WHY CHOOSE US
Your launch partner for building in the Haramain ecosystem
WHY CHOOSE SAUDI ARABIA
Saudi Arabia’s expanding sectors create strong opportunities across real estate, tourism, hospitality, technology, retail, healthcare, education, and professional services.
Located at the heart of the Middle East, Saudi Arabia gives businesses access to regional trade, investment networks, and a growing base of local and international customers.
The Kingdom’s transformation is creating new demand for modern services, innovative ventures, smart infrastructure, and future-ready business models.
WHY CHOOSE SAUDI ARABIA
Building Your Saudi Business Through Madinah Foundry
Relocation Planning
Madinah Foundry helps entrepreneurs understand the steps required to establish a company in Saudi Arabia, making the process easier to approach and plan.
MISA License Support
The platform focuses on simplifying the MISA licensing journey for foreign investors, helping them understand what is required to operate legally in the Kingdom.
Built for Saudi Expansion
As part of the Invest Haramain ecosystem, Madinah Foundry supports founders and investors looking to enter Saudi Arabia with the right foundation for growth.
Process
1–2 WEEKS
MISA Investment License
Legal authorization to establish a foreign-owned entity. Requires company documents and apostille certification.
1–2 WEEKS
Commercial Registration (CR)
Official business registration with Ministry of Commerce. Requires office lease and bank account opening.
3–4 WEEKS
Iqama Residency Issuance
Residency permit for foreign directors/investors. Requires medical exam and enables full operational management.
Requirements
Relocation Planning
Must be a registered company with active legal status in your home jurisdiction. Sole traders are generally not eligible for MISA licensing.
Minimum Capital
Standard requirement is SAR 500,000 (approx. $133,000). Specialized sectors like construction or real estate may require higher thresholds.
Financial Standing
Clean financial history with no insolvency proceedings or outstanding legal judgments. Audited financials for the last year are required.
Trading History
Ideally 2+ years of trading history. Startups may be considered on a case-by-case basis with a strong business plan.
Sector Compliance: Business activities must align with ISIC4 standards
structure
Selecting the right legal structure is critical for operational control, tax efficiency, and market access.
Extension of Foreign Parent
Full operational control and profit repatriation.
Most common choice for foreign investors.
100% foreign ownership — no local partner required.
Not a separate legal entity (liability stays with parent company).
BEST FOR
Technology, Consulting, Healthcare, Education, Logistics
Typically 51% Saudi / 49% Foreign
Leverages local partner's market knowledge.
Most common choice for foreign investors.
Shared risk and capital investment.
BEST FOR
Energy, Government Contracting
Documentation
Certificate of Incorporation
Official copy from your jurisdiction's company registry proving legal existence.
Articles of Association
Full constitutional documents certified by a qualified legal professional.
Company Register Extract
Current details of Directors, Shareholders, and PSCs (Persons with Significant Control).
Audited Financial Statements
Last year of accounts (IFRS or local GAAP) to prove financial standing.
Board Resolution
Formal resolution authorizing the Saudi investment and appointing a representative.
Directors' Passports
Clear color copies of valid passports for all listed directors.
Residency Benefits
Notarization by Legal Professional
Notarization by Legal Professional
Certified Arabic Translation
All documents MUST complete this authentication chain to be accepted by MISA.
Application
Stage 1
Preparation
Weeks 1–2
Stage 2
Online Submission
Week 3
Stage 3
Review & Evaluation
15—30 Business Days
Stage 4
License Issuance
Upon Approval
registration
MISA License
Valid Investment License
Office Lease
Physical address contract
Bank Account
Under formation account
Articles of Association
Draft and notarize AoA via Ministry of Justice portal.
Name Reservation
Confirm trade name matches MISA license details.
CR Issuance
Official registration with Ministry of Commerce.
Chamber of Commerce
Mandatory membership activation (COC).
Post-CR Activations
ZATCA (Tax/VAT)
GOSI (Social Insurance)
National Address
Qiwa (Labor Office)
residency
LONDON
SAUDI ARABIA
SAUDI ARABIA
ONLINE
Full Operational Management Authority
Corporate Bank Account Signatory
Family Sponsorship Eligibility
Multi-Entry/Exit Visa Privileges
* "Premium Residency" options exist for investors seeking residency without employment sponsorship, requiring a one-time fee of SAR 800,000 or annual fee of SAR 100,000.
capital
Preparation
Weeks 1–2
Company Documents
Apostille Certification
Arabic Translation
MISA License
Weeks 1–2
Portal Submission
Govt. Review
License Issuance
Commercial Reg.
Weeks 1–2
Office Lease
Bank Account
CR Issuance
Iqama & Ops
Weeks 3–4
Visa Issuance
Medical Exam
Residency Permit
Total Estimated Duration: 5 – 8 Weeks (Subject to Government Processing Times)
