Start Your Business in Saudi Arabia
Your Gateway from India to the Kingdom
Start Your Business in Saudi Arabia with ListUnite
Why Choose Saudi Arabia for Your Business Expansion?
Saudi Arabia has emerged as the premier destination for Indian businesses seeking international growth. The Kingdom offers a strategic location connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, a rapidly diversifying economy beyond oil, and a population of over 35 million with strong purchasing power. Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has introduced business-friendly reforms including 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, streamlined licensing procedures, and attractive tax incentives with just 20% corporate tax and 15% VAT.
The Kingdom’s commitment to economic transformation is evident through massive infrastructure investments exceeding $1 trillion, the development of futuristic megacities like NEOM, and a growing startup ecosystem supported by government initiatives. For Indian entrepreneurs, Saudi Arabia presents unique advantages including cultural proximity, strong bilateral relations, and the presence of over 2.6 million Indians in the Kingdom who serve as natural business networks.
- A rapidly developing and diverse economy
- A skilled local and international workforce
- A strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa
- Government support for key sectors under Vision 2030
Complete Business Setup Services by ListUnite
At ListUnite, we understand that starting a business in a foreign country can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer end-to-end hand-holding support for every stage of your Saudi business journey. Our comprehensive services ensure you can focus on growing your business while we handle the complex regulatory requirements.​
MISA License Acquisition
The Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia (MISA) license is your legal authorization to operate in the Kingdom. ListUnite guides you through the entire MISA licensing process, from determining the right license type for your business activity to preparing and submitting all required documentation. We assist with service licenses for IT, healthcare, education, and logistics sectors, industrial licenses for manufacturing operations, commercial licenses for trading activities, and entrepreneurial licenses for innovative startups.​
Our team helps you gather essential documents including attested financial statements from your Indian company, commercial registration certificates, memoranda and articles of association, passport copies of shareholders and directors, and detailed business plans aligned with Vision 2030 objectives. We ensure all documents are properly translated into Arabic, attested by the Saudi Embassy in India, and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.​
Company Registration and Structure Selection
Choosing the right business structure is crucial for your success in Saudi Arabia. ListUnite provides expert consultation to help you select from various options including Limited Liability Companies (LLC) offering flexibility with 100% foreign ownership, Joint Stock Companies (JSC) for larger capital-intensive ventures, Branch Offices for established global companies entering Saudi markets, and Subsidiary Companies for complete operational independence.​
We handle the complete registration process including name reservation to secure your unique trade name, drafting local Articles of Association compliant with Saudi regulations, obtaining Commercial Registration (CR) from the Ministry of Commerce, registering with the Chamber of Commerce for business networking, and securing your National Address for official correspondence.​
Tax and Compliance Registration
ListUnite ensures your business remains fully compliant with all Saudi Arabian regulations from day one. We manage registration with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) for corporate tax and VAT obligations, enrollment with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) for employee benefits, Ministry of Human Resources registration for workforce management, and municipality registrations for business location approvals.​
Our compliance services include ongoing support for Saudization requirements (Nitaqat program) ensuring you meet the mandatory ratio of Saudi nationals in your workforce, quarterly and annual tax filing assistance, regular compliance audits to prevent penalties, and labor law advisory to maintain smooth operations.​
Banking and Financial Services
Opening a corporate bank account in Saudi Arabia requires local expertise and established relationships. ListUnite connects you with reliable Saudi banks and facilitates the entire account opening process. We prepare all required documentation, arrange introductions with bank relationship managers, assist with minimum capital deposit requirements, and help you establish online banking and payment systems for seamless transactions.​
Our banking support extends beyond account opening to include guidance on trade financing options, letters of credit for import-export activities, foreign exchange management, and access to business loans and credit facilities as your operations grow.
Why Choose ListUnite as Your Saudi Arabia Gateway?
