Saudi Arabia
Your comprehensive guide to business opportunities in Saudi Arabia
Why Choose Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is undergoing rapid transformation under Vision 2030, making it an increasingly attractive destination for businesses and entrepreneurs.
Key Business Advantages
- Largest economy in the Middle East
- Significant government investment in diversification away from oil
- Growing focus on technology, tourism, entertainment, and service sectors
- Young population with high digital adoption rates
- Major infrastructure projects and development of new cities
Investment Opportunities
- Full foreign ownership is now allowed in many sectors; - MISA (Ministry of Investment) license for foreign investors; - Premium residency program for significant investors
Business Structures
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Joint Stock Company
- Branch of Foreign Company
- Representative Office
- Professional Company
Coworking & Workspace Ecosystem
The coworking market in Saudi Arabia has grown rapidly since 2018, with the government actively supporting entrepreneurship and innovation spaces.
Top Free Economic Zones
Explore business-friendly free zones in Saudi Arabia
King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC)
KAEC is a mega-project economic zone spread over 173 km² north of Jeddah. Launched in 2005, it includes industrial, resi...
NEOM
NEOM is Saudi Arabia's $500 billion futuristic megacity project spanning 26,500 square kilometers. This special economic...
King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD)
KAFD is a special financial zone in Riyadh designed to become the Middle East's financial hub. The district spans 1.6 mi...
Startup Incubators & Accelerators
Connect with leading startup programs in Saudi Arabia
Badir Program for Technology Incubators and Accelerators
Badir Program for Technology Incubators and Accelerators is a leading national program in Saudi Arabia that supports tec...
KAUST Entrepreneurship Center
The KAUST Entrepreneurship Center, part of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, f...
Wa'ed Ventures
Wa'ed Ventures is a prominent $500 million venture capital fund backed by Aramco, based in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. It is...
Business Setup Process
- 1Obtain foreign investment license from MISA (formerly SAGIA);
- 2Register with Ministry of Commerce;
- 3Register with Chamber of Commerce;
- 4Obtain municipal license;
- 5Register with General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI);
- 6Register with Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority
Visa & Residency Options
Saudi Arabia offers various visa and residency options including the comprehensive Premium Residency program (Limited, Unlimited, Real Estate Owner, Investor, Entrepreneur, Special Talent, Gifted Residency), as well as standard employment visas and family visit visas.
Startup Ecosystem
- Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC)
- Monsha'at (Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority)
- TAQNIA (Technology development organization)
- Misk Innovation
- BADIR Program for Technology Incubators
- Saudi Aramco Entrepreneurship Center
- KAUST Innovation Fund
Cultural Considerations
- 5 daily prayer times (businesses pause during prayer)
- Gender segregation becoming less strict but still relevant in some contexts
- Arabic business culture emphasizes relationships and face
- face meetings
- Business meetings may be interrupted and often run longer than scheduled
- Islamic calendar affects business operations (especially during Ramadan)
- Weekend is Friday
- Conservative dress code still appreciated in business settings
Government Support
- Saudi Vision 2030
- National Transformation Program
- Financial Sector Development Program
- Quality of Life Program
- Fiscal Balance Program
- The National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP)
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