Is the Saudi Embassy legalization still required?

For most corporate documents, not usually. Since Saudi Arabia joined the Hague Apostille Convention, the FCDO Apostille is commonly sufficient. Some specific commercial documents may still need additional stamping.

Does the UK Director need to live in Saudi?

No. Directors and shareholders can remain in the UK. Typically, the General Manager must be resident in Saudi Arabia (Iqama holder) for operations.

How does the Double Tax Treaty work?

The UK–Saudi treaty is designed to avoid double taxation on the same income and can reduce withholding rates on certain payments. Always confirm specifics with a qualified tax advisor.

Can I use my UK bank account?

No. You generally need a Saudi corporate bank account (SA IBAN) for WPS salaries, payments, and VAT compliance.

Vision 2030 Partner

Great Britain to KSA

From London
to Riyadh.

Seamlessly expand your UK entity (Ltd or PLC) into Saudi Arabia with 100% Ownership. Benefit from the Apostille Convention for faster document processing and the Double Tax Treaty.

Corridor

UK -> KSA

Fast Track

Legalization Apostille (Hague)

Double Tax Treaty Active

Min Capital Zero (Service)

Authority FCDO + MISA

100% FOREIGN OWNERSHIP FCDO APOSTILLE ACCEPTED UK-SAUDI TAX TREATY NO LOCAL SPONSOR DIRECT BANKING CHANNELS ENGLISH LAW CONTRACTS 100% FOREIGN OWNERSHIP FCDO APOSTILLE ACCEPTED UK-SAUDI TAX TREATY NO LOCAL SPONSOR DIRECT BANKING CHANNELS ENGLISH LAW CONTRACTS 100% FOREIGN OWNERSHIP FCDO APOSTILLE ACCEPTED UK-SAUDI TAX TREATY NO LOCAL SPONSOR DIRECT BANKING CHANNELS ENGLISH LAW CONTRACTS

The Hague Advantage

Simplified Legalization

Since Saudi Arabia joined the Hague Convention, UK documents no longer require the lengthy Embassy legalization for many steps. The FCDO Apostille is often sufficient.

UK Solicitor

Certify copies of Certificate of Inc & AoA.

FCDO Apostille

Standard or Premium service in Milton Keynes/London.

MISA License

Apply online using the Apostilled documents.

Ministry of Justice

Final local notarization of AoA in Riyadh.

Structuring Your UK Entity

Choose the right vehicle for your Saudi expansion.

Branch Office

Ownership: 100% owned by UK Parent (Ltd/PLC).
Track Record: Uses UK financials to qualify.
Liability: Parent company assumes liability.

Best for Speed

Saudi Subsidiary (LLC)

Ownership: Separate legal entity (UK Parent as shareholder).
Risk: Ring-fenced liability within KSA.
Flexibility: Easier to add local partners later.

Best for Risk Mgmt

Why UK Firms Trust Mehwar?

Tax Treaty Optimization

We structure your entry to maximize benefits from the UK-Saudi Double Taxation Agreement, minimizing withholding taxes on dividends.

Apostille Handling

We advise on the exact FCDO requirements. While we don’t physically run to Milton Keynes, we guide your solicitor perfectly to avoid rejections.

Banking Links

We have strong relationships with SAB (formerly SABB/HSBC partner), making the account opening process smoother for British entities.

UK Desk

Visit Our Office

British hospitality, Saudi expertise.

Malaz District, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
+966 50 947 9768
info@businesssetup.company

UK-Saudi FAQ

For most corporate documents, NO. Since Dec 2022, Saudi Arabia accepts the Hague Apostille. However, some specific commercial invoices may still require Chamber/Embassy stamps.

No. Directors and shareholders can remain in the UK. Only the General Manager (GM) needs to be a resident (Iqama holder) in Saudi Arabia.

The UK-KSA treaty generally prevents you from paying tax twice on the same income. It also reduces withholding tax rates on dividends and royalties. We advise consulting a tax expert for specifics.

No. You must open a local Saudi corporate bank account (IBAN starting with SA) to pay salaries (WPS), receive payments, and pay VAT.

Start Your Expansion

We handle the paperwork from London to Riyadh.

From Londonto Riyadh.