Saudi Arabia: Vision 2030 and MISA-Licensed Setup
The largest GCC economy and a Vision 2030 growth market. Foreign-owned companies pay a 20% CIT; Saudi / GCC nationals pay Zakat at 2.5%. We register through MISA, structure the entity and handle banking and residency.
Setup time
8-14 weeks
Corporate tax
20% on foreign ownership / 2.5% Zakat on Saudi-GCC
Foreign ownership
100% in most sectors via MISA
Main legal form
LLC / SCC / branch
Futura Digital works with local partners and industry associations in Saudi Arabia.
Alexandra Kurdiumova
Co-founder, Futura Digital
Saudi Arabia is the largest growth market in the GCC under Vision 2030. The dual tax system (CIT for foreign ownership, Zakat for Saudi / GCC) shapes every structuring decision.
Market
Why Founders Choose Saudi Arabia for Business Registration
Largest GCC economy
Saudi Arabia is the largest GCC economy with major government investment under Vision 2030 across infrastructure, tech, tourism and energy transition.
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100% foreign ownership in most sectors
The MISA route allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors with a clear licensing process.
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Regional HQ Programme
Companies placing their regional HQ in Saudi Arabia get tax incentives and preferential access to government contracts.
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Reduced withholding tax in 2026
WHT on technical services and consulting payments was reduced from 15% to 5% in 2026, materially improving the take-home for foreign service providers.
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Who It's For
Who Should Consider Registering a Company in Saudi Arabia
Government and infrastructure contractors
EPC, engineering and infrastructure contractors entering Vision 2030 projects (NEOM, Red Sea, infrastructure).
Tech and digital companies
SaaS, cloud and digital service providers supplying Saudi government and corporate clients.
Consumer and retail brands
Brands building a Saudi operating company to serve the largest consumer market in the GCC.
Financial services and asset managers
Financial services and asset managers serving the Saudi market via CMA-regulated entities or representative arrangements.
How we help you open a company in Saudi Arabia
One partner for all questions
A Saudi setup is workable, but MISA licensing, structure choice, banking and the dual tax/Zakat system need to be coordinated from the start.
Futura Digital manages the entire journey — from initial structuring to a fully operational company with bank accounts and a resident team.
- Incorporation: LLC, SCC or branch registration with MISA and MoCI; CR issuance.
- Tax setup: 20% CIT for foreign-owned share; Zakat for Saudi / GCC share; VAT (15%) registration.
- Residency: investor and work residency (iqama) for founders and key staff.
- Banking: corporate account with a Saudi bank; KYC, source-of-funds and substance documentation.
- Ongoing: monthly VAT, payroll (GOSI / Mudad), annual ZATCA filings and changes in the CR.
Setup process
Partners
We work with selected local partners in Saudi Arabia to support contractors, payroll and compliance for distributed teams.
- Local partner support for contractor management, banking compliance and personal tax accounting.
- Practical solutions for paying a distributed team and contractors across jurisdictions.
FAQ
Discuss
the Task
Speak to our team
Speak to our team. Tell us about your task –
we’ll help you with it in any jurisdiction.