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MISA Services in
Saudi Arabia

Secure your investment license with the Kingdom's trusted incorporation partners. We handle the entire lifecycle from Ministry of Investment (MISA) approval to full operational readiness.

Apply for MISA License

For any foreign entity to conduct business setup in Saudi Arabia, obtaining a license from the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) is the mandatory first step. MISA (formerly SAGIA) acts as the gateway for international investors, ensuring your entry aligns with Vision 2030 and complies with local regulations.

What is MISA and Its Role?

MISA regulates and advocates for foreign investment in the Kingdom. It issues the "Foreign Investment License," which grants your company the same legal standing as a Saudi national entity. This license is critical for 100% foreign ownership, bidding on government contracts, and sponsoring international employees.

Vision 2030 Alignment: MISA's streamlined e-services have reduced licensing time from weeks to just hours for standard applications, fostering a competitive investment environment.

MISA Licensing Categories

Depending on your business activity, MISA offers specific license types with varying capital and documentation requirements.

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Service License For consulting, IT, marketing, and professional services. Generally requires zero minimum capital.
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Industrial License For manufacturing and heavy industry. Often linked with industrial land allocations.
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Trading License For wholesale and retail. May require higher minimum capital or specific operational standards.
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Entrepreneur License A specialized track for innovative startups approved by a Saudi university or incubator.

License Application Process

We guide you through the 4-step MISA approval framework.

Activity Validation Confirming your ISIC codes match your business intent and foreign investment in Saudi Arabia rules.

Document Prep Attesting financial statements and commercial registration from your home country.

Submission Refining your application via the MISA portal for rapid approval.

Issuance Receiving your license to proceed with Ministry of Commerce (CR) issuance.

Scope of MISA Services

Investment Eligibility Assessment
Market Feasibility Study review
Documentation & Application Support

Government Authority Liaison
Tax & Zakat Advisory
Post-License Support Coordination

Who Requires a MISA License?

Any non-GCC entity or individual intending to conduct commercial activity in Saudi Arabia must obtain MISA approval. This includes:

Foreign Companies

International firms establishing a 100% owned subsidiary.

Mixed Companies (JVs)

Entities with both Saudi and foreign shareholders.

Branch Offices

Foreign companies opening a direct branch without a separate legal entity.

Key Benefits of Licensing

100% Foreign Ownership Full control over equity and operations in most sectors.
Legal Recognition Ability to sign contracts, rent office space, and open bank accounts.
Government Tenders Eligibility to bid for large-scale government projects.
Residency Visas Facilitates Iqama issuance for the General Manager and staff.

Key Outcomes & Deliverables

MISA Investment License The official decree authorizing your investment.

Setup Pathway Clear roadmap for subsequent government approvals in Saudi Arabia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for any non-GCC investor wishing to hold shares in a Saudi entity or operate a branch, a MISA Foreign Investment License is a legal requirement before obtaining a Commercial Registration (CR).

With a complete application and standard activities, the license is often issued within 24-48 hours. Specialized sectors (e.g., healthcare, education) may require pre-approvals, extending the timeline.

Yes, Saudi Arabia allows 100% foreign ownership in the vast majority of sectors, including service, industrial, and trading activities. A limited "Negative List" restricts foreign investment in specific strategic sectors like oil exploration.

Typically, you need the Commercial Registration and audited financial statements (for the last year) of the parent company, attested by the Saudi embassy in the country of origin. Startup tracks have different requirements.

Yes, MISA approval is the very first step. You cannot go to the Ministry of Commerce to open your CR or to banks for account opening without the MISA license.

Yes, you can apply to amend your license to add new activities, change the trade name, or update shareholding structures through the MISA portal at any time.

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MISA Services in Saudi Arabia