For French companies and founders
Set Up a Company in Saudi Arabia from France
Open a Saudi LLC, a branch of your French company or a regional headquarters in Riyadh. Expandway handles MISA registration, the commercial registration and every step needed to start trading, while you keep running your business from France.
Choose the right structure for a French business
Most French investors choose between three routes. The right one depends on your activity, who will sign contracts in the Kingdom and whether you plan to bid for government work.
Saudi LLC
A separate Saudi company with limited liability. Up to 100% foreign ownership is available in many activities. Best for long-term operations and local hiring. Saudi company types compared.
Branch of your French company
An extension of the parent, not a new legal entity, so the parent stays responsible for it. Suits project work in the parent’s existing line of business. Branch vs LLC explained.
Regional headquarters
For groups managing several countries from Riyadh. Since January 2024 an RHQ in the Kingdom matters for Saudi government contracts, with defined exemptions. RHQ setup.
How the setup works, step by step
- Activity and structure review. We confirm your activity is open to foreign investment and choose the right legal form.
- Home-country documents. Kbis extract, statuts, recent financial statements and a board or shareholder resolution, apostilled in France and translated into Arabic by a licensed translator.
- MISA investment registration. We file with the Ministry of Investment and track it to approval.
- Commercial registration (CR). Company name, articles of association and CR issued through the Ministry of Commerce.
- Ready to operate. National address, Chamber of Commerce, ZATCA tax and VAT, GOSI, Qiwa, Muqeem and your corporate bank account.
What French investors should know
| Topic | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Document certification | France and Saudi Arabia are both Apostille Convention members, so French public documents can usually be apostilled instead of embassy-legalised. They still need a certified Arabic translation. |
| Tax treaty | France and Saudi Arabia have a long-standing tax convention, published by ZATCA. Ask your French tax adviser how it applies to dividends, fees and royalties. |
| Saudi taxes | Corporate income tax of 20% applies to the foreign-owned share of profits, Zakat applies to any Saudi/GCC-owned share, and VAT is 15%. |
| Time zone | Riyadh is 1–2 hours ahead of France, so working days overlap almost fully. |
Frequently asked questions
Can a French company or national own 100% of a Saudi company?
In many activities, yes, once the investor is registered with MISA. Some sectors are restricted or need extra approvals, so we check your exact activity against MISA’s lists first.
Do I need to travel to Saudi Arabia to register?
Most steps can be handled under a power of attorney. Travel may be needed later for residency, biometrics or bank onboarding, depending on the bank and your role.
How long does it take?
Usually 4–8 weeks from complete, attested documents to an operating company. For French investors, apostille and translation of the Kbis and statuts usually set the pace. See our registration timeline guide for a stage-by-stage view.
Plan your Saudi entry from France
Get an activity check, a document list for your French entity and a written cost estimate before you commit.
Related: business setup in Saudi Arabia · company formation in Saudi Arabia · foreign company registration · MISA license fees. This page is general guidance, not tax or legal advice. Government fees are paid to the authorities separately from Expandway’s service fee.