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Setting Up a Business in Saudi with AEI


Business district in Saudi Arabia
Looking to setup a business in Saudi? AEI Saudi can guide you through every step of the process. As you'll see, there are lots of them, and establishing a business entity isn't necessarily straightforward. But we're here to navigate the complexities of business incorporation services, and can give you comprehensive support to ensure your success in the Saudi market.

Your Guide to Successfully Setup a Business in Saudi

This is a quick guide to setting up business. It may seem complicated, but we can walk you through these steps, and help you and your team to stay on track. Here's an idea of what's needed:

 

Start with Firm Foundations

You'll need a one-year license from the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA). You'll also need to reserve your company's name, draft and notarize your Articles of Association (AoA), and get your Commercial Registration (CR) certificate. Then you can register with the Chamber of Commerce (CoC).

 

Get Authorizations to Hire Staff

Next step, after getting a company established, you'll need to register with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Labor and enrol in the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) so that you can hire staff in KSA. You'll be listed in Saudi's national database for legal correspondence. Then it's on to visas, so that your new Saudi entity can have a General Manager (GM), and you'll need to register with the General Authority of Zakat and Tax (GAZT) for tax compliance, including VAT.


Establish Residency, Set Up Bank Accounts

As you can see - it's complex. That's why having a partner helps. You'll also need to activate your CoC account, get Saudi corporate health insurance including for the GM, schedule the GM's medical check-up, here in Saudi, secure the GM's Iqama, and then register on the key government portals such as Muqeem, Absher, Qiwa, and Mudad. And then your business in Saudi Arabia will also need a corporate bank account.

 

Choosing a Partner to Get Set Up in Saudi

There's more. For example, you'll still need a Saudization certificate, which enables you to access the Etimad portal if you want to bid on government tenders. And you'll need to transfer the right amount of funds to your business's new Saudi bank account, within 60 days - if you don't, then it may be blocked. These are the kind of pitfalls that we can help you navigate with ease.


Whichever sector you're working in, AEI Saudi can help. Get in touch, tell us what your aspirations are for setting up a business in Saudi.

 

Success in Saudi

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is warm and welcoming to new business. Kingdom to kingdom, there are huge opportunities for foreign businesses to set up an entity, including options that offer 100% foreign ownership. Clearly, the right option for your business will depend on what you're producing or delivering, and how you imagine growth withing KSA. 

 

FAQs - Setting up a Business in Saudi

How can AEI Saudi help me to set up a business in Saudi?

AEI Saudi provides advice on entity establishment, business incorporation, compliance, and strategic planning to ensure your business success in Saudi


What's the process for establishing a business entity in Saudi?

It involves choosing a company name, getting it approved, preparing legal documents, and obtaining necessary licenses and permits. AEI Saudi can guide you through each step.


What are the benefits of setting up a company in Saudi Arabia?

Growth! Saudi Arabia is a dynamic market, it's a strong economy, and the government has very supportive policies for businesses that want to work in and with Saudi Arabia. It is also a requirement if you want to do business with the Saudi Government or State owned businesses in the Kingdom.


What are business incorporation services?

Business incorporation services involve turning your business into a recognized entity under the law. This includes preparing legal documents, filing them with all of the appropriate government agencies, and more.


How do I actually start my business in Saudi?

It is much more complicated than the UK, and starting a business in Saudi involves planning for a  market with different local content and tax rules, and complying with statutory  requirements. AEI Saudi provides all the support you need.


What counts as a business entity in Saudi?

Again, like the UK, a business entity in Saudi is the legal structure of your business, such as a limited liability company (LLC), joint stock company, or sole proprietorship and you must be in possession of the documents approved by the relevant authorities.


How do I incorporate a business in Saudi?

Incorporating a business in Saudi involves several steps, including choosing a business structure, preparing legal documents, and obtaining necessary licenses. AEI Saudi can provide expert guidance throughout this process.


What is the process of company formation in Saudi Arabia?

Company formation in Saudi Arabia involves lots of steps. Everything from choosing a business structure, getting a company name approved, preparing legal documents, getting necessary licenses and permits, having a bank account, and also your first employees and premises - to thinking about accommodation, transport, and people services.


What is meant by 'business setup Saudi'?

'Business setup Saudi' is the term that's commonly used when we refer to establishing and incorporating a business in Saudi Arabia.


What are the requirements for foreign businesses in Saudi?

Foreign businesses in Saudi must comply with KSA requirements. These include getting a foreign investment license, registering with the commercial registry, and more. AEI Saudi can provide detailed guidance on these requirements.

Find out more about setting up a business in Saudi.

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