Beneficiary group
- Multinational companies with existing operations
- in at least two MENA countries (excluding Saudi Arabia).
Service delivery channels
3 to 4 weeks
Language provided
Arabic and EnglishWhat does RHQ MEAN license mean?
They are the headquarters of multinational companies established in accordance with the provisions of the Saudi system with the aim of providing support, management and strategic direction to their branches and subsidiaries in the Middle East and North Africa region. The Regional Headquarters Program is a joint initiative between the Ministry of Investment and the Royal Commission for the City of Riyadh with the aim of inviting international companies to move their regional headquarters to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The MEAN license means the Middle East and North Africa, and it helps companies that have branches in this region to obtain many exceptions and competitive advantages in the Saudi market, which makes it easier for them to obtain investment opportunities in government projects in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Regional Headquarters License Program enables multinational companies to operate their regional headquarters in the Middle East and North Africa region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As RHQs entities registered under Saudi laws.
Countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Gulf Cooperation Council countries include: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar. It also includes Iraq, Yemen, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Lebanon, Algeria, Mauritania, and Morocco.
Regional headquarters entities are part of multinational groups. It is formed under the laws of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Their mission is to support, manage and provide guidance to its subsidiaries, affiliates and subsidiaries operating in the MENA region.
What is meant by multinational corporations?
These are companies that have a foreign parent entity and conduct business in more than one jurisdiction through the parent entity, its subsidiaries, affiliates, or subsidiaries.
What are the advantages of RHQ MEAN license?
The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia views headquarters as the primary centers for managing the administrative front of the respective companies throughout the region.
The most important features are the following:
- Exemption from the Saudization rate for 10 years.
- Work permit for the husband or wife.
- Extending the lifespan of dependents up to 25 years.
- Exemption from professional accreditation for some jobs.
- Exemption from the visa limit, issuance and acceleration.
- Comprehensive services (business, personal and concierge), government tenders.
- Providing the three executive directors with distinguished residency for a period of one year, renewable.
The role of Motaded, approved by the Saudi Legal Authority, is to assist investors in obtaining a RHQ MEAN license in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
To facilitate the path for the investor to establish and open his company and obtain the license in an ideal manner and without any future obstacles.
Conditions for obtaining a RHQ MEAN license?
- Copies of at least two commercial records issued by the multinational company issued in two different countries (excluding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the country in which the multinational group is headquartered) certified by the Saudi embassy in the two countries concerned.
- The applicant’s audited annual financial statements for the last fiscal year prior to the date of submission of the application.
- A completed regional headquarters development form (available in MISA electronic services), which must provide the following:
- An organizational structure that defines the relationship between headquarters and the entities that will be managed at the regional level by the human resources department.
- A description of the existing business and operational activities of the entities to be managed at the regional level by the regional headquarters.
- The estimated operational costs of the regional headquarters for the first three years of its operation.
There may be additional documents required
- Commercial register of the parent company
Note that the application for the license is made by the foreign company and not the national company.
Beneficiary Group
Multinational companies with existing operations in at least two MENA countries (excluding Saudi Arabia).
Service Duration
The RHQ License application is typically processed within 3 to 4 weeks.
Provided Language
Services are available in both Arabic and English, making it convenient for global enterprises.
Objectives
Create a business-friendly environment for multinational corporations to manage regional operations effectively.
Promote foreign investment by offering unique incentives, driving business growth in the MENA region.
Strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a key hub for multinational companies' MENA operations.
Work Tracks
Strategic management and direction: Oversee business operations and decision-making across the MENA region.
Coordination of regional activities: Manage and align business strategies, financial reviews, acquisitions, and expansion efforts.
Steps to Obtain
Submit Application
Submit your application with documentation demonstrating your company’s presence in at least two MENA countries (excluding Saudi Arabia) and meeting other eligibility requirements.
Review Process
The Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) will evaluate your company’s eligibility and business plans.
License Issuance
Once approved, receive your RHQ License and begin regional operations in Saudi Arabia.
Areas of Work
Mandatory activities: These include providing strategic direction, financial management, and overseeing regional acquisitions.
Optional activities: Companies may also engage in marketing, HR, financial management, legal services, logistics, and other operational support as needed.
Test mandatory activities: These include providing strategic direction, financial management, and overseeing regional acquisitions.
Test mandatory activities: These include providing strategic direction, financial management, and overseeing regional acquisitions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the RHQ License?
The RHQ License allows multinational corporations to establish their regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia, managing business activities across the MENA region.
- What are the eligibility criteria?
Companies must have existing operations in at least two MENA countries (excluding Saudi Arabia) and meet specific operational requirements to qualify.
- What benefits come with the RHQ License?
Benefits include a 10-year exemption from Saudization requirements, work permits for spouses, extended residency for dependents, and streamlined processes for relocating employees.
- What are the mandatory activities for the RHQ?
Mandatory activities include strategic direction, managing regional business activities, and overseeing financial performance across the MENA region.
- How long does it take to obtain the RHQ License?
The RHQ License is typically processed within 3 to 4 weeks.
- How many employees must the RHQ have?
Within one year of obtaining the license, the RHQ must employ a minimum of 15 full-time employees, including senior executives.
- What additional activities must the RHQ initiate within one year?
Optional activities can include HR management, marketing support, financial services, training, and technical support for regional operations.
Updated on: January 14, 2025
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