In a transformative move during the year 2020, SAGIA underwent a complete overhaul, emerging as the Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia (MISA). This revamped entity is now solely responsible for granting investment licenses to foreign investors and overseeing foreign investment activities in the Kingdom.
The Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) presents an enticing opportunity for foreign investors to establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC) within the KSA without the need for a local partner, while also facing minimal government restrictions. To operate with 100% foreign ownership in Saudi Arabia, obtaining the MISA registration/license is a prerequisite for any business venture.
The MISA Investor License empowers entrepreneurs with full ownership of their businesses, granting them the freedom to operate seamlessly across Saudi Arabia. The nature of your economic activities determines the specific license required for your business.
The array of available activities spans various sectors, with professional service activities (non-trading) being open to 100% ownership by expatriates. Similarly, trading activities can also be fully owned, provided a minimum paid-up share capital is furnished.
Before completing the company formation process, the paid-up share capital must be deposited into a corporate bank account within Saudi Arabia. The amount of paid-up capital needed varies depending on the type of license and the nature of the business activities. For instance, a service professional license necessitates a deposit of USD 150,000, while a Trading license requires USD 8 million along with 25% Saudi national ownership.
Operating under the MISA License, businesses are subject to a corporate income tax rate of 20%, while withholding tax ranges from 5% to 20%. Additionally, a value-added tax (VAT) rate of 5% applies to eligible transactions.
The MISA / SAGIA setup presents an attractive proposition for foreign investors seeking to explore the promising landscape of Saudi Arabia’s business opportunities. With streamlined procedures and more liberal ownership regulations, the Kingdom is embracing a new era of investment facilitation, inviting entrepreneurs from around the globe to participate in its economic growth story.