Foreign investors in Saudi Arabia: registering with the Ministry of Investment and its types

Registration instead of a licence

The updated Investment Law replaced licensing with registration, repealed the previous Foreign Investment Law, and takes effect 180 days after its publication in the Official Gazette. Fines for serious violations can reach SAR 300,000 ^[1].

Types of registration

• Standard registration.
• Entrepreneurial registration: for startups, with a letter from a recognised support body, such as a Saudi university or an accredited incubator.
• Temporary registration for government contracts.
• Scientific and technical office, liaison office, regional headquarters, and real estate ownership.

A new registration takes 10 working days, and annual renewal or update takes 5 working days ^[2].

Some activities require a specified capital, such as trading activity with full foreign ownership ^[2]. Check the Investor Guide for your activity.

Premium Residency

Premium Residency products include: Exceptional Competency, Gifted (Talent), Investor, Entrepreneur and Real Estate Owner. Holders can obtain an investment registration ^[3].

Fees

The Investor Guide does not publish registration fees; they are shown when you apply on the Ministry's platform.

Frequently asked questions