So, you’re in the UK and thinking about expanding your business into Saudi Arabia? Honestly, great move. The Saudi market is booming right now with Vision 2030 opening up all sorts of opportunities for foreign investors. And yep, it’s totally possible to set up your company there without even being physically present.
But before you dive in, just know it’s not exactly like registering a company in London or Manchester. Saudi has its own way of doing things, and there’s a bit of red tape involved. Still, if you follow the right steps and get proper help, it’s all manageable.
Let us walk you through it.
Why Even Consider Saudi Arabia?
Let’s quickly talk about the “why,” because it’s more than just oil money. Saudi Arabia’s going all in on sectors like tourism, tech, renewable energy, logistics and even entertainment. They’re pushing hard to diversify their economy, which means they actually want foreign businesses to come in and grow.
We’ve seen a few UK-based firms especially in consulting and tech make the jump and honestly, some are doing better there than back home. Lower taxes, less competition in some niches, and loads of government incentives. So yeah, the potential’s real. Looking for a Business Setup Consultants in KSA?
Decide on the Business Activity
Before anything else, figure out what kind of business you’re planning to run. Saudi’s Ministry of Investment (MISA) — previously known as SAGIA has a list of permitted activities for foreign-owned businesses.
Some sectors are totally open. Others? You might need a local partner or extra approvals. So if you’re starting a tech consultancy, for example, that’s usually smooth sailing. But if you’re going into real estate or media, the rules can be a bit tighter.
Get the MISA License
Alright, this is where things get real. You’ll need a foreign investment license from MISA to operate legally as a non-Saudi.
Here’s what they’ll usually ask for:
- A copy of your UK company registration
- Financial statements (audited, ideally)
- A business plan
- Passport copies of owners/directors
- A power of attorney if someone else is applying on your behalf
It’s a bit paperwork-heavy, yeah, but if your documents are in order, approvals typically take a few weeks.
Tip: It really helps to work with a local business setup consultant. Get details about Company Registration in Saudi Arabia.
Reserve a Company Name
Simple step, but super important. You’ve gotta reserve your company name with the Ministry of Commerce in Saudi. The name should be unique and follow local naming rules which are a little strict, not gonna lie.
Avoid anything overly generic or offensive (obviously), and don’t try to use “Saudi” in the name unless you’re a fully Saudi-owned firm.
Draft the Articles of Association (AOA)
You’ll need to draft your Articles of Association, which is basically the rulebook for how your company will operate. Things like ownership structure, decision-making, capital allocation it all goes in here.
Once that’s done, the AOA needs to be notarised by a Saudi notary public. Again, this is where a local consultant is gold. Doing this step remotely without someone on the ground is a nightmare. Know about Company Establishment in KSA.
Register With the Ministry of Commerce
After you’ve got your investment license and AOA sorted, it’s time to officially register your business with the Ministry of Commerce. This step gives your company its Commercial Registration (CR), which is basically your license to operate.
At this point, your company becomes an actual legal entity in Saudi Arabia. Pretty cool, right?
Open a Bank Account
Now that you’re legit, you’ll need a corporate bank account in Saudi. This part’s a bit tricky to do from the UK, to be honest. Some banks might ask you to show up in person, others let you do it through a rep.
Either way, you’ll need:
- Your commercial registration
- Company stamp (yes, Saudi businesses still use stamps)
- ID copies of shareholders
- Company license (MISA)
Oh, and pro tip go for a bank that’s foreigner-friendly. Not all of them are.
Register for Taxes and GOSI
Once you’re all set up, make sure you register with:
- ZATCA for taxes (VAT, income tax, etc.)
- GOSI, which is the social insurance body if you plan to hire staff
Saudi’s corporate tax is 20% for foreign entities, and VAT is 15%, so you definitely don’t wanna skip this step. Late registration can get you into trouble fast.
Set Up an Office (Physical or Virtual)
Saudi Arabia’s not huge on 100% virtual companies, so you’ll likely need a physical address. That said, you can go for a shared workspace or a virtual office in some economic zones totally depending on your business type.
In places like Riyadh or Jeddah, you’ll find loads of co-working spaces designed specifically for startups and foreign investors.
Hire Staff or Get an Iqama (if you plan to relocate)
Thinking of moving over yourself or sending someone from the UK team? You’ll need to apply for an Iqama, which is the Saudi residence permit.
To get one, your company needs to:
- Be fully registered and active
- Have a valid office address
- Be compliant with GOSI and ZATCA
Once that’s in place, you can sponsor work visas for yourself or your team. Get details about Open a Company in KSA.
Tips for a Smoother Process
- Use a local consultant: Seriously, don’t try to DIY everything unless you love stress.
- Budget for extra time: Even if things seem quick on paper, expect some delays. Saudi bureaucracy can surprise you.
- Stay compliant: Late filings or errors with taxes or licensing? That’ll cost you. Stay on top of your renewals.
Your Pathway to Business Success in Saudi Arabia
Setting up a company in Saudi Arabia from the UK isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but it’s definitely doable and in many cases, worth it. With the government opening up new sectors, offering tax breaks, and making it easier for foreigners to come in, now’s a good time to consider making your move.
Whether you’re in tech, consulting, logistics or even creative industries, there’s space for you to grow. Just take it one step at a time, get proper help where needed, and before you know it, your business will be up and running in the Kingdom.
Got questions? Or feeling lost in all the steps? Reach out — We’ve helped loads of UK companies go through this, and we’d be happy to point you in the right direction.
FAQs
Yes, UK citizens can open a company with the right approvals and a local license.
Start by getting foreign investment approval from the Ministry of Investment (MISA).
No, there are many sectors that are 100% foreign owned with MISA approval.
It commonly requires 2 to 3 months, depending on the type of business and documents.
Not always, but some steps may need a visit or a local representative.