Tawaref series: Types of foreign investment licences in Saudi Arabia

Tawaref series: Types of foreign investment licences in Saudi Arabia

Once entrepreneurs have grasped the Saudi business scene, setup costs, and day-to-day expenses, it's time to delve into the process of launching their venture.

First up: obtaining a foreign investment licence. In Saudi Arabia, entrepreneurs must secure an investment licence relevant to their business activities. The Ministry of Services issues various types, each with specific criteria.  For most industries, there are no major capital requirements, and an entrepreneur can get a license in most situations. However, others demand meeting particular conditions.

In this guide, we'll outline the different types of foreign investment licences in Saudi Arabia, helping you determine the right one for your company. 

Note: This article provides a general overview of the process. For a more detailed consultation, contact Tawaref. 

Most common licences

Services 

This is the most common licence issued for companies that conduct business activities in the following sectors: Construction, Administrative Investment, and information.

Technology, Tourism, Training, Health, Insurance and Reinsurance, Education, Advertising and Media, logistics services, Organising Exhibitions, Catering and Food Services, Financial Services, Aviation and Handling Services, etc.

Entrepreneurial

Often referred to as the ‘startup licence’, this is geared towards business leaders looking to start new tech-savvy, standout companies which aim to grow and offer better products or services in the market. It