For a GCC national looking to start a business in Saudi Arabia, investing in KSA is relatively easy and beneficial. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a political and economic alliance comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, provides strong support to its member states. The ease in Saudi Arabia is due to the cooperation of the Public Investment Fund, which ensures that GCC investors receive and enjoy the same benefits and incentives as Saudi nationals. 

The foreign investors, particularly the GCC nationals, enjoy the same privileges as those of the Saudi citizens while formulating business entities. It’s up to them to decide on the type of business they’ll do, whether it is sole trader, LLC, or joint stock company. GCC businesses in specific are capable of quickly setting up and successfully operating in the market of Saudi Arabia. 

GCC company formation in Saudi Arabia offers a streamlined and investor-friendly process, especially in major business hubs such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. With the business-friendly environment and fertile ground for growth, the kingdom is the best and most suitable choice for any GCC national investors who seeks to establish a business setup in Saudi Arabia from

Benefits of GCC National Company Formation in Saudi Arabia

The Government of Saudi Arabia offers special benefits to people from GCC countries. These include, exclusive investment possibilities, easy business opportunities across borders, treatment similar to Saudi citizens, speedy company setup and bank account opening.

• Quick and simple setup for GCC nationals in Saudi Arabia with minimal delays.
• Freedom to operate in any sector within Saudi Arabia.
• GCC nationals have no need for a MISA license.
• No minimum capital is needed for trading.
• Lower Zakat tax rate of 2.5% and no need to bear 20% income tax that other foreign investors must pay.
• Flexibility to choose different business structures (like Sole Establishment, General Partnership, LLC, etc).

Documents Required for GCC Company Formation in Saudi Arabia

• Valid Passport and GCC National ID

Valid Passport and National ID copies of all GCC shareholders/partners are important documet for the GCC company registration.

• Proposed Company Name 

Proposed company name reservation certificate issued by Saudi authorities.

• Business Activity Details

clear and detailed description of what the company will do and what is the business activity.

• Memorandum of Association (MoA) 

Detailed Outlines of company objectives, ownership, capital, etc

• Articles of Association (AoA)

internal rules and structure of the company

• Power of Attorney (PoA)

for the appointed local representative / signatory (notarized & attested

• Commercial Registration (CR) 

application / certificate – of the company officially registered with the Saudi Ministry of Commerce.

• Bank reference letter (if required)

Types of Companies GCC Nationals Can Register in KSA

GCC nationals (from UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman) are generally treated similarly to Saudi citizens for most commercial activities. This means they can own 100% of their business in most sectors without requiring a foreign investment license from the Ministry of Investment. These are the types of companies that GCC nationals can register in Saudi Arabia.

• Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• Joint Stock Company (JSC)
• Branch of a GCC Company
• Joint Venture Company
• sole establishment (sole proprietorship)
• One person company
  

GCC Company Formation Cost and Timeline in Saudi Arabia

GCC company formation in Saudi Arabia is generally more cost-effective and faster than foreign investor setups, and one of the main reasons for this is that GCC nationals are treated similarly to Saudi citizens in most commercial activities. The total cost of company formation depends on the chosen company structure, business activities, office space, regulatory approvals, etc. In general, government costs for a typical company include trade name reservation, notarization of the Memorandum of Association, issuance of Commercial Registration (CR), Chamber of Commerce registration, municipality license, national address registration, etc. 

As with company formation costs, timing is also important, and GCC company formation in Saudi Arabia has been made relatively simpler than before. Trade name reservation can be completed within 1-2 business days, while preparing and notarizing company documents may take a few additional days. Once the documents are approved, commercial registration is usually issued within 3-7 business days. If all documents are complete, including municipality licensing and post-registration procedures (such as Chamber of Commerce registration and opening a corporate bank account), and no special regulatory approvals are required, the entire process usually takes 1 to 3 weeks. Key business activities such as finance, health, and education may require additional time. However, Saudi Arabia offers an efficient, fast, cost-effective, and business-friendly environment for GCC companies and investors seeking to establish operations in a developed commercial environment. Choosing business formation companies like Bizzup Arabia for your GCC company formation enables hassle-free, speedy formation.

Why Choose Bizzup Arabia to Setup a GCC National Company in KSA?

• Experts in Saudi company setup
• 150 + local experts
• Fast approvals & smooth process
• Complete legal & tax support
• End-to-end service from registration to launch
• Trusted advisors for GCC nationals expanding into Saudi Arabia

We make your Saudi business setup simple, compliant, and stress-free.