MISA Ministry of Investment & MIZA Platform: The Practical Guide for Foreign Investors in Saudi Arabia 2026

The Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) is the official government body responsible for regulating and facilitating foreign investment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and serves as the primary gateway for every foreign investor entering the Saudi market. Established in 2020 as the successor to the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), MISA operates the MIZA platform that connects investors with business service providers from the private sector. This guide explains MISA and MIZA services, the major 2025 investment law amendments, license types, fees, the SADAD biller code, and processing timelines for 2026.

Overview

The Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) is the official government authority entrusted with regulating foreign investment in the Kingdom. It transformed from the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) into an official ministry in February 2020 to strengthen its strategic role within Saudi Vision 2030.

Verified official references:

•       Official ministry website: misa.gov.sa

•       Investment portal: investsaudi.sa

•       MIZA platform (under MISA): miza.investsaudi.sa

The New 2025 Investment Law: A Fundamental Shift

In February 2025, major amendments to the Saudi Investment Law came into effect. The key changes are:

•       Replacing the “Investment License” with the “Investment Registration Certificate.”

•       Eliminating the need for separate licenses per activity, replaced by a unified registration process.

•       Full equality in rights and obligations between local and foreign investors.

•       Strengthening investment protections and introducing new incentives.

•       Simplifying procedures and accelerating issuance timelines.

What You Need to Know About the New System

• What this means for investors: a single registration covers most activities instead of multiple licenses.

• Existing companies must update their status under the new system at their renewal date.

• Current fee structures and procedures may be affected by these amendments.

• It is recommended to check misa.gov.sa directly before applying to view the latest fee updates.

MIZA Platform: A MISA-Affiliated Initiative

MIZA is a governed electronic platform launched by the Ministry of Investment to facilitate foreign investors’ access to business service providers from the private sector. The platform connects investors with a network of specialized offices and firms offering consulting and operational services.

Key MIZA Services

•       Zakat and Value-Added Tax (VAT) consulting.

•       Establishment compliance with VAT-aligned financial accounting systems.

•       Financial advisory for investors with high professional standards.

•       Comprehensive support during business setup (forms and supporting tools).

•       Connecting investors with certified business service providers from the private sector.

Important Notes About MIZA

• MIZA does not provide services directly. It connects investors with certified private-sector providers.

• There is no SADAD biller code for MIZA. Fees are paid directly to service providers per their agreements.

• The platform helps investors who want to explore multiple service-provider options.

• Motaded Limited offers its services directly to investors, with the option to engage via MIZA or directly.

Types of Investment Licenses (Registrations) at MISA

MISA issues several license types depending on the nature of the investment activity. With the 2025 amendments, these are being gradually replaced by a unified registration system, but the following categories still represent the foundation of activity classification:

License Type

Description

Trading License

For wholesale and retail trade, import and export activities

Industrial License

For factories, production projects, and manufacturing industries

Service License

Consulting, IT, engineering, and specialized professional services

Real Estate Development License

For companies in real estate development and managing residential and commercial projects

Regional Headquarters (RHQ) License

For multinational corporations establishing their Middle East regional headquarters in Riyadh

Foreign Company Branch License

To open a branch of an existing foreign company without establishing a new legal entity

Professional License

For specialized consulting professions (law, accounting, engineering)

Agricultural License

For agricultural projects, livestock production, and fisheries

Mining License

For mining activities and mineral exploration and extraction

Entrepreneur License

For foreign entrepreneurs in startups and technology projects

MISA License Fees 2026

Investment license fees consist of several components, paid through the SADAD system using biller code 108 (Ministry of Investment):

Item

Fee

Investment license issuance

SAR 2,000 per year (max 5 years)

First-year subscription to Investor Relations Centers

SAR 10,000

Subsequent-year subscription to Investor Relations Centers

SAR 60,000 per year

License amendment (new partners, capital increase, adding activity)

SAR 2,000 + commercial registration update fees

Notes on Fees and Payment

• SADAD biller code for MISA services: 108 (Ministry of Investment).

• Payment deadline after invoice issuance: 60 days. The service may be cancelled if unpaid.

