Structuring market entry into the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia

How we work in Saudi Arabia

LISORBIS advises on strategy, structuring and documentation, and coordinates the engagement from Islamabad. Anything that requires a Saudi licence, including advice on Saudi law, filings with Saudi authorities and representation, is carried out by licensed Saudi counsel under our standing arrangement, and by collaborating firms where a matter calls for it. LISORBIS remains your single point of contact throughout.

Overview

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 reforms have made it markedly easier for foreign investors to establish a presence, but the process still runs through MISA (the Ministry of Investment, formerly SAGIA), and the requirements differ meaningfully depending on which licence type you need. We advise on the full formation pathway so your entity is structured correctly the first time.

Where we can help

What actually determines your structure.

Saudi market-entry requirements depend on the proposed activity, ownership structure, investor profile and applicable regulatory regime. MISA publishes distinct requirements for different investment-licence categories. We assess the appropriate category and coordinate registration, licensing and corporate steps with authorised professionals in Saudi Arabia.

General information, last reviewed September 2026, and not advice on Saudi law. Specifics are confirmed with licensed local counsel at the time of engagement.

Service Licence

Covers a range of service-sector activities, with ownership and capital requirements set by MISA for the specific activity and applicant profile. We assess eligibility and the documentation MISA will expect, including your parent company's track record in the relevant activity.

Trading Licence

Foreign ownership of a trading company is subject to its own MISA requirements, which can include conditions on the parent company's international footprint, capital, and Saudization (Saudi hiring) commitments. These requirements vary by category and are confirmed against current MISA rules at the time of engagement.

Branch / Project Licence

A branch of a foreign parent company can be licensed in Saudi Arabia, but this route is typically tied to a specific government contract or project rather than open-ended commercial activity.

Corporate Tax & Zakat

Saudi Arabia runs a dual system: the foreign-owned share of a company's profit is subject to corporate income tax, while Saudi and GCC shareholders pay Zakat on their share instead, with mixed-ownership companies paying both proportionate to the ownership split. All businesses register with ZATCA (the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority) for applicable VAT and tax obligations; current rates are confirmed at the time of engagement.

Moving between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia?

We have a dedicated advisory track for exactly this corridor.

View pakistan – saudi arabia advisory

Structuring a business in Saudi Arabia?

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