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. Under the Investment Law that came into force in 2025, the former foreign investment licence has been replaced by registration with MISA (the Ministry of Investment, formerly SAGIA), but requirements still differ depending on the activity and the structure chosen. 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. Certain activities remain restricted, or carry additional conditions or sector-regulator approvals. 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.

MISA registration

Investors register with MISA before undertaking investment activity, and a single registration can cover activities in more than one sector. We assess the documentation MISA and the Ministry of Commerce will expect, including parent-company documents.

Restricted and conditional activities

Some activities remain closed or restricted to foreign investment, and others carry specific conditions, for example on capital, the investor's profile or Saudization (Saudi hiring) commitments. These are confirmed against current rules at the time of engagement.

Branch of a foreign company

Depending on the activity, a foreign company may operate through a registered branch rather than a subsidiary. The choice turns on liability, tax and the nature of the work, and we assess it case by case.

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. Businesses register with ZATCA (the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority) for Zakat and income tax, and for VAT where they meet the registration threshold. 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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