ListUnite stands apart as India’s most comprehensive platform for Saudi business expansion. Our unique value proposition combines deep expertise in both Indian and Saudi business ecosystems with complete hand-holding support that eliminates the stress of international expansion.
Complete Hand-Holding Support
Unlike traditional consultancies that merely process paperwork, ListUnite provides true partnership throughout your Saudi journey. From the initial market research and feasibility studies to help you validate your business idea, through legal structuring and documentation including company formation and contract drafting, to operational setup covering office space, hiring, and system implementation, we’re with you every step of the way. Our support continues post-launch with ongoing compliance management, business development assistance, and access to local networks for partnerships and growth opportunities.
Premium Residency Assistance for You and Your Family
One of ListUnite’s exclusive services is helping you secure Premium Residency (Saudi Green Card) for yourself and your family. This game-changing visa allows you to live, work, and invest in Saudi Arabia without a local sponsor, bringing unprecedented freedom and flexibility to your Saudi venture.
We guide you through various Premium Residency categories including Entrepreneur Residency for startup founders with minimum SAR 400,000 investment from approved venture capital or incubators, offering 5-year renewable residency with potential for permanent status. Our Special Talent Residency pathway supports executives and professionals in healthcare, science, research, and technology with employment contracts in priority sectors. For Investor Residency, we assist qualified investors with minimum SAR 7 million investment in approved Saudi businesses, including job creation requirements. Real Estate Owner Residency is available for those owning residential property worth SAR 4 million or above, and we help identify and acquire qualifying properties.
Family inclusion is a key benefit of Premium Residency. Your spouse, children under 20, and even parents can receive residency privileges, allowing your entire family to live, work, and study in Saudi Arabia. ListUnite manages the entire application process including eligibility assessment, document preparation and attestation, application submission through the Premium Residency Center portal, and follow-up until approval.
The Premium Residency investment is remarkably accessible with minimum fees for category-based residencies valid for up to 5 years, SAR 100,000 per year for limited-duration annual residency, or SAR 800,000 for unlimited permanent residency. Beyond the cost advantages, Premium Residency holders enjoy exemption from expatriate dependent fees saving up to SAR 14,400 annually for a family of four, visa-free entry and exit from Saudi Arabia with no exit permits required, priority airport lanes designated for residents and citizens, real estate ownership rights for residential, commercial, and industrial properties, and eligibility for permanent residency after maintaining residency for 30 months within 5 years.
Project and Funding Assistance
ListUnite goes beyond setup to help you succeed in the Saudi market. Our project assistance services include market entry strategy development tailored to Saudi consumer preferences, partnership and joint venture facilitation connecting you with local Saudi partners, government tender and procurement support for accessing public sector contracts, and business development services to accelerate your growth in the Kingdom.
Funding support is crucial for business expansion, and ListUnite provides comprehensive assistance in securing capital from multiple sources. We connect you with Saudi government funding programs including Monsha’at (General Authority for SMEs) offering grants and training for small businesses, Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) providing funding for industrial projects with special schemes for startups, Public Investment Fund (PIF) initiatives supporting strategic sectors, and National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) with SAR 200 billion allocated for infrastructure investments.
Our venture capital network includes introductions to Wa’ed Ventures (Aramco’s VC fund) with up to $20 million per deal and a $500 million total fund, Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC), private equity firms and angel investors, and international VC funds active in the Saudi market including SoftBank Vision Fund partnerships.
Through the India-Saudi Startup Bridge initiative, ListUnite leverages bilateral cooperation frameworks established between the Indian and Saudi governments. This strategic partnership facilitates technology transfer, talent exchange, cross-border investments, and access to incubation programs in both countries.
