For decades, Saudi Arabia was perceived as a market closed to outsiders. Strict ownership rules, opaque licensing processes, and the need for local sponsors made it difficult — or seemingly impossible — for foreign individuals or companies to establish a presence.

But today, under Vision 2030, the landscape has completely changed.

Saudi Arabia has thrown open its doors to global investors and entrepreneurs. Foreigners — including individuals with no local partner and no prior presence in Saudi Arabia — can now own 100% of a Saudi entity, operate across various sectors, and even apply for investor visas and residency.

A Shift in Mindset and Law

The catalyst for this transformation is Vision 2030 — a bold economic reform program aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy beyond oil.
One of its key pillars is attracting foreign investment and making the business environment globally competitive.

As part of this, the government streamlined processes, digitized registration systems, and enabled full foreign ownership in most sectors — eliminating the mandatory Saudi partner requirement in many cases.

Today, a foreign national or company can legally own a Saudi-registered company in sectors like:

• IT and software services
• Management consulting
• Manufacturing and logistics
• Marketing and media
• Engineering and architecture
• Hospitality, retail, e-commerce, and more

There are still a few restricted sectors (e.g., oil exploration, real estate brokerage, legal services), but most commercial activities are now accessible — and transparent.

What Kind of Foreigners Can Register?

Saudi Arabia recognizes multiple investor types. You can set up a business even if you're:

• A foreign individual (with no local sponsor)
• A foreign company establishing a branch or subsidiary
• A GCC citizen or company (with simplified processes)
• A mixed ownership structure (e.g., 60% foreign, 40% Saudi)

Each of these investor types comes with its own requirements — and start easy. guides you through the exact path, based on your profile.

The Process: From Idea to Operating Company

Contrary to popular belief, the process isn’t slow or bureaucratic anymore. Here's what it typically involves:

1. Define your business activity — choose a licensed activity open to foreign ownership.
2. Apply for a MISA license — this foreign investment certificate is issued by the Ministry of Investment.
3. Register your company (CR) — includes name reservation, AoA, and incorporation.
4. Set up official accounts — with ZATCA, GOSI, and Qiwa portals.
5. Secure a business address — physical or virtual office is required.
6. Open a local bank account — often requires an in-person visit.
7. Apply for visas and begin operations

start easy. simplifies all of this — from document collection and government fees to registration support — with clear guidance and execution.

Why Foreign Entrepreneurs Are Choosing Saudi Now

There are strong business incentives driving foreign founders to enter the Saudi market:

• No personal income tax
• Investor visa and residency options
• A young, tech-savvy population (70% under age 35)
• Government-backed funding and mega projects like NEOM
• High demand in tech, education, logistics, and services
• Temporary waiver of MISA service fees (as of 2025)

What start easy. Offers That Others Don’t

Unlike traditional consultants or generic agents, start easy. is built specifically for foreign entrepreneurs entering Saudi Arabia.

• A customized proposal with pricing, process, and document requirements
• A dedicated coordinator to handle each step
• Advice tailored to real founder profiles — not just theoretical guidelines

No matter where you're starting from, start easy. makes sure you launch with confidence.

Final Word

So, can foreigners really start a business in Saudi Arabia? Yes — and thousands already have.

The opportunity is real. The system is now supportive.
And with the right partner, you can register your business from anywhere in the world — and be fully operational in Saudi Arabia within weeks.

start easy. exists to make that possible — and effortless.