Expand your global footprint with confidence. Helpline Group helps foreign businesses establish a branch in Saudi Arabia, leveraging strategic advantages, regulatory clarity, and local market access.
What Is a Foreign Branch in Saudi Arabia?
A ‘foreign branch’ in Saudi Arabia refers to an extension of a parent company headquartered overseas. Unlike a separate subsidiary entity, the branch operates in the Kingdom under the parent’s umbrella and carries out activities consistent with the parent company’s business. The parent company retains liability for the branch’s operations. To set up a foreign branch, you must obtain a licence from the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) and register domestically with the Ministry of Commerce (MoC), among other requirements.
Key Benefits of Opening a Foreign Branch
- Access to a Large and Diversifying Economy: Saudi Arabia continues expanding beyond oil reliance under Vision 2030, offering foreign branches entry into sectors like services, logistics, renewable energy, and digital innovation.
- Full Ownership (in Many Areas) & Clear Framework: Many sectors now allow 100% foreign ownership through the correct licence path, giving you full control while entering a new market.
- Strategic Location & Regional Hub Potential: A branch in Saudi Arabia provides a base to access Gulf, MENA, and broader regional markets, supported by world-class infrastructure.
- Streamlined Licensing & Registration Updates: The new Companies Law and digital reforms introduced in 2025 simplify filings and unify registration platforms.
- Operational Continuity of the Parent Company Structure: As the branch is part of the parent entity, it allows operational consistency, shared systems, and brand continuity.
- Tax & Investment Incentives: Select activities and special economic zones provide potential tax benefits and investment advantages under regional-headquarter and free-zone initiatives.
Key Considerations – Where Helpline Group Assists You
While the benefits are significant, setting up a branch requires proper regulatory navigation. Helpline Group manages every step to ensure your branch is established smoothly and compliantly.
- Obtaining the correct Foreign Investment Licence from MISA for your specific sector.
- Ensuring the branch’s activity matches the parent company’s global business scope.
- Appointing a legally authorised branch manager with a registered Power of Attorney and establishing a physical local office.
- Meeting financial requirements—some sectors may require proof of capital or audited financial records.
- Complying with the 2025 regulatory reforms, including digital commercial registration updates and annual company confirmations.
How Helpline Group Supports Your Foreign Branch Setup
- Structure & Feasibility Check: We assess whether a branch or subsidiary is the ideal model for your Saudi operations based on your sector and goals.
- Licensing & Registration Management: Helpline Group handles MISA applications, MoC registration, translation, attestation, and documentation end-to-end.
- Operational Setup Assistance: We assist in establishing your branch office, opening corporate bank accounts, appointing managers, and ensuring all staffing and compliance needs are met.
- Post-Establishment Compliance: Our team monitors renewals, annual filings, Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) declarations, and trade-name confirmations under Saudi Arabia’s updated 2025 Companies Law.
Conclusion
Opening a foreign branch in Saudi Arabia represents a strategic move for companies seeking to expand into a fast-growing and reform-driven market. With the right guidance, your business can benefit from full market access, strong legal protections, and modern infrastructure.
Helpline Group’s experienced consultants ensure that every aspect of your setup—from licensing to compliance—is handled efficiently and transparently. With over 25 years of experience, 10+ international branches, and 25,000+ satisfied clients, we make global expansion seamless.
📞 Contact Helpline Group today and explore how your company can establish its branch and thrive in Saudi Arabia.
