Saudi Arabia Company Types & Legal Structures Guide 2026

The New Saudi Companies Law (نظام الشركات الجديد), enacted by the Ministry of Commerce (MC) and the Ministry of Investment (MISA), modernized corporate governance and introduced flexible corporate vehicles for domestic and international investors in Saudi Arabia.


Primary Company Structures Comparison

Entity TypeMinimum ShareholdersMinimum Statutory CapitalForeign Ownership (MISA)Management Structure
Limited Liability Company (LLC / ذ.م.م)1 shareholder (Single-Member LLC allowed)No statutory minimum (typically SAR 10,000–500,000)100% Foreign Ownership PermittedGeneral Manager or Board of Managers
Simplified Joint Stock Company (SJC / مساهمة مبسطة)1 shareholderNo minimum statutory capital100% Foreign Ownership PermittedPresident or Board of Directors (No mandatory GM)
Joint Stock Company (JSC / مساهمة)1 shareholderSAR 500,000 minimum capitalPermitted under MISA criteriaBoard of Directors (minimum 3 members)
Foreign Company Branch (فرع شركة أجنبية)Parent foreign entityNo separate statutory capital required100% Owned by Parent CorporationGeneral Manager via Power of Attorney

Regulatory Authority & Trust Note

Governing Body: Ministry of Commerce (MC)

Foreign Investment Portal: Ministry of Investment (MISA Invest Saudi)