Local Expertise with Indian Understanding
What truly sets ListUnite apart is our unique dual expertise. Our team includes Indian chartered accountants and lawyers who understand the complexities of Indian company documentation, audit requirements, and attestation procedures. We manage the entire process of preparing your Indian company’s documents for Saudi expansion including financial statement audits and certifications, translation and notarization, attestation by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), attestation by the Saudi Embassy in India, and final certification by Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On the Saudi side, our experienced professionals in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam provide on-ground support, regulatory knowledge, cultural guidance, and local business networks. This combination ensures smooth coordination between your Indian operations and your new Saudi entity.
The Business Setup Process: Step-by-Step with ListUnite
ListUnite’s structured approach ensures your business launches successfully within 3-4 months. Our proven process covers every essential stage.​
Phase 1: Pre-Setup and Documentation (Weeks 1-4)
Your journey begins with an initial consultation where we understand your business goals, target market, investment capacity, and timeline. We conduct feasibility analysis including market research, competitor analysis, regulatory requirements assessment, and financial projections. Our team provides business structure consultation to recommend the optimal legal entity for your specific needs and helps you develop a comprehensive business plan aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 priorities.​
Document preparation is critical and includes auditing financial statements of your Indian company for the past 1-2 years, preparing board resolutions authorizing Saudi expansion and appointing general manager, obtaining commercial registration and incorporation certificates from your Indian entity, collecting passport copies and authorization documents for all shareholders and directors, and drafting the initial business plan with activity descriptions and financial projections.​
Phase 2: Licensing and Registration (Weeks 5-10)
With documents ready, we submit your MISA license application through the online portal with complete documentation. MISA typically reviews and approves within 5-10 business days. Upon receiving MISA approval, we proceed with name reservation checking availability and compliance with Saudi naming conventions, securing your chosen trade name with the Ministry of Commerce, and ensuring the name reflects your brand while meeting regulatory requirements.​
Next, we draft local Articles of Association incorporating MISA requirements, defining shareholder rights and company governance, specifying capital structure and management appointments, and ensuring compliance with Saudi Commercial Law. These documents are notarized by Saudi authorities to give them legal effect.​
Commercial Registration issuance follows, where we submit the final application to the Ministry of Commerce, obtain your official CR certificate serving as your company’s national identity, and register with the Chamber of Commerce based on your business location.​
Phase 3: Operational Setup (Weeks 11-16)
With legal registration complete, we move to operational activation. Company seal and documentation includes ordering your official company stamp, setting up corporate stationery and digital presence, and establishing internal governance documents.​
Government portal registrations are essential and include Muqeem portal for visa and residency management, Absher portal for e-government services, Qiwa portal for employment and Saudization, Mudad portal for municipal services, and GOSI portal for social insurance compliance.​
We assist with General Manager visa processing including applying for GM work visa, facilitating GM entry to Saudi Arabia, conducting required medical examinations, and securing the GM’s Iqama (residency permit) typically within 4-6 weeks of arrival.​
Tax and Zakat registration with ZATCA ensures you can issue invoices and remain compliant. We register your Tax Identification Number (TIN), enroll for VAT if your annual revenue exceeds SAR 375,000, and set up systems for quarterly filing.​
Opening your corporate bank account involves preparing bank introduction documents, scheduling meetings with bank officials, depositing minimum capital requirements ranging from SAR 25,000 to SAR 30 million depending on your license type, and activating online banking within 30-60 days of account opening.​
Phase 4: Business Launch and Ongoing Support (Weeks 17+)
Office setup assistance includes identifying suitable office space in business districts or free zones, negotiating lease agreements with landlords, registering your national address with Saudi Post, and setting up utilities, internet, and office infrastructure.​
For employee recruitment and visas, we help you develop Saudization plans to meet Nitaqat requirements, recruit qualified staff both Saudi and expatriate, process work visas for foreign employees typically taking 4-6 weeks, and enroll all employees with GOSI for insurance.​
Ongoing compliance management ensures your business stays in good standing through monthly bookkeeping and accounting services, quarterly VAT returns and annual tax filings, annual Commercial Registration renewals, Saudization monitoring and reporting, and regular compliance audits.