• Fees do not include sub-licenses from other authorities (e.g., the Central Bank, SFDA).

• With the new 2025 investment law in effect, fee structures may change. Check misa.gov.sa directly.

• Fees do not include the cost of establishing the legal entity (commercial registration, Articles of Association, etc.).

Steps to Obtain a MISA License

Issuing the investment license typically takes between 3 and 10 business days (depending on document completeness and activity type). The main steps:

1.     Access the “Invest Saudi” platform via misa.gov.sa or investsaudi.sa.

2.     Verify that your activity is within the sectors permitted for foreign investment (not within the negative list).

3.     Create a new account via the National Single Sign-On (for citizens and residents) or register as a new investor.

4.     Complete the investment license application form and select the activity type.

5.     Upload the full required documents (parent company’s commercial registration, Articles of Association, audited financial statements, etc.).

6.     Pay the statutory fees electronically via SADAD biller code 108.

7.     Application review by the relevant departments at the Ministry of Investment.

8.    Receive the investment license electronically after approval.

9.     Begin the legal entity establishment procedures (commercial registration from the Ministry of Commerce, etc.).

Required Documents

Documents vary by license type, but the basics include:

•       Parent company’s commercial registration in its country of origin (legalized by the Saudi embassy or apostille).

•       Parent company’s Articles of Association (legalized).

•       Audited financial statements for the last year from an internationally recognized accounting firm.

•       IDs/passports of founders and partners.

•       Company bylaws and internal regulations (Articles of Association).

•       Legal power of attorney for Motaded Limited (or the legal representative).

•       Detailed business plan and investment projections.

•       Proof of financial solvency (bank letters) when required.

•       Regulatory authority approvals (if the activity is regulated such as banking, insurance, aviation).

Important Notes on Documents

• The parent company must have been legally established in its country of origin for at least one year.

• All foreign documents must be legalized by the Saudi embassy in the issuing country, or apostilled (for countries party to the Apostille Convention).

• Documents in languages other than Arabic require certified legal translation.

• The ministry may request additional documents depending on the sector and specific activity.

MISA Integration with Other Government Platforms

MISA is not an isolated platform but the starting point of a complete chain of government procedures needed to establish a foreign company in Saudi Arabia:

Platform / Entity

Integration with MISA

National Single Sign-On (Absher)

Official entry point to MISA for Saudi citizens and residents

Saudi Business Center (business.sa)

Issuing the commercial registration after obtaining the MISA license

Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA)

Tax registration with ZATCA after the commercial registration is issued

Qiwa Platform

Registering the establishment for workforce management and Saudization compliance (Nitaqat program)

Balady Platform

Obtaining the municipal license for the commercial premises

MIZA Platform

Connecting the investor with business service providers from the private sector

Sebl Platform (National Address)

Registering the National Address for the new establishment

The Correct Setup Order:

MISA (investment license) → Saudi Business Center (commercial registration) → ZATCA (tax) → Qiwa (workforce and Saudization) → Balady (municipal license) → opening a bank account → starting operations.

When You Need a MISA License

Obtaining a MISA license is mandatory in the following cases:

•       Establishing a new company in Saudi Arabia as a foreign investor (either full ownership or partnership).

•       Opening a branch of an existing foreign company in Saudi Arabia.

•       Establishing a Regional Headquarters (RHQ) for a multinational corporation in Riyadh.

•       Investing in agricultural, industrial, or real estate development projects.

•       Practicing consulting professional activities as a foreign investor.

•       Investing in the mining, energy, or technology sectors.

•       Amending an existing license (new partners, adding activities, capital increase).

•       Renewing the license well before its expiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ministry of Investment (MISA)?

The Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) is the government authority entrusted with regulating and facilitating foreign investment in the Kingdom. It was established in 2020 as the successor to the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA). MISA issues investment licenses for foreign investors and operates the MIZA platform that connects them with business service providers.

What is the difference between MISA and MIZA?

MISA is the official Ministry of Investment that issues investment licenses. MIZA is an electronic platform under MISA that connects investors with business service providers from the private sector (consulting, accounting, business setup). MISA is the government authority; MIZA is an intermediary platform for private sector services.

What is the SADAD biller code for MISA?

The SADAD biller code for Ministry of Investment (MISA) services is 108. It is used to pay license issuance, renewal, amendment fees, and Investor Relations Center subscriptions. The MIZA platform has no SADAD biller code because transactions are conducted directly with service providers.

How much is the MISA license fee?

License issuance: SAR 2,000 per year (max 5 years). First-year subscription to Investor Relations Centers: SAR 10,000. Subsequent-year subscriptions: SAR 60,000 per year. License amendment: SAR 2,000 + commercial registration update fees. The fees do not include the cost of establishing the legal entity.

What are the new 2025 investment law amendments?

Major amendments came into effect in February 2025: replacing the “Investment License” with the “Unified Investment Registration,” eliminating the need for separate licenses per activity, equality between local and foreign investors, strengthening investment protections, and introducing new incentives. Check misa.gov.sa for updates.

What are the MISA license types?

The main types: Trading (for commerce), Industrial (for factories), Service (consulting and tech), Real Estate Development, Regional Headquarters (RHQ), Foreign Company Branch, Professional, Agricultural, Mining, and Entrepreneur. The type selection depends on the parent company’s activity.

How long does MISA license issuance take?

License issuance typically takes between 3 and 10 business days from the date of complete document submission and fee payment. The duration varies depending on the activity type and required approvals (regulated sectors like banking and insurance may take longer).

Can foreign investors have full (100%) ownership?

Yes, foreign investors are allowed to fully own their projects without a Saudi partner in most sectors, thanks to the new reforms. However, some specific activities (such as certain consulting services or specific contracting sectors) may still require a Saudi partner at a certain percentage. It is recommended to review the updated activities guide on misa.gov.sa.

What documents are required for a MISA license?

Parent company’s commercial registration (legalized by the Saudi embassy or apostille), Articles of Association, audited financial statements for the last year, IDs of partners, company bylaws, business plan, proof of financial solvency, legal power of attorney for a representative in Saudi Arabia, and regulatory authority approvals (for regulated activities).

Can license amendment be combined with renewal?

Yes, amendment and renewal requests can be combined into a single process to save time and effort. When renewing the license, new activities can be added or partner data or capital can be modified in the same request. Motaded Limited provides this integrated service.

What is the MIZA platform?

An electronic governed platform from the Ministry of Investment that gives investors access to business service providers from the private sector. Its services include: Zakat and VAT consulting, financial advisory, and business setup support. The platform is intermediary, and transactions are conducted directly with service providers.

How can I contact the Ministry of Investment?

The official investor care email: [email protected]. Official website: misa.gov.sa. Investors portal: investsaudi.sa. MIZA platform: miza.investsaudi.sa. For full contact details (phone, headquarters), please refer directly to the official website.

When Do You Need Specialized Help with MISA Procedures?

Obtaining a MISA license, especially with the major 2025 investment law amendments, requires a precise understanding of permitted activities, preparing documents in the required format, coordinating with multiple authorities (embassy, Chamber of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce), and selecting the most suitable license type for your activity. Any error in the form or missing documents leads to rejection or delay.

Companies and foreign investors commonly face recurring challenges in:

•       Selecting the appropriate license type from 10 available categories.

•       Verifying that the activity is within permitted sectors and not within the negative list.

•       Legalizing foreign documents through the Saudi embassy or obtaining apostille certification.

•       Certified legal translation of documents.

•       Coordinating between MISA, Saudi Business Center, ZATCA, Qiwa, and Balady.

•       Dealing with the new 2025 investment law amendments.

•       Obtaining regulatory approvals for regulated sectors (banking, insurance, aviation).

Book a Free Consultation with the Motaded Team

Motaded Limited specializes in establishing foreign companies in Saudi Arabia through the Ministry of Investment. We provide a comprehensive service from beginning to operations: identifying the appropriate license type, preparing and legalizing all documents, submitting the MISA application, issuing the commercial registration from the Saudi Business Center, registering with ZATCA, Qiwa, and Balady, and opening the bank account. Reach out at [email protected] or book a meeting to learn how we can accelerate your investment license and ensure full compliance.