When Is 100% Foreign Ownership Allowed in Saudi Arabia — and in Which Activities?

18 August, 2026

A key investment incentive in the Kingdom is permitting 100% foreign ownership in Saudi Arabia in many activities — yet this is not an absolute rule; it depends on the nature of the activity and the regulatory conditions.

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General rule

Foreign ownership that may reach 100% is permitted in a broad range of commercial, industrial, and service activities, provided the investor meets the activity's conditions and obtains a MISA license.

Practical examples

Service activities such as contracting, restaurants, hospitals, and marketing may allow 100% foreign ownership. Commercial (trading) activities have two cases: ownership up to a 75% cap with a Saudi partner holding no less than 25%; or 100% foreign commercial ownership, which requires additional conditions as set by the regulations.

Restricted or excluded activities

Certain activities remain limited, subject to local-participation percentages, or bound by special conditions — within what is known as the negative list or specially regulated activities.

Factors affecting the ownership percentage

The activity type, sector-authority requirements, and the nature of the entity. One should never promise a "guaranteed" full ownership; the precise phrasing is "foreign ownership that may reach 100% where the activity permits and the conditions are met."

How Jewark helps

We verify your specific activity's status and clarify the possible ownership percentage and conditions before you begin — avoiding any later surprises.

Want to know the ownership percentage possible for your specific activity? Request an activity eligibility assessment from Jewark.

📧 contact@jewark.com  —  🌐 jewark.com  —  📱 +966 55 160 1624

Disclaimer: This content is published based on the regulations in force as of August 2026; fees, timelines, conditions, and percentages may change thereafter. It is provided for general informational purposes and does not substitute for verification from official sources or advice specific to each case.

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