foreign investors set up a company in Saudi Arabia by first obtaining Investment Registration from the Ministry of Investment (MISA), commonly called a MISA license, then a Commercial Registration (CR) from the Ministry of Commerce, followed by registrations such as GOSI, Qiwa, ZATCA and a municipal licence. MISA states that application review takes up to 10 days and is done online.
What is a MISA license?
The "MISA license" is the approval foreign investors need from the Ministry of Investment to invest in Saudi Arabia. The ministry now refers to it as Investment Registration. It opens the door to setting up your company, but it is not by itself permission to trade. You still need a Commercial Registration and any sector-specific licences.
Who needs it?
Foreign investors establishing a business presence in Saudi Arabia. MISA notes that GCC investors are treated as local investors.
Ownership rules
MISA states that ownership is open to both foreigners and locals, except within the boundaries of the Two Holy Mosques. Some activities still require a local partner and others are restricted, so check your planned activities (ISIC codes) before applying.
Documents usually required
- The parent company's commercial registration, authenticated by the Saudi Embassy
- Financial statements for the last fiscal year, authenticated by the Embassy
- Activity-specific documents where applicable
Documents issued abroad generally need legalisation and Arabic translation. MISA notes that Premium Residency holders are exempt from submitting the commercial registration and financial statements.
Process and timeline
- Confirm your activities, ownership structure and any capital requirements.
- Apply online through the Invest Saudi portal. MISA says no visit to the ministry is required.
- MISA reviews the application, which it states takes up to 10 days.
- Incorporate and obtain your Commercial Registration (CR) through the Ministry of Commerce.
- Complete post-registration steps (below).
After the CR: registrations to complete
- Chamber of Commerce membership
- GOSI (social insurance) and Qiwa (labour)
- Muqeem (residency services)
- ZATCA: VAT and Zakat registration
- National Address (SPL)
- Municipality (Balady) licence
- Mudad and the Wage Protection System (WPS)
- Corporate bank account
How Luba helps
Luba Global Ventures manages the whole setup, from activity checks and MISA registration to CR, government portals and bank account support, so you can start operating with confidence.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current rules with the official authority or our team before applying.
