Corporate Law & Advisory

Start Your Business in
Saudi Arabia with Confidence

End-to-end company formation, licensing, tax advisory, and operational setup all under one roof. We don't just register your company. We get it ready to do business.

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Why Foreign Investors Choose Us


Navigating the regulatory framework in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia including obtaining a Ministry of Investment (MISA) license, commercial registration, establishing compliant corporate structures in line with Saudi applicable laws and regulations, meeting the obligations of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), and fulfilling Saudization (Nitaqat) requirements is highly complex. Most firms simply hand you a checklist and step back. We don’t.


At Omar Alrashed Law Firm, every engagement is handled by senior advisors with deep, practical knowledge of how Saudi regulatory bodies actually operate. We combine legal precision with financial foresight and hands-on execution.

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End-to-end business setup, from strategic planning to first hire

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Proven expertise in 100% foreign-owned entities and joint ventures

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Direct handling of MISA licensing, CR, AOA, and all government registrations

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Integrated legal, tax, and financial advisory in one engagement

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Ongoing compliance support as your business grows

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Bilingual team Arabic and English advisory throughout

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Vision 2030 aligned: current on all regulatory reforms and incentives

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Corporate Office

I was impressed by the quality of the teams work and their ability to identify and handle the key legal aspects of the matter. Their responsiveness is also a great asset.

"I was impressed by the quality of the teams work and their ability to identify and handle the key legal aspects of the matter. Their responsiveness is also a great asset."
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team

Omar Alrasheed stands out for his professionalism and availability. He also helps us think through complex issues and gives us advice with clarity.

"Omar Alrasheed stands out for his professionalism and availability. He also helps us think through complex issues and gives us advice with clarity."
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team

The team has deep experience in the local and regional legal regulations related to different market sectors.

"The team has deep experience in the local and regional legal regulations related to different market sectors."
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team

The team shows deep understanding of the Saudi and UAE cultural frameworks and legal system.

"The team shows deep understanding of the Saudi and UAE cultural frameworks and legal system."
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team

The people who work are caring, and they go the extra mile in helping.

"The people who work are caring, and they go the extra mile in helping."
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team

The team integration and diversity and above all Mr. Omar Alrasheed strategic oversight and ability to pull the right expertise with his leadership.

"The team integration and diversity and above all Mr. Omar Alrasheed strategic oversight and ability to pull the right expertise with his leadership."
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team

Very impressive crew.

"Very impressive crew."
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team

What we love in Omar AlRasheed law firm is their personalized communication and follow-ups.

"What we love in Omar AlRasheed law firm is their personalized communication and follow-ups."
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team

I appreciate the team exceptional professionalism in handling the case with skillful and articulated communications with high attentions in the details in both Arabic and English cases.

"I appreciate the team exceptional professionalism in handling the case with skillful and articulated communications with high attentions in the details in both Arabic and English cases."
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team

‘Very hands-on and always thinking outside the box, which often helps us to resolve issues efficiently.’

‘Professional and supportive.’

"Very hands-on and always thinking outside the box, which often helps us to resolve issues efficiently. Professional and supportive."
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team

‘The team shows high dedication to their clients. The team spirit is so positive.’

‘The team is extremely dedicated.’

"The team shows high dedication to their clients. The team spirit is so positive. The team is extremely dedicated."
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team

Omar Alrasheed is a very experienced professional who leads a fantastic team of lawyers. All of them are so dedicated and professional. Always available and reachable.

Supportive and understanding.

"Omar Alrasheed is a very experienced professional, who leads a fantastic team of lawyers. All of them are so dedicated and professional. Always available and reachable. Supportive and understanding."
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

Bespoke service and special attention to details

"Bespoke service and special attention to details"
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team

The way the business is being conducted is more than perfect. Quick and correct responses.

"The way the business is being conducted is more than perfect. Quick and correct responses."
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team

The partners are excellent and are extremely reachable.

"The partners are excellent and are extremely reachable."
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team

Omar Alrasheed law firm is excellent and we have been with them for more than 15 years. They have been consistently professional and loyal to their clients.

"Omar Alrasheed law firm is excellent and we have been with them for more than 15 years. They have been consistently professional and loyal to their clients."
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team

All of the team was high performance.

"All of the team was high performance."
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team

This firm is very collaborative, they are very knowledgeable about regional business norms and can navigate the local landscape exceptionally well.

"This firm is very collaborative, they are very knowledgeable about regional business norms and can navigate the local landscape exceptionally well."
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team

The firm has a diverse set of practitioners

"The firm has a diverse set of practitioners"
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team

Our Process: Six Steps from Idea to Operation

We follow a structured, six-phase approach covering every legal, regulatory, and operational requirement. Each phase has a dedicated advisor responsible for execution, coordination, and delivery.

