Legal Services for
Foreign Investors
in Saudi Arabia
We advise international companies, foreign investors, and business executives on every legal aspect of entering and operating in the Saudi market — from ownership structuring and MISA licensing through to contracts, compliance, and dispute resolution.
Saudi Arabia's legal framework is evolving rapidly under Vision 2030. Foreign companies that structure correctly from the outset avoid costly corrections later.
Registration is the easy part.
The legal layer is where companies get exposed.
Business setup companies file your MISA application and register your commercial address. What they cannot do is advise you on the legal implications of your ownership structure, draft contracts that hold up in a Saudi court, or represent you when a dispute arises.
| What You Need | Setup Company |
Saad A. Alabbasi Law Firm
LEGAL LAYER |
|---|---|---|
MISA License Filing |
Filing + legal advice on activity classification and ownership structure before you apply | |
Ownership Structure Advice |
LLC vs JSC vs Branch vs SPV — full legal analysis before you commit | |
Contract Drafting & Negotiation |
All commercial contracts drafted and reviewed for enforceability under Saudi law | |
Joint Venture Structuring |
JV terms, shareholder rights, governance structures, exit and dispute mechanisms | |
Dispute Resolution |
Commercial litigation, SCCA/ICC/LCIA arbitration, enforcement of foreign awards | |
Regulatory Compliance Advice |
Sector-specific legal risk assessments — SAMA, CMA, MODON, SFDA, ZATCA | |
Enforcement of Foreign Judgments |
Saudi court enforcement of overseas arbitral awards and foreign judgments |
Foreign companies that structure correctly from the outset — with the right ownership model, enforceable contracts, and regulatory compliance — avoid costly corrections later. We provide the legal foundation that a setup company cannot.
Book a free legal consultationEnd-to-End Legal Support from Market Entry to Dispute Resolution
We provide the full spectrum of legal services required by foreign companies entering or operating in Saudi Arabia — delivered by a Saudi-qualified lawyer with deep knowledge of local regulations and international business practice.
MISA Licensing & Foreign Ownership Approvals
We handle all requirements for obtaining a foreign investment license through the Ministry of Investment, including activity classification, ownership approvals, and ongoing compliance.
- MISA license application and amendments
- Activity classification and sector eligibility review
- Documentation, notarization, and Arabic translation
- Resolving licensing queries and rejections
Company Formation & Structuring
We advise on the optimal corporate structure for your objectives and manage the full company establishment process from start to finish.
- LLC, JSC, Branch, and SPV formation
- Articles of Association drafting
- Capital structuring and shareholder distributions
- CR, GOSI, ZATCA, and Chamber registrations
Joint Venture & Partnership Structuring
We draft and negotiate enforceable JV agreements that protect your rights, governance position, and exit options when partnering with Saudi entities.
- JV term sheets and shareholder agreements
- Voting rights and governance structures
- Capital contribution and profit distribution
- Exit mechanisms and dispute resolution clauses
Commercial Contracts
We draft, review, and negotiate all commercial contracts required for foreign-owned companies operating in Saudi Arabia, ensuring enforceability under Saudi law.
- Supply, distribution, and agency agreements
- Technology licensing and SaaS agreements
- EPC and industrial contracts
- Share purchase and investment agreements
Arbitration & Litigation
We represent foreign investors in commercial disputes before Saudi courts and arbitral tribunals, providing clear strategy and strong advocacy from the outset.
- SCCA, ICC, LCIA, and DIAC arbitration
- Commercial litigation before Saudi courts
- Enforcement of foreign arbitral awards
- Debt recovery and injunctive relief
Regulatory & Compliance Support
Saudi Arabia's regulatory environment is evolving rapidly. We ensure foreign-owned companies remain fully compliant with all legal obligations affecting their operations.
- ZATCA tax and Saudization compliance
- Sector-specific licensing — SAMA, CMA, MODON, SFDA
- Regulatory audits and legal risk assessments
- Administrative law and government disputes