Key Benefits of Doing Business in Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom offers compelling advantages that make it one of the most attractive markets in the Middle East.​
Strategic Location and Market Access
Saudi Arabia’s geographic position provides unparalleled access to markets across three continents. The Kingdom serves as the gateway to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market of 57 million consumers with combined GDP exceeding $1.9 trillion. Its proximity to fast-growing African and Asian markets, world-class port infrastructure including King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam and Jeddah Islamic Port, and advanced logistics capabilities make it ideal for distribution hubs.​
Business-Friendly Reforms
Vision 2030 has driven dramatic improvements in the business environment. Saudi Arabia jumped from 142nd to 63rd in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings between 2014 and 2020. Foreign investors can now enjoy 100% ownership without local partners in most sectors, streamlined company registration completing within 10 days, reduced bureaucracy through unified online portals, and strong intellectual property protection.​
Financial Incentives and Support
The Saudi government provides substantial support to foreign businesses including competitive tax rates with 20% corporate tax and 15% VAT, no personal income tax for individuals, 10-year tax holidays for certain sectors and locations, exemption from import duties on machinery and equipment for manufacturing, and access to government subsidies for utilities in industrial cities.​
Infrastructure and Technology
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in world-class infrastructure including 5G network coverage across major cities, advanced digital payment systems, state-of-the-art industrial cities managed by Modon, smart city initiatives in NEOM, Qiddiya, and The Red Sea Project, and comprehensive transportation networks including high-speed rail.
Sector Opportunities for Indian Businesses
Indian companies excel in several key sectors within Saudi Arabia.​
Information Technology and Digital Services
With Saudi Arabia’s push for digital transformation, Indian IT companies find massive opportunities in software development and system integration, cybersecurity solutions, artificial intelligence and machine learning applications, cloud computing infrastructure, and fintech innovations including digital payments and blockchain.​
Healthcare and Medical Services
The Saudi healthcare sector is expanding rapidly with opportunities in hospital management and operations, telemedicine platforms, pharmaceutical distribution, medical equipment supply, wellness and preventive care services, and eldercare facilities as the population ages.​
Education and Training
Educational services are in high demand including private schools and international curricula, vocational training centers aligned with Saudization goals, online learning platforms, corporate training and professional development, and educational technology solutions.​
Construction and Infrastructure
Indian engineering firms are well-positioned for infrastructure development projects, smart building technologies, renewable energy installations, water management systems, and urban planning consultancy.​
Food and Hospitality
The expanding tourism sector creates opportunities in restaurant chains and food service, catering for events and corporate clients, food processing and packaging, hotel management, and halal food production.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Can Indian nationals own 100% of a business in Saudi Arabia?
How long does it take to set up a business in Saudi Arabia?
What is the minimum investment required?
Do I need to visit Saudi Arabia during the setup process?
What is Premium Residency and how can it benefit me?
How does ListUnite help with funding and project assistance?
What about Saudization requirements for my company?
Can ListUnite help if I already have a business in Saudi Arabia?
Your journey to Saudi Arabia begins with a single conversation. ListUnite has helped hundreds of Indian entrepreneurs successfully establish thriving businesses in the Kingdom. Our comprehensive support, deep expertise, and commitment to your success make us the ideal partner for your Saudi expansion.​
Contact our India office in New Delhi, Noida, Mumbai, or Bangalore for initial consultation, or reach out to our Saudi Arabia office in Medina for on-ground support. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your business plans and receive a customized proposal outlining services, timeline, and investment required.​
Join the growing community of successful Indian businesses in Saudi Arabia. With ListUnite as your gateway, transform your vision into reality in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. The Kingdom of opportunities awaits—let ListUnite guide you there.
ListUnite: India’s Gateway to Saudi Arabia—Complete Hand-Holding for Your Business Success.
Your journey to Saudi Arabia begins with a single conversation.
Get Started with ListUnite Today
