Company Registration in Saudi Arabia
JSC, Branch, RHQ and More
For serious growth, cross-border expansion and government contracting.
What is Company Registration in Saudi Arabia?
Company registration in Saudi Arabia refers to the incorporation of larger and more sophisticated corporate vehicles regulated under the Companies Law of 2022 — most commonly Joint Stock Companies (JSC), Branch offices of foreign companies, Representative Offices and Regional Headquarters (RHQ). These structures are typically used by multinationals, larger family groups and companies planning to raise capital, list on Tadawul or bid on Saudi government contracts.
Company registration is more complex than either LLC formation or business registration because it usually involves higher share capital, formal boards of directors, mandatory external auditors, and in some cases prospectus filings with the Capital Market Authority (CMA).
Company Structures We Register
Structures
Closed Joint Stock Company (Closed JSC)
Minimum SAR 500,000 share capital, at least two shareholders, board of directors
Listed Joint Stock Company
Structure required for public listing on Tadawul or Nomu.
Branch of a Foreign Company
100% owned by the foreign parent, allowed to invoice locally.
Representative Office
Non-trading, marketing and liaison only.
Regional Headquarters (RHQ)
Under the Ministry of Investment RHQ Programme.
Holding Company
To hold shares in Saudi and cross-border subsidiaries.
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) vehicles
For giga-project participation.
The Regional Headquarters (RHQ) Programme
Since 1 January 2024, foreign companies wishing to be awarded Saudi government contracts must have their Regional Headquarters based in Saudi Arabia. In return, RHQ entities enjoy generous incentives — including a 30-year corporate income tax exemption, Zakat exemption on RHQ activities, and eased Saudisation rules for the first ten years. Our team has assisted several multinationals through the RHQ licensing process end-to-end.
Step-by-Step Company Registration Process
Strategy
Determine the right structure — JSC, Branch, RHQ or hybrid.
MISA Licence
Foreign investment licence (or RHQ-specific licence).
Constitutional Documents
Drafting of Articles of Association or Charter
Capital Deposit
Where required, share capital is deposited in a Saudi bank blocked
Notarisation
AoA notarised at the Ministry of Justice.
Commercial Registration
CR issued by the Ministry of Commerce.
Regulator Approvals
SAMA (financial services), CMA (capital markets), SFDA (food and drugs) or others as applicable.
Post-Incorporation
ZATCA, GOSI, Balady, Chamber of Commerce, Muqeem, Qiwa, Mudad, corporate bank account.
Documents Required
Typical Document Pack
Board resolution of the parent company authorising the Saudi incorporation
Attested Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum & Articles of the parent.
Audited financials (last one to three years).
Business plan and organisation chart.
Powers of Attorney in favour of our team.
Passport copies and CVs of proposed directors and General Manager.
Timelines & Fees
Depending on structure and regulator involvement, a JSC or Branch office typically registers in 45 to 90 working days. RHQ licensing timelines depend on eligibility of activities. Fixed-fee packages are provided in writing within 48 hours of the initial call
Why Choose Us for Company Registration
Because JSC, Branch and RHQ structures require legal precision — the drafting of Articles, the classification of activities, the choice of board composition and the design of shareholding matter for years to come. Our senior team includes Saudi corporate lawyers with deep experience across all major sectors of the Kingdom.