Phase 1: Strategic Setup & Legal Structuring

Ownership structure review (100% foreign or joint venture)

Activity classification and MISA licensing strategy

Shari'ah-compliance considerations where applicable

Document preparation and attestation management

Phase 2: Financial & Tax Clarity Before You Invest

Financial and tax simulation models

Withholding tax (WHT) scenario planning for cross-border payments

ZATCA registration and VAT advisory

Tailored tax analysis per business activity and structure

Phase 3: Full Company Formation & Licensing

MISA investment license application and follow-up

Commercial Registration (CR) issuance

Articles of Association (AOA) drafting and notarization

Ministry of Commerce filings and fee management

Phase 4: Operational Setup & Government Registrations

Corporate bank account facilitation

Chamber of Commerce (COC) registration

GOSI, ZATCA, and Qiwa platform enrollment

Saudi National Address registration

Phase 5: HR & Workforce Compliance

Saudi Labor Law-compliant employment contracts

Electronic contracts on the Qiwa platform

Work visas for foreign employees

Work Organization Regulations (WOR) drafting

Nitaqat / Saudization ratio advisory

Phase 6: Ongoing Legal & Compliance Support

AOA, CR, and MISA license amendments

Document attestation and legalization services

Regulatory change advisory and proactive updates

Company restructuring or liquidation support when needed

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Choosing the Right Entity for Your Goals

Selecting the appropriate business structure is essential for long-term success. Each entity type offers unique advantages in terms of liability, taxation, and flexibility. Below is a simple comparison to help guide your decision.

7
Entity Type Foreign Ownership Best For Typical Use
Limited Liability Company (LLC) Up to 100% Commercial activities, consulting, tradingMost Popular
Branch of Foreign Company 100% Global companies with existing operations Common
Joint Venture with Saudi Partner Partial Activities requiring local partnership Strategic
Closed Joint Stock Company (CJSC) Up to 100% Larger enterprises, institutional investors Advanced
Representative / Liaison Office 100% Market research, pre-entry phase only Limited
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Typical Timeline: What to Expect, Week by Week

A straightforward commercial LLC with standard activities typically completes in four to six weeks. The outline below reflects a realistic, well-managed process.

Week 1 — Scoping & Document Preparation

The initial phase includes providing a consultation covering activity classification, determination of the appropriate ownership structure, and preparation of a comprehensive list of required documents, including apostilled certificates from the investor’s home country. The duration of this phase may vary and could extend depending on the level of requirements and complexities related to the parent company in its home jurisdiction, as well as the readiness of its documentation.

Weeks 2–3: Submission of MISA License Application

Submission of the investment license application to the Ministry of Investment (MISA). Approval for standard commercial activities is typically issued within 10 to 15 working days, while more complex or regulated activities may require additional review.

Weeks 3–4: Issuance of Commercial Registration and Notarization of Articles of Association

Completion of parallel registrations with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI), Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), Qiwa platform, Chamber of Commerce, and registering the Saudi National Address of the company. This phase also includes facilitating the company’s bank account opening.

Weeks 6–8: HR Framework and Full Operational Readiness

Preparation of employment contracts and internal labor regulations, along with advisory on Saudization requirements and assistance in obtaining work visas for foreign employees. At this stage, the company is fully established and ready from a legal, financial, and operational standpoint.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our services, process, and what to expect.

Can a foreign investor own 100% of a Saudi company?

Yes — in most sectors. Saudi Arabia opened the majority of commercial activities to full foreign ownership under Vision 2030 reforms. MISA's approved activities list governs eligibility by sector. Some activities still require a Saudi partner; we assess your specific activity at the outset.

What is the minimum share capital required?

It varies by activity and entity type. For a standard foreign-owned LLC in commercial or consulting activities, the threshold can start from SAR 100,000, though MISA applies different requirements for industrial, healthcare, or financial services activities. We confirm the applicable figure after reviewing your activity list.

Do I need to be physically present in Saudi Arabia to register?

Not necessarily. Many steps can be managed remotely through a legal representative holding a duly authorised Power of Attorney. We advise on any steps that require your in-person presence and help plan accordingly.

What taxes will my company be subject to?

  • A 20% corporate income tax is imposed on the share of profits attributable to foreign investors
  • The share of Saudi and GCC shareholders is subject to Zakat at 2.5% of the Zakat base

In addition, the following obligations apply:

  • Value Added Tax (VAT) at 15% on most transactions
  • Withholding tax on certain cross-border payments
  • Social insurance contributions for employees

Understanding these obligations from the outset enables proper financial planning and helps avoid unexpected liabilities in the future.
What is Nitaqat (Saudization) and does it apply to my company?

The Nitaqat programme requires companies to employ a minimum percentage of Saudi nationals, with ratios varying by sector and company size. Non-compliance affects your ability to issue work visas for foreign employees. We build the appropriate Saudization strategy into your HR framework from inception.

Can you help with compliance after setup?

Yes ongoing support is one of our core offerings. We provide advisory covering license renewals, regulatory changes, AOA amendments, ZATCA filings, employment matters, and any other requirements that arise as your business develops.

Ready to Establish Your Presence in Saudi Arabia?

Don't navigate the Kingdom's legal and regulatory landscape without the right partner. Omar Alrashed Law Firm brings together legal expertise, financial clarity, and practical execution so your Saudi entity is built correctly, from the ground up.

Fill out the form and our legal consultants will get back to you.

Email Icon info@alrasheedlaw.com

Contact us

Address

Musa Ibn Nussair St
Siricon Building No.8
2nd Floor (Back Entrance)
Al Olaya
Riyadh 11372
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Phone
+966 11 4646777
Email
info@alrasheedlaw.com

Listed as a Leading Firm on The Legal 500

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Featured as a Contributor in the Chambers Global Guide 2025

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Listed as a Ranked Firm in the Chambers Global Guide 2025

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Listed as a Ranked Lawyer in the Chambers Global Guide 2025

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Member of the IBA since 2009

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Member of Multilaw since 2013

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Member of U.S.-Saudi Business Council

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Board Member of the Saudi-UAE Business Council

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