For German companies and founders
Set Up a Company in Saudi Arabia from Germany
Open a Saudi LLC, a branch of your German company or a regional headquarters in Riyadh. Expandway handles MISA registration, the commercial registration and every step needed to start trading, so your team in Germany can stay focused on the business.
Choose the right structure for a German business
Most German 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 German 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. Commercial register (Handelsregister) extract, articles of association, recent financial statements and a shareholder or board resolution, apostilled in Germany 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 German investors should know
| Topic | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Document certification | Germany and Saudi Arabia are both Apostille Convention members, so German public documents can usually be apostilled instead of embassy-legalised. They still need a certified Arabic translation. |
| Tax treaty | We are not aware of a comprehensive income tax treaty between Germany and Saudi Arabia in force today. Confirm the current position, and how foreign tax credits apply, with your German tax adviser before you set up. |
| 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%. |
| Language | Saudi filings are in Arabic and contracts are often bilingual Arabic–English. German documents need an Arabic translation; an English version helps with bank onboarding. |
| Time zone | Riyadh is 1–2 hours ahead of Germany, so working days overlap almost fully. |
Frequently asked questions
Can a German 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 German investors, apostille and translation of the register extract and resolutions usually set the pace. See our registration timeline guide for a stage-by-stage view.
Plan your Saudi entry from Germany
Get an activity check, a document list for your German 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.