Summary
A clear overview of the regulatory authorities and procedural sequence that foreign investors must follow to establish a lawful business presence in Saudi Arabia.
The Competent Authorities for Foreign Investment
Ministry of Investment (MISA): The primary authority responsible for issuing foreign investment licences and monitoring ongoing compliance with the conditions attached to those licences.
Ministry of Commerce: Responsible for the registration of commercial entities and the notarisation and publication of articles of association.
Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA): The authority governing all tax, zakat, and customs obligations applicable to businesses operating in the Kingdom.
The Approved Procedural Sequence
1. Obtain the foreign investment licence from MISA — this is the legal prerequisite for all subsequent steps.
2. Deposit the declared share capital and notarise the articles of association before a notary public.
3. Obtain the commercial registration from the Ministry of Commerce.
4. Complete tax registration with ZATCA and employment registration with the Ministry of Human Resources via the Qiwa platform.