Investment & Market Entry
We advise Saudi and international investors on activity analysis, investment registration, investment structure, sector approvals, governance and requirements for starting operations under the Investment Law and the legislation governing the proposed activity. We verify permitted ownership and required approvals before the structure is agreed.
Begin with the activity
The Investment Law establishes the current investment framework, including registration and the treatment of excluded or restricted activities. It does not replace the Companies Law or approval requirements imposed by the competent authority for a regulated activity.
A market entry plan therefore starts with a precise description of the activity and how it will generate revenue. It then identifies investor status, registration requirements, permitted ownership, entity options and sector approvals, together with the employment, zakat, tax, data, IP, premises and commercial requirements for operation.
What we advise on
- Analysis of the activity and the regulations that apply to it.
- Investment registration and supporting documents required under current rules.
- Entity and branch options with our Corporate & Governance practice.
- Planning the sequence of sector approvals and coordinating with the relevant authorities.
- Joint ventures, shareholder arrangements and governance.
- Requirements for starting operations across employment, contracts, IP, data and technology.
- Restructuring, expansion and exit planning.
Documenting requirements and decisions before filing
We document the activity, investor status, ownership and control arrangements, approvals, assumptions and operating requirements before filings begin. We distinguish official legal requirements from authority guidance and management choices. This helps reduce repeated formation work and makes clear that registration or incorporation does not grant permission to conduct an activity requiring separate regulatory approval.
Primary Saudi sources
Planning an investment or starting operations in Saudi Arabia? Contact us
Frequently asked questions
Does the Investment Law mean every activity is open on the same terms?
No. The proposed activity must be checked against the excluded or restricted activities framework, investment registration requirements and any competent sector authority’s conditions.
Is investment registration the same as incorporation?
No. Registration under the investment framework, entity formation, commercial registration, sector licensing and operating steps are separate parts of the launch sequence.
Should the legal entity be chosen first?
The activity, ownership, control, liability, funding, tax coordination, applicable regulatory requirements and exit plan should be assessed before the entity is selected.
Tell us about your matter.
A few sentences are enough. We aim to respond within one business day. Please leave out confidential details at this stage.