100% Foreign Ownership in Saudi Arabia: Which Activities Qualify
Yes, 100% foreign ownership in Saudi Arabia is possible in many activities, but not all of them. A foreign investor can invest in any activity open to investment. Some activities are restricted, and for a few, MISA’s Investor Guide sets a minimum Saudi share or extra conditions. This guide covers those ownership rules. If your question is whether you can start a business at all, see Can a Foreigner Start a Business in Saudi Arabia?
Quick answer
Short answer: Most activities open to investment can be fully foreign-owned. Restricted activities need extra approval. MISA’s Investor Guide lists a minimum Saudi share for some activities, such as 25% for commercial activity with a Saudi partner and 40% for communications activities (MISA Investor Guide 13-03, section 5.1.1, as of 2 Nov 2026).
Key takeaways
- Who registers with MISA: foreign companies and Premium Residency holders; GCC investors are treated like Saudis (MISA FAQ, as of 2 Nov 2026).
- Activity category: MISA checks whether your activity is available or restricted (Investor Guide 13-03).
- Ownership rules: set out activity by activity in section 5.1.1 of the guide.
- Capital: some activities also set a minimum capital. See the cost guide.
How ownership works now
The Investment Law replaced the old Foreign Investment Law. It aims to treat local and foreign investors equally in similar circumstances. MISA’s FAQ says there is no fixed list of activities limited to foreigners. You can invest in any permitted activity if you meet its requirements. Some activities need a local partner and others don’t.
When you apply, MISA’s portal asks for your activity and checks its category. Restricted activities are allowed for foreign investors once set conditions are met and MISA approves.
Warning
Don’t rely on old “negative lists” copied from other websites. Check your exact activity code on MISA’s portal when you apply, because the categories are updated.
What MISA’s guide sets, activity by activity
Section 5.1.1 of the Investor Guide (edition 13-03) lists the activities with special ownership rules. We show ownership and conditions here. For minimum capital, read the table in the guide itself.
| Activity | Minimum Saudi share | Other conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial, with a Saudi partner | 25% | minimum capital set in the guide |
| Commercial, 100% foreign | none | minimum capital, plus presence in at least 3 regional or global markets |
| Communications activities | 40% | none listed |
| Supportive communications | 30% | none listed |
| Professional, with a Saudi partner | 25% | partners licensed in the same field; a non-professional partner’s share max 30% |
| Engineering consulting, 100% foreign | none | presence in 4 countries; at least 10 years’ experience |
Which activities can be fully foreign-owned?
From the guide, these can be 100% foreign-owned if their conditions are met:
- Commercial (trading): with the minimum capital in the guide and presence in at least 3 markets.
- Engineering consulting: with presence in 4 countries and at least 10 years’ experience.
- Most other open activities: MISA’s FAQ says investment is open in any permitted activity, as long as its requirements are met.
Communications and professional activities, by contrast, list a minimum Saudi share.
Two limits that catch people out
Real estate in Makkah and Madinah. MISA’s FAQ says freedom of ownership does not cover property inside the boundaries of the Two Holy Mosques. That falls under the separate law on real estate ownership by non-Saudis.
GCC investors. MISA treats a GCC investor as local, unless the GCC company has foreign investors in its own ownership.
How to check your activity
How to check your activity
1
Find your activity code: MISA registers activities by ISIC4 code.
2
Check section 5.1.1: see whether your activity has a minimum Saudi share or other conditions.
3
Check the category: if it is restricted, expect an approval step.
4
Register with MISA: see our MISA investment registration guide.
5
Choose the structure: compare an LLC, sole establishment and branch.
Before you sign with any local partner, verify their business licence. For the full route, start with how to start a business in Saudi Arabia.
Reviewed by: Infosaudia editorial team (business/legal). Founder: Malik Sherjeel Awan.
Sources (as of 2 Nov 2026): MISA Investor Guide 13-03 (sections 3.1.1, 5.1.1); MISA FAQ; Invest Saudi investor services.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. For your structure and ownership, check with a licensed lawyer.
Last updated: 2 November 2026.
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