RHQ Setup Saudi Arabia | Regional Headquarters Programme
Establish your Regional Headquarters in Riyadh and unlock 30 years of tax incentives. Expert MISA licensing support for multinational corporations expanding to Saudi Arabia, including entity formation, compliance, premium Iqama, and government procurement access.
Overview of the Saudi RHQ Programme
Saudi Arabia's Regional Headquarters (RHQ) programme is a strategic government initiative designed to attract multinational corporations to establish their MENA regional management hubs in the Kingdom. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Investment (MISA), the programme offers unprecedented tax incentives including a 30-year corporate tax holiday and full profit repatriation.
From 2024, multinational companies without an RHQ in Saudi Arabia are no longer eligible for government procurement contracts, making RHQ establishment a strategic priority for businesses seeking to operate in the region's largest economy and access its Vision 2030-driven spending.
6thMove provides end-to-end RHQ setup services, guiding multinational corporations through MISA licensing, entity establishment, operational setup, and ongoing compliance ensuring a seamless entry into the Saudi market with full regulatory alignment.
RHQ Setup Process
Initial Consultation
We assess your eligibility and outline the RHQ roadmap including timeline and documentation.
MISA Application
Preparation and submission of the RHQ license application with full supporting documentation.
Entity Establishment
Company incorporation or conversