Starting a Business Branch in Saudi Arabia and Regional Headquarters

Expand Your Business with The Saudi Gate

Saudi Arabia offers a dynamic and rapidly growing market for businesses looking to expand their operations. At The Saudi Gate, we provide comprehensive services to help you establish a business branch and comply with the regional headquarters law in Saudi Arabia. Our expert team is dedicated to ensuring a smooth and efficient process, allowing you to focus on growing your business in the Kingdom.

Why Expand to Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia presents numerous opportunities for businesses due to its strategic location, robust economy, and supportive government initiatives. Key benefits of expanding to Saudi Arabia include:

• Strategic Location: Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Saudi Arabia provides access to a vast market.
• Economic Stability: As the largest economy in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia offers a stable and growing market.
• Government Support: The Saudi government actively supports foreign investment through various incentives and initiatives.
• Vision 2030: The ambitious Vision 2030 plan aims to diversify the economy, reduce dependence on oil, and develop various sectors, including tourism, entertainment, and technology¹.

Starting a Business Branch in Saudi Arabia

Establishing a business branch in Saudi Arabia involves several steps and compliance with local regulations. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Understanding the Legal Framework

The branch office in Saudi Arabia is incorporated following the regulations prescribed by the Foreign Investment Law. A foreign company applying to register a branch office in this country may receive the right to do so only for specific activities, as the branch office is prohibited for certain operations, such as trading activities².

2. Incorporation Requirements

To establish a branch office in Saudi Arabia, the foreign company must satisfy specific requirements, including:

• Minimum Share Capital: A minimum share capital of SAR 500,000 is required for the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) license³.
• Parent Company Documents: The parent company must provide Articles of Association, Certificate of Registration, and a power of attorney for the local representative. These documents must be duly translated and attested³.
• Local Manager: A local manager is required to oversee the branch operations³.
• Local Bank Account: The branch must open a local bank account in Saudi Arabia³.

3. Licensing and Registration

The process of licensing and registration involves several steps:

• Appoint a Legal Representative: The parent company must appoint a legal representative in Saudi Arabia⁴.
• Obtain the Commercial Registration Certificate: Issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry⁴.
• Apply for the Investment License: Issued by SAGIA⁴.
• Deposit Minimum Capital: The minimum capital must be deposited in a local Saudi bank⁴.

4. Compliance and Reporting

The branch office must comply with local regulations and reporting requirements, including:

• Annual Tax Returns: Filing annual tax returns with the Saudi tax authorities³.
• Audited Financial Statements: Submitting audited financial statements³.
• Hiring Local Staff: The branch can hire local staff to support its operations³.

Regional Headquarters Law in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Regional Headquarters (RHQ) Program is designed to attract multinational companies to establish their regional headquarters in the Kingdom. The program offers various incentives and benefits to encourage foreign investment.

1. Overview of the RHQ Program

Effective January 1, 2024, multinational companies intending to do business with Saudi government entities are required to incorporate their regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia⁵. Qualifying RHQs will benefit from a tax incentive program offering a zero percent corporate income tax and withholding tax rate for thirty years applied to RHQ activities⁵.

2. Key Provisions of the RHQ Law

The RHQ law includes several important provisions:

• Tax Incentives: Offering a 30-year corporate income and withholding tax exemption for specific RHQ activities⁵.
• Visa Exemptions: Providing visa limit exemptions and issuance acceleration for RHQ employees⁵.
• Operational Requirements: RHQs must commence operations within six months after their license is issued and establish three optional activities in the first year⁵.
• Employee Requirements: RHQs must have at least 15 full-time employees within the first year, including at least three senior-level executives⁵.

3. Eligible Activities for RHQs

RHQs are allowed to perform certain activities to remain qualified as an RHQ, including:

• Strategic Management: Providing strategic supervision and administrative guidance for the company’s subsidiaries and affiliates in the region⁶.
• Support Services: Offering support services such as HR, finance, and IT to the company’s regional operations⁶.

4. Compliance and Reporting

RHQs must comply with specific compliance and reporting requirements, including:

• Economic Substance Requirements: Ensuring the RHQ meets the economic substance requirements stated in the RHQ tax rules⁶.
• Tax Compliance: Adhering to tax compliance requirements and filing necessary tax returns⁶.
• Audit and Dispute Resolution: Cooperating with tax audits and resolving any disputes with the tax authorities⁶.

Our Services

At The Saudi Gate, we offer comprehensive services to help you establish a business branch and comply with the regional headquarters law in Saudi Arabia. Our services include:

1. Initial Consultation and Feasibility Study

We begin with an initial consultation to understand your business needs and objectives. Our feasibility study includes:

• Regulatory Guidance: Providing detailed information on the Saudi investment law, branch office requirements, and RHQ regulations.
• Market Analysis: Assessing the potential for your business in the Saudi market.

2. Licensing and Registration

We handle all aspects of the licensing and registration process, ensuring compliance with local regulations. Our services include:

• Application Preparation: Preparing and submitting your branch office and RHQ license applications.
• Documentation Assistance: Ensuring all necessary documents are in order and submitted correctly.
• Follow-Up: Monitoring the status of your applications and providing updates throughout the process.

3. Infrastructure and Setup

Setting up your business branch and RHQ requires careful planning and execution. We offer:

• Site Selection: Assisting with the selection of suitable locations for your business operations.
• Infrastructure Setup: Coordinating the setup of essential infrastructure, including office space and IT systems.

4. Legal and Compliance Support

Navigating the legal landscape in Saudi Arabia can be complex. Our legal experts provide:

• Contract Drafting and Review: Ensuring your contracts are legally sound and protect your interests.
• Compliance Services: Helping you stay compliant with local laws and regulations, including investment law and RHQ requirements.
• Dispute Resolution: Providing support in resolving any legal disputes that may arise.

Our Process

Ensuring compliance with the Saudi investment law and establishing a business branch and RHQ involves several steps. Here’s how we make it easy for you:

Step 1: Initial Consultation

We start with an initial consultation to understand your business needs and objectives. This helps us tailor our services to meet your specific requirements.

Step 2: Feasibility Study and Market Analysis

Our team conducts a thorough feasibility study and market analysis to identify opportunities and challenges in your industry.

Step 3: Licensing and Registration

We handle all aspects of the licensing and registration process, from preparing your applications to obtaining the necessary approvals from SAGIA and MISA.

Step 4: Infrastructure and Setup

We assist with setting up your business branch and RHQ, ensuring all necessary infrastructure is in place.

Step 5: Legal and Compliance Support

Our legal experts provide ongoing support to help you navigate the legal landscape in Saudi Arabia and ensure compliance with all local laws.

Why Choose Us?

At The Saudi Gate, we are committed to your success. Here’s why you should choose us for your business expansion needs:

• Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in helping businesses establish branches and RHQs in Saudi Arabia.
• Personalized Service: We provide personalized service tailored to your unique needs and objectives.
• Comprehensive Support: From initial consultation to legal and compliance support, we offer a full range of services to support your business.
• Proven Track Record: Our success stories speak for themselves. We have helped numerous businesses successfully navigate the investment landscape in Saudi Arabia.

Contact Us Today

If you’re ready to ensure that your business operations meet all the necessary regulatory standards in Saudi Arabia, The Saudi Gate is here to help. Our team of experts is ready to provide you with personalized support and guidance, ensuring that your business is compliant with all SAGIA, MISA, and other regulatory requirements.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about our business branch and RHQ services and how we can help your business succeed in the Saudi market.