For UAE-based companies
Expand Your Business from the UAE to Saudi Arabia
A UAE trade licence does not let you trade in the Kingdom. To sell, hire and invoice in Saudi Arabia you need a Saudi entity. Expandway sets it up, from structure choice to bank account, so your UAE team can keep serving the region.
Why UAE companies are opening in Riyadh
- Market size. Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the GCC, and many buyers prefer a local supplier with a Saudi CR.
- Government work. Since January 2024 a regional headquarters in the Kingdom matters for Saudi government contracts, with a formal exemption process introduced in 2026.
- Local presence. A Saudi entity lets you sponsor staff, open a Saudi bank account and register for VAT locally.
Choose the right structure
Saudi LLC
A separate Saudi company. Often the best fit for UAE groups that want a lasting operation and local hiring.
Branch of your UAE company
An extension of the UAE entity, which stays responsible for it. Free zone entities should check eligibility first. Branch vs LLC explained.
Regional headquarters
For groups moving regional management to Riyadh. RHQ setup.
If the UAE company is owned by GCC nationals, a different ownership route may apply. See GCC nationals company formation.
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. UAE trade licence, memorandum of association, recent audited financial statements and a shareholder resolution, attested as required for UAE documents 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.
UAE vs Saudi: what changes
| Topic | UAE | Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|---|
| VAT | 5% | 15% |
| Corporate tax | 9% UAE corporate tax above the threshold | 20% income tax on the foreign-owned share; Zakat on the Saudi/GCC-owned share |
| Licence | DED or free zone licence | MISA registration plus a Saudi commercial registration (CR) |
| Workforce | UAE visas and WPS | Qiwa, GOSI, Muqeem and Saudisation (Nitaqat) targets |
Frequently asked questions
Can my Dubai free zone company trade in Saudi Arabia?
Not directly. Selling into the Kingdom from abroad has limits, and regular trading, hiring and invoicing in Saudi Arabia need a Saudi entity.
How long does it take?
It depends mainly on how quickly your home-country documents are ready. See our registration timeline guide for a stage-by-stage view.
Plan your expansion from the UAE
Get a structure recommendation, a document list for your UAE entity and a written cost estimate.
Related: business setup in Saudi Arabia · foreign company registration · MISA requirements. This page is general guidance, not tax or legal advice. Government fees are paid to the authorities separately from Expandway’s service fee.