MISA license guidance for foreign companies and investors
Since February 2025, MISA calls the license investment registration. New name, same first step. We guide you through the MISA process, from checking your activity to getting your documents ready.
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Talk to us about your MISA license
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The name changed. The first step did not.
People still search for “MISA license”, so we use both names on this page.
- 2020SAGIA became the Ministry of Investment (MISA).
- 12 February 2025The updated Investment Law came into force. MISA replaced licensing with registration.
- TodayA foreign investor registers with MISA before investing. The CR and other licences come after that.
Sources: MISA, About · MISA, Updated Investment Law (Art. 7)
How we guide you through the MISA process
Five steps, in plain terms. You stay in control of the application.
- Activity checkIs your activity open to foreign investors, restricted, or tied to capital or Saudi-partner rules?
- Who appliesWe work out with you whether your company or you as an individual should register.
- Document checklistA list for your case, including what needs Saudi Embassy attestation.
- Application guidanceWe walk you through the application on MISA’s platform and help if MISA asks for more.
- After registrationWhat MISA expects next, such as paying the fees it sets on time and the annual registration update.
MISA reviews and decides every application.
Who we usually help
- Foreign companies opening in Saudi Arabia
- Indian companies and SMEs See below
- Founders and businesses in the UAE and GCC
- Individual investors, including those already in KSA
From India to Saudi Arabia
FCG was founded by Sankar & Moorthy, a chartered accountancy firm in India and a Category-1 auditor there. With offices in India, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, we can go through MISA’s document list with you before anything is attested.
What MISA usually asks for
The general list. Your activity may add more.
- Commercial register of your company abroadCertified by the Saudi Embassy
- Last year’s financial statementsAuthenticated by the Saudi Embassy
- ID of any individual partner from a GCC countryIf they are not registered in Absher
- Requirements for your activitySee section 05.00 of the MISA Investor Guide
Holders of a Special Residency permit are exempt from the first three.
Per MISA Investor Guide, 13th ed., Feb 2026. Requirements vary by activity, so check the latest guide. See also Invest Saudi: Registering for investment.
Why talk to FCG
- 40+years of expertise
- 5countries
- 100+professionals
- Licensed KSA audit firm partner
- Category-1 auditor in India
- Founded by Sankar & Moorthy
In Saudi Arabia, FCG provides advisory services only. Accounting and audit are handled by our associate firm, Gadwalah CPA.
Questions we often get
Is a MISA license the same as investment registration?
Yes, in practice. Since the updated Investment Law came into force on 12 February 2025, MISA registers foreign investors instead of issuing licences. Most people still search for “MISA license”, which is why we use both names.
Do I need MISA registration before my CR?
Yes. Under Article 7 of the Investment Law, a foreign investor registers with the Ministry before starting any investment. The commercial registration (CR) and licences from other authorities follow.
Is every business activity open to foreign investors?
No. Some activities are restricted or excluded and need prior approval, and some come with minimum capital or Saudi participation rules. Checking this is the first thing we do with you.
What are the MISA fees and how long does it take?
MISA sets the fees when it approves an application, and the review depends on your case, so we do not quote either here. In a consultation we go through what applies to your activity.
Is FCG part of MISA or an official agent?
No. FCG Arabia is an independent advisory firm, not affiliated with or authorized by the Ministry of Investment. MISA makes every registration decision. Our role is to guide you through the process.
We are an Indian company. Can you help from India?
Yes. FCG was founded by Sankar & Moorthy in India, and we have an office in Calicut, Kerala, as well as in Riyadh and Ajman.
Planning your MISA registration?
Tell us what you want to do in Saudi Arabia and we will talk you through the MISA side of it.