Estimated Cost to set up a Business in Saudi Arabia

cost to setup a business in saudi arabia

Establishing a business in Saudi Arabia can be an exciting step towards economic independence and fulfilling your entrepreneurial dreams. However, as with any business venture, there are costs involved that can put you under some financial pressure if you don’t plan ahead and budget accordingly. 

To ensure that you don’t run into unexpected expenses when starting your own business in Saudi Arabia, review the following list of potential expenses.

Saudi Arabia Business Setup: Cost Breakdown 

Startup Costs

The amount of money you’ll need to start your business in Saudi Arabia will depend on the type of business you want to set up. For example, if you’re looking to open a small retail shop, you’ll need to factor in the cost of renting or buying commercial space, outfitting the space with shelving and display cases, and stocking your inventory. 

If you plan to produce goods instead of selling them, then you’ll need to purchase materials and pay workers who can assemble the products before they are sold. Other expenses may include permits and licenses, utility deposits, insurance premiums, advertising costs (e.g., flyers), wages for administrative staff, etc. 

Business License Fee

In order to obtain a business license in Saudi Arabia, you will need to pay a fee of SAR 2,000/yr. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid in full before your application can be processed. Once your application has been approved, you will be issued a business license which is valid for one year. You will need to renew your license annually.

Labor Costs

The biggest factor in the cost of setting up a 100% foreign-owned company in KSA is labor. The country has a high population of educated and skilled workers and wages are relatively manageable. In addition, there are few regulations governing labor practices, which makes it easy to hire and fire employees. Furthermore, according to data, Saudi Arabia’s national minimum wage is 4,000 SAR per month.

Utilities and Taxes

If you want to establish a 100% foreign-owned company in KSA, you will need to budget for utilities and taxes. These costs can vary depending on the type and size of your business. For example, commercial businesses will need to pay for water, electricity, and waste disposal services. You will also need to pay taxes, which are levied on income, value-added, and import/export businesses. The amount you pay will depend on your specific circumstances.

Legal Fees

The amount you pay for legal fees will depend on the type of business you want to set up, as well as the complexity of your business structure. However, it’s important to note that businesses in Saudi Arabia are subject to some of the highest fees in the world. That being said, if you’re planning on a 100% Foreign owned company in Saudi Arabia, it’s important to factor these costs into your budget.

Professional Services Fees

The fees for business setup consultants in Saudi Arabia can vary depending on the type of business you want to set up and the city you choose to set up shop in. For example, if you want to open a restaurant in Jeddah, you can expect to pay around SAR 15,000 for an experienced lawyer. If you’re looking to start a construction company, you’ll need to factor in the cost of renting or buying office space, as well as the price of hiring staff.

Equipment and Furniture

In order to set up a quick company formation in KSA, you will need to have some furniture and equipment. The type of furniture and equipment you will need will depend on the type of business you are setting up. For example, if you are setting up a restaurant, you will need tables, chairs, kitchen equipment, etc. The cost of this furniture and equipment can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.

cost to setup a business in saudi arabia

Conclusion

Overall, the process of setting up a business in Saudi Arabia is not as complicated or expensive as one might think. The most important thing is to have a clear idea of what you want your business to be and to be prepared to put in the work to make it happen. With the right planning and execution, setting up a business in Saudi Arabia can be a smooth and successful process.