Mainland Companies

Mainland Companies formation in saudi

To set up a mainland company in Saudi Arabia, you need to follow certain steps and comply with the relevant regulations. Here’s an overview of the process:

1. Determine your business activity: Identify the type of business activity you want to undertake in Saudi Arabia. Certain activities may require additional permits or licenses.

2. Choose a legal entity: Select the appropriate legal entity structure for your company. Common options include a limited liability company (LLC) or a joint stock company (JSC).

3. Find a local partner: Non-Saudi individuals or entities must have a Saudi partner who holds at least 51% of the shares in the company. The local partner can be an individual or a Saudi-owned company.

4.Reserve a company name: Submit a request to the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) to reserve a name for your company. SAGIA is the authority responsible for foreign investments in Saudi Arabia.

Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA): Prepare the MOA, which outlines the company’s activities, capital, ownership structure, and other important details. This document needs to be notarized.

5. Capital requirements: Ensure that you meet the minimum capital requirements for your chosen legal entity. The amount varies depending on the nature of your business.

• Obtain necessary licenses: Identify any specific licenses or permits required for your business activity, such as commercial registrations or sector-specific permits.
• Submit application to SAGIA: Prepare the required documents, including the MOA, company registration application, and other supporting materials, and submit them to SAGIA for approval.
• Register with the Ministry of Commerce: Once you receive approval from SAGIA, you need to register your company with the Ministry of Commerce and pay the necessary fees.
• Obtain additional approvals: Depending on your business activity, you may need to obtain additional approvals from sector-specific regulatory bodies or government agencies.
• Register for taxes: Register your company with the General Authority for Zakat and Tax (GAZT) to fulfill tax obligations and obtain a tax identification number.
• Open a bank account: Open a corporate bank account in Saudi Arabia to facilitate business transactions.

Benefit of mainland companies in Saudi

• Access to Local Market: Establishing a mainland company in Saudi Arabia allows businesses to have unrestricted access to the entire Saudi Arabian market, including both individual consumers and other businesses. This can be particularly advantageous for companies that aim to target the local market and benefit from the growing purchasing power of Saudi consumers.
• Government Contracts: Mainland companies in Saudi Arabia have the opportunity to participate in government tenders and secure contracts with government entities. The Saudi Arabian government is a significant spender on infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and other sectors, presenting lucrative opportunities for companies operating in the mainland.
• Flexibility in Operations: Mainland companies have more flexibility in terms of the locations where they can operate within Saudi Arabia. They can establish their presence in any part of the country, allowing them to choose the most strategic location based on their business requirements and target market.
• Ownership and Control: Mainland companies enable foreign investors to have 100% ownership and control of their business. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has implemented reforms to encourage foreign investment and ease ownership restrictions, making it more attractive for international businesses to establish a presence in the country.
• Employment Opportunities: Establishing a mainland company in Saudi Arabia can create employment opportunities for both Saudi nationals and expatriates. The country has a large and diverse labor market, which can provide businesses with a skilled workforce to support their operations and growth.
• Infrastructure and Connectivity: Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in infrastructure development, including transportation networks, logistics hubs, and digital connectivity. By establishing a mainland company, businesses can benefit from the country’s well-developed infrastructure, enabling efficient movement of goods and services.
• Regional Hub: Saudi Arabia is strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. By setting up a mainland company in Saudi Arabia, businesses can leverage its position as a regional hub and access neighboring markets within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
• Economic Diversification: The Saudi Arabian government is actively promoting economic diversification to reduce dependence on oil revenues. Mainland companies that contribute to non-oil sectors, such as manufacturing, technology, tourism, and services, can benefit from government incentives and support programs aimed at diversifying the economy.