1.

Saudi Arabia company formation is the optimum corporate structure for international entrepreneurs to conduct business in Saudi Arabia. A Saudi company can bid for local contracts, rent office premises, and obtain visas for staff. According to the World Bank's Doing Business 2011 Survey, Saudi Arabia is positively ranked as the 11th topmost jurisdiction with ease of doing business. The survey measures factors including business startup procedures, time, cost and minimum capital required to start a business. The World Economic Forum also ranks Saudi Arabia positively at 17th in its Global Competitiveness Report 2011-2012.

2.

The government-run Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority (SAGIA) provides incentives to encourage Saudi Arabia company formation.

3.

Saudi Arabia company formation permits 100% foreign investment in most sectors. All foreign investment projects require a government license.

3.

The minimum capital requirement for formation of a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Saudi Arabia varies depending on the business sector of the company. A contracting company requires SR500,000 (approximately US$133,000), while a company in agriculture requires SR25,000,000 (approximately US$6.67million). More information can be found on the Saudi Investment Support Centre website.

4.

As part of its programme to develop non-oil industries, the government provides various tax and other incentives for foreign investors. For government-approved projects with at least 25% Saudi participation, foreign investors in agricultural and industrial ventures are eligible for a 10-year exemption from tax.

5.

High oil prices are driving economic growth in the Kingdom, presenting opportunities for investors considering Saudi Arabia company formation. 

6.

Following a Saudi Arabia company formation, it is easy to open corporate bank accounts all over the world. Healy Consultants works with internationally recognised banks such as HSBC, Standard Chartered and Citibank to provide corporate bank account services.

Saudi Arabia company formation takes almost two months to complete. Saudi Arabia is ranked poorly as the world's 54th-freest economy in the Heritage Organisation's 2011 Index of Economic Freedom, and scores at 45% in terms of investment freedom and capital flows. The Index of Economic Freedom measures of freedom enjoyed in business, trade, monetary, financial, investment and labour markets.

2.

Under Saudi Arabia's Foreign Investment Law, foreigners are excluded from investing in certain sectors, including:

i) Oil exploration, drilling and production;

ii) Manufacture of military equipment;

iii) Land and air transportation.

3.