Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia granted 34 licenses for regional headquarters in Q2 2025, reflecting the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a leading business hub in the Middle East, according to the Ministry of Investment’s Economic and Investment Monitor Q2 2025. This milestone supports the Kingdom’s ambitious economic diversification strategy and Vision 2030 goals.
Nearly 600 international companies, including Northern Trust, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Deloitte, have established bases in Saudi Arabia since 2021, highlighting the success of the Riyadh Regional Headquarters Program, which launched with mandatory requirements in January 2024.
Comprehensive Service Delivery Ecosystem: The ministry delivered over 125,000 services via investor outreach centers, 59,000 online services, and 34,000 in-person services, demonstrating a multi-channel approach for a seamless investment environment.
Regional Headquarters Program: A Cornerstone of Economic Transformation
Participating companies enjoy 0% corporate and withholding tax for 30 years, making Saudi Arabia one of the most attractive corporate tax environments worldwide. RHQs must employ at least 15 full-time staff, including 3 C-suite executives, within a year of license issuance, and be established as a registered branch or subsidiary.
Additional incentives include:
- 10-year exemption from Saudization requirements
- Unlimited employee visas
These achievements come amid global investment challenges, with global FDI declining 4.3%, while G20 inflows rose 33.5%, underscoring the effectiveness of Saudi reforms and investment incentives.
The Ministry stated:
“MISA seeks to promote local investment and attract foreign investment. It also organizes and participates in various events.”
Events included high-level forums and roundtables with the US, Kuwait, and Azerbaijan, VivaTech Paris, and St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
These steps align with Vision 2030, which increased non-oil revenues to $137.29B, reduced unemployment to 7%, raised private sector contribution to GDP to 47%, and increased PIF assets target to $2.67T.
The Kingdom has launched over 600 economic reforms, aiming to attract SAR 12.4T in cumulative investments and SAR 1.8T in FDI inflows, alongside legal and regulatory reforms to ensure a competitive and transparent investment environment.
