What Legal Documents Are Required to Start a Company in KSA?

Introduction

Starting a company in Saudi Arabia (KSA) is an exciting opportunity for both local and international investors. However, navigating the legal landscape can be complex if you don’t know what legal documents in KSA are required or how the process works. This comprehensive 2025 guide breaks down every essential legal documents in KSA you need to register a company, plus actionable tips to help your business launch smoothly and remain compliant.

1. Key Benefits of Starting a Company in Saudi Arabia

• Strategic Location: Connects Africa, Asia, and Europe.
  
• 100% Foreign Ownership: Allowed in most sectors.
  
• World-Class Infrastructure: Modern banking and logistics.
  
• Pro-Business Reforms: Rapid company registration, robust legal framework.
  
• Access to Growing Markets: Especially with Vision 2030 economic initiatives.
  

For more information, see Saudi Ministry of Investment 

2. Updated List: Legal Documents Required to Start a Company in KSA

Whether you’re launching a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Joint Stock Company, or a foreign branch, the following documents are required by the Ministry of Commerce and other KSA authorities.

Identification and Legal Status Documents

• Valid Passports/National IDs: For all shareholders, directors, and the General Manager.
  
• Residence Permits (Iqama): For non-Saudi stakeholders.
  

Corporate Documents

• Memorandum of Association (MOA): States company name, objectives, capital, management.
  
• Articles of Association (AOA): Internal company rules and operations.
  
• Board Resolution: Authorizing company formation and appointing representatives (if applicable).
  
• Power of Attorney (PoA): Notarized and attested if someone will represent the company other than owners.
  

Financial and Banking Documents

• Audited Financial Statements: Required for foreign companies (last 1–3 years).
  
• Bank Certificate: Proof of initial capital deposit in a Saudi bank.
  

Licenses and Permits

• MISA Investment License: For foreign-owned entities, issued by the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA).
  
• Commercial Registration (CR): Official proof of legal existence (issued by the Ministry of Commerce).
  
• Industry-Specific Licenses: For regulated sectors (e.g., healthcare, food).
  

Location and Lease Documents

• Lease Agreement/Title Deed: Proves the registered business address in KSA.
  

Tax and Compliance Documents

• Tax Registration: Documents from the General Authority of Zakat and Tax (GAZT), including VAT registration if required.
  
• Municipal License: Local operating permit.
  

Other Supporting Documents

• Trade Name Reservation Certificate: From the Ministry of Commerce.
  
• Proof of Address: For all directors and shareholders.
  
• Certificate of Professional Competence: For regulated professions/activities.
  

Summary Table

Document Type	Description/Requirement
ID/Passport	All shareholders/directors
MOA & AOA	Company objectives, structure, rules
Board Resolution / PoA	Authorization of representatives
Audited Financials	Foreign companies (last 1–3 years)
Bank Certificate	Proof of capital deposit
MISA License	For foreign-owned companies
Commercial Registration (CR)	Legal proof of company existence
Lease Agreement	Proof of address in KSA
Tax Registration	GAZT and VAT registration
Municipal License	Local operating permit
Industry Licenses	As required by activity

Note: All documents must be notarized, attested, and translated into Arabic if necessary.

3. Types of Companies in KSA & How Document Requirements Vary

• LLC (Limited Liability Company): Most popular for foreign and local investors.
  
• Joint Stock Company: Suited for larger enterprises and public offerings.
  
• Branch of Foreign Company: Additional paperwork like audited financials and PoA required.
  
• Sole Proprietorship/Establishment: Streamlined process but limited to Saudi nationals or GCC citizens.
  

4. Step-by-Step Company Registration Process in Saudi Arabia

1. Choose Legal Structure & Reserve Company Name
   Start online via the Ministry of Commerce portal.
   
2. Obtain MISA License (For Foreign Investors)
   Submit business plan and details for review.
   
3. Prepare, Notarize & Translate All Required Documents
   Ensure all paperwork is up-to-date and officially translated to Arabic.
   
4. Open Saudi Bank Account & Deposit Capital
   Obtain a bank certificate for proof.
   
5. Submit Documents to Ministry of Commerce
   Receive the Commercial Registration (CR) certificate.
   
6. Register for Tax, Social Insurance, and Municipal License
   Complete GAZT and VAT registration.
   
7. Obtain Any Industry-Specific Licenses
   Required for regulated sectors.
   
8. Start Operations
   Once all documents are approved, your company is legally ready to operate in KSA.
   

5. Notarization, Translation, and Attestation: What You Need to Know

• Notarization: Most legal documents must be notarized either in KSA or at the Saudi consulate in your country.
  
• Attestation: Foreign documents need attestation from relevant authorities.
  
• Translation: All documents must be in Arabic or accompanied by a certified translation.
  

Tip: Missing or incorrect paperwork is the #1 reason for delays. Always use professional translation and legal services familiar with Saudi requirements.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can a foreigner fully own a company in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, 100% foreign ownership is permitted in most sectors, especially after the recent Vision 2030 reforms.

Q2. What is the typical timeline for registration?

If all documents are correct, company registration can be completed in 2–4 weeks.

Q3. Are there additional requirements for certain industries?

Yes, regulated industries (like healthcare, finance, food) may require extra licenses and approvals.

Q4. Is there a minimum capital requirement?

This depends on company type. For LLCs, the minimum share capital is often SAR 100,000 (approx. $26,700), but check for sector-specific updates.

Q5. Do I need a physical office in KSA?

Yes, a registered address and valid lease agreement are required.

7. Conclusion & Next Steps

Setting up a company in Saudi Arabia is more accessible than ever, thanks to digital government services and pro-business reforms. However, ensuring you have the right legal documents—properly notarized, attested, and translated—is crucial for a smooth registration and future compliance.

Ready to start your business in KSA?
Consult a qualified local advisor or contact us for a personalized company formation package tailored to your needs.