If you are a foreign investor or a resident of Saudi Arabia thinking about establishing a company, this guide is for you. We'll explain everything you need to know about the new MISA Registration — the procedures, the documents, the fees, and the mistakes to avoid.
What is MISA?
MISA = Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (the Saudi Ministry of Investment). It is the government authority responsible for granting foreign investors the right to establish companies in their own names in the Kingdom, and for regulating the foreign investment environment.
Since February 2025, the old "MISA License" has been replaced by the new "MISA Registration". The new process is faster, simpler, and cheaper.
When do I need MISA?
You need MISA if:
- You are a foreign investor (neither Saudi nor GCC)
- You are An expat resident in Saudi Arabia wanting to own a company 100% in your name
- You are A foreign company wanting to open a branch in the Kingdom
Saudi and GCC nationals do not need MISA — they deal directly with the Ministry of Commerce.
Documents required for MISA
- Passport valid (at least 6 months)
- CV of the founder(s)
- A business plan brief (Business Plan)
- Financial statements for the last 3 years (for existing companies)
- The parent company's certificate of incorporation (if applicable)
- A police clearance certificate (in some cases)
- An official power of attorney for the local agent (if filing on your behalf)
Sectors open to 100% foreign ownership
After the new 2025 investment law, most sectors are open to foreigners at 100%:
- Technology & software
- E-commerce
- Management & professional consulting
- Private education
- Healthcare (with conditions)
- Manufacturing
- Tourism & entertainment
- Transport & logistics
- Media & advertising
- Renewable energy
- FinTech
- Artificial intelligence
The procedures, step by step
1. Choosing the legal entity
The most common types:
- LLC (limited liability company) — the best fit for most investors
- SPC (single-person company) — for a single founder only
- A foreign company branch — for international expansion
- JSC (joint-stock company) — for large ventures
2. Filing the MISA application
Filing is done entirely online through the "Invest Saudi" portal. Processing usually takes 5 to 15 business days.
3. The commercial registration (CR)
After MISA approval, you apply for the commercial registration from the Ministry of Commerce. Duration: 3–5 business days.
4. ZATCA + GOSI
Registering with ZATCA and GOSI. Mandatory and free of charge.
5. Opening the bank account
The hardest step! It usually takes 2–6 weeks. With our banking partnerships, we cut it down to 7–14 days.
6. Investor residency (optional)
For foreign investors who want permanent residency. Takes 15–30 days after formation.
Government fees
- MISA Registration: SAR 8,000 – 12,000 (annually)
- Commercial registration: SAR 1,200 (annually)
- Notarizing the articles of association: SAR 500 – 2,000
- Investor residency: SAR 7,000 – 15,000 (first year)
Some offices advertise low prices and then demand additional fees. Make sure you get a comprehensive, transparent quote from the start.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing the wrong sector — you might pick a sector not open to 100% ownership
- Capital below the required minimum — it varies by sector
- Not understanding the bank's requirements in advance — you may fail to open the account
- Delaying VAT and GOSI — monthly fines
- Relying on verbal information — get everything in writing
How long does a complete company formation take?
The realistic duration for a fully ready company (including the bank account):
- Best case: 30 days
- Typical case: 45 days
- Complex cases: up to 60–90 days