Riyadh Business Setup and Company Formation

Arabian Horizon helps foreign investors set up companies in Riyadh, from MISA investment registration to the commercial registration, government portal accounts and municipal licence. We handle each step with the relevant ministry so that you can start operating in the capital with a fully compliant company.

Why set up in Riyadh

Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia and home to the ministries and government entities that award most public contracts. It hosts the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), most of the regional headquarters licensed under the Regional Headquarters Programme, King Khalid International Airport, and MODON industrial cities around the city. For companies selling to government, working on large projects or managing a regional business, Riyadh is usually the natural base.

Who we help

International groups opening a regional headquarters (RHQ) or a Saudi subsidiary
Technology, consulting and professional services firms serving government and corporate clients
Contractors and suppliers working on Saudi projects
Manufacturers looking at industrial land around Riyadh

Our services in Riyadh

Company formation, PRO and GRO services, visa and immigration, accounting and ZATCA compliance, industrial licensing, MODON industrial land support, corporate legal services and HR and government portal management. Setting up on the Red Sea coast instead? See our business setup in Jeddah page.

Contact us

Call our Riyadh line on 053 536 9655, WhatsApp +966 50 365 5574, or email info@arabianhorizon.com.sa. Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 to 18:00.

Documents Usually Required for Company Formation in Riyadh

Requirements depend on the investor type and the business activity. These are the documents most foreign companies need; we confirm the full list for your activity in the first consultation.

Foreign parent company

Commercial registration of the parent company, certified by the Saudi embassy in its home country or apostilled where accepted

Latest fiscal-year financial statements of the parent company, authenticated

Parent company registration evidence where its nationality differs from the applying company

Shareholders and manager

Clear, valid passport copies of all shareholders

Clear, valid passport copy of the appointed manager

Activity-specific and RHQ documents

Additional approvals required by the licence for your activity

For a regional headquarters, the documents required under the RHQ programme

Confirmed for your case during consultation

Timelines for Company Formation in Riyadh

Typical processing periods for each stage once the application is complete. Attestation of documents abroad is not included.

Stage	Typical Time	Authority
MISA investment registration	Up to 10 working days once the file is complete	Ministry of Investment (MISA)
Trade name reservation	About 10 days, longer if another authority must approve	Saudi Business Center
Company incorporation	Within 72 hours	Ministry of Commerce
Operating licences and permits	Varies by activity	Relevant authority and Balady
Corporate bank account	Depends on the bank	Saudi bank

These periods are not the total time to become fully operational.

Our Advantages

Why Choose Us

We provide exceptional service quality tailored to your specific business needs in Saudi Arabia, ensuring complete compliance and exponential growth.

30+ Years

Proven Excellence

Delivering success for over 3 decades in the region.

Expert Professionals

Highly qualified experts with years of experience in the Saudi market.

Client-Centric

We prioritize your business goals and deliver tailored solutions.

Proven Results

A strong track record of helping businesses thrive seamlessly.

Full Compliance

Ensuring all legal and regulatory requirements are meticulously met.

How It Works

Step 1

Choose the structure and activity

LLC, branch, regional headquarters or another form, with activity codes that match your real business.

Step 2

MISA investment registration

We prepare and submit your investment registration through the Ministry of Investment portal.

Step 3

Trade name and commercial registration

We reserve the trade name and obtain the commercial registration (CR) through the Saudi Business Center.

Step 4

Articles of association

We prepare and register the articles of association for your company.

Step 5

Tax registration with ZATCA

We register the company with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.

Step 6

Government portals

We set up Qiwa, GOSI, Muqeem and Mudad so you can hire and manage staff.

Step 7

Municipal licence through Balady

We obtain the municipal licence for your Riyadh premises.

Step 8

Corporate bank account

We support you through opening a corporate account with a Saudi bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most activities allow 100% foreign ownership with MISA registration. Some activities are restricted or need a Saudi partner; we check your activity before you apply.

MISA registration takes up to 10 working days once the file is complete. The full timeline depends on attestation in your home country, the licences your activity needs, and the bank.

Not for most companies. Foreign companies that want contracts with Saudi government entities may need a regional headquarters in the Kingdom; the RHQ programme has its own conditions, which we check for you.

In most cases you need a commercial address for the commercial registration and the Balady municipal licence. We confirm what your activity requires.

Riyadh suits companies selling to government or managing a regional business; Jeddah suits trade, logistics and companies serving the western region. We help you compare both before you apply.

Let's Connect

Get In Touch

Whether you need more information about Riyadh Business Setup and Company Formation or want to start right away, our experts are ready to help you navigate your business journey.

Call Us

+966 50 365 5574

Email Us

info@arabianhorizon.com.sa

Location

Saudi Arabia

Trusted by 2000+ international investors globally

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