Regional Headquarters License (RHQ) in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as the regional business hub for the Middle East and North Africa. Through the regional headquarters license in Saudi Arabia, the government invites multinational companies to manage their regional operations directly from the Kingdom.
We assist global firms with obtaining an RHQ license in Saudi Arabia, ensuring a fast, compliant, and smooth setup process.
What is a Regional Headquarters License?
A Regional Headquarters (RHQ) license is a special business license issued by the Ministry of Investment (MISA) that allows multinational companies to establish a command center in Saudi Arabia to oversee operations across the MENA region.
Purpose of the RHQ License
- Coordinate and manage operations across the region
- Offer shared services (HR, finance, marketing, legal)
- Centralize executive and strategic roles in the Kingdom
- Position the business in line with Saudi Vision 2030
Key Benefits of RHQ License in Saudi Arabia
100% Foreign Ownership
The RHQ business setup in Saudi Arabia allows full foreign ownership with no Saudi shareholder required.
Attractive Incentives
RHQ-licensed companies benefit from exemptions on certain taxes, government fees, and Saudization requirements—subject to compliance and duration.
Access to Government Contracts
From 2024 onward, only companies with an RHQ license will be eligible to bid for government contracts in Saudi Arabia.
Strategic Location and Market Access
Riyadh offers an ideal location to oversee regional activities, reduce operational costs, and improve regional connectivity.
Requirements for RHQ License Saudi Arabia
To apply for a regional headquarters license in Saudi Arabia, your business must:
- Be a multinational company operating in at least two countries
- Commit to creating a functional RHQ within Saudi Arabia
- Submit your audited financials for the last fiscal year
- Provide a detailed business plan and RHQ activity scope
- Have at least two strategic positions based in the RHQ (e.g., General Manager, Regional Director)
- Gulf Corporate Services helps prepare, review, and submit your application to ensure you meet all RHQ license criteria.
Step-by-Step: How to Get an RHQ License in Saudi Arabia
Step 1: Initial Review and Eligibility Check
We evaluate your company’s structure and ensure it qualifies under the MISA RHQ license requirements.
Step 2: Company Registration and Name Reservation
We assist with reserving your company name and registering the entity with the Ministry of Commerce.
Step 3: Document Preparation and MISA Application
All documents—financials, letters of intent, and business plans—are compiled and submitted to MISA for RHQ licensing.
Step 4: License Issuance
Upon approval, your official RHQ license in Saudi Arabia is issued, and you can start operations immediately.
Why Companies Are Moving Their RHQs to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is attracting global brands by offering unmatched strategic advantages. The government is encouraging foreign investment, easing business regulations, and delivering world-class infrastructure.
With the regional headquarters program, the Kingdom offers a direct gateway into one of the fastest-growing economies in the region. Companies not establishing an RHQ in Saudi Arabia may lose access to government contracts and other major commercial opportunities.
Why Choose Gulf Corporate Services?
Gulf Corporate Services offers unmatched support for businesses seeking an RHQ license in Saudi Arabia. We help you:
- Navigate MISA and commercial licensing procedures
- Prepare all required documentation
- Understand compliance obligations and RHQ incentives
- Set up your company and secure government approvals quickly
We handle the paperwork while you focus on growing your regional footprint.
Regional Headquarters Licensing Requirements In Saudi Arabia
Required Documents
To move forward with your RHQ license in Saudi Arabia, please ensure the following documents are prepared and properly certified:
- A certified copy of your commercial registration or business license, authenticated by the Saudi Embassy in the country where it was issued.
- At least two commercial registrations or licenses from two different countries (not including Saudi Arabia or the country where your company is headquartered) are authenticated by the Saudi Embassy in the respective countries.
- The Saudi Embassy in the relevant country certified the company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the previous fiscal year.
These documents are essential for verifying your multinational status and financial standing. Ensure all copies are clear, accurate, and properly attested to avoid delays during the RHQ license process.
Rules and Restrictions
You must meet several important conditions to keep your Regional Headquarters (RHQ) license in Saudi Arabia valid and compliant. These requirements are set by the Ministry of Investment (MISA) to ensure your RHQ operates as intended.
- A multinational group must have active business operations in at least two countries, excluding its headquarters and Saudi Arabia, to qualify for an RHQ license.
- Your RHQ in Saudi Arabia must be set up as a separate legal entity—either a stand-alone company or a branch of your foreign parent company.
- The RHQ is not allowed to engage in direct commercial or revenue-generating activities. It can only carry out internal functions that support the group’s regional operations.
- You must begin your mandatory RHQ activities within six months of receiving the license.
- Within one year, you must start at least three optional activities besides the mandatory ones. These may include HR, legal support, training, finance, or other regional functions.
- Your team must include employees trained and experienced in managing these functions. At least three employees, such as the Executive Director or Vice President, should hold leadership roles and have relevant experience from the group’s headquarters or other regional offices.
- Within 12 months of licensing, your RHQ must have a minimum of 15 full-time employees working in RHQ-related roles, including the executive-level staff mentioned above.
- Suppose your RHQ fails to begin required activities, hire the minimum staff, or comply with licensing conditions. In that case, MISA can cancel the RHQ license.
At Gulf Corporate Services, we help you comply with all RHQ license requirements so your operations remain smooth, strategic, and fully aligned with Saudi regulations.