Expand from UAE to Saudi Arabia | RHQ & MISA Setup Guide 2026
Regional Expansion
Next Stop: Riyadh

From UAE to
Saudi Arabia

The logical next step for Dubai & Abu Dhabi based enterprises. Whether you are a Freezone or Mainland entity, we facilitate your seamless entry into the Kingdom’s booming market.

Corridor

Dubai -> Riyadh

Open
UAE Freezone Accepted*
Ownership 100% Foreign
Govt Tenders RHQ Required
Attestation MoFA UAE + KSA Embassy
REGIONAL HQ (RHQ) PROGRAM TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR 30 YEARS (RHQ) 100% OWNERSHIP GCC MARKET ACCESS NO KAFEEL REQUIRED FAST-TRACK LICENSING REGIONAL HQ (RHQ) PROGRAM TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR 30 YEARS (RHQ) 100% OWNERSHIP GCC MARKET ACCESS NO KAFEEL REQUIRED FAST-TRACK LICENSING REGIONAL HQ (RHQ) PROGRAM TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR 30 YEARS (RHQ) 100% OWNERSHIP GCC MARKET ACCESS NO KAFEEL REQUIRED FAST-TRACK LICENSING
Strategic Move

The RHQ Mandate

Effective Jan 2024, Saudi Government entities will stop contracting with foreign companies that do not have their Regional Headquarters (RHQ) in the Kingdom.

Benefits of RHQ License

  • Zero Tax

    0% Corporate Tax & WHT for 30 years on RHQ activities.

  • Saudization Waiver

    10-year exemption from Saudization requirements for RHQ staff.

  • Govt Tenders

    Unlimited access to bid on massive Vision 2030 projects.

Are you affected?

If you have a Dubai office and supply to Saudi ministries, you are at risk of losing contracts without an RHQ.

Structuring Your Saudi Entity

How your UAE company translates to the Saudi framework.

Branch Office

  • 100% owned by UAE Parent.
  • Easier to qualify using UAE financials.
  • Legal liability extends to UAE parent.
Most Popular

New LLC (Subsidiary)

  • Separate legal entity.
  • Liability limited to Saudi capital.
  • Good for joint ventures with local partners.
For Risk Mgmt

Why UAE Companies Trust Mehwar?

Attestation Experts

We guide your PRO on the exact route for documents in Dubai: Notary -> MoFA UAE -> Saudi Embassy. We prevent rejection delays.

RHQ Licensing

We are specialists in the Regional Headquarters program, handling the application, incentives negotiation, and setup.

Tax Residency

We advise on tax implications (Zakat vs. Corporate Tax) for your UAE entity to avoid double taxation issues.

GCC Desk

Visit Our Office

Discuss your regional expansion with our experts.

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

Expansion FAQ

Yes. Both Mainland and Freezone companies (DMCC, JAFZA, ADGM, etc.) can open a branch in Saudi Arabia. They require a MISA Service License.
If the UAE company is 100% owned by GCC nationals, the Saudi branch pays Zakat (2.5%). If there are foreign shareholders in the UAE entity, the Saudi branch pays Corporate Tax (20%) on the foreign portion.
Yes. Your Trade License, AoA, and Audited Financials must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then the Saudi Embassy in UAE.
For most Service/RHQ licenses, the capital requirement is Zero. For Trading licenses, it is 30 Million SAR (unless waived).

Start Your Expansion

We handle the paperwork from Dubai to Riyadh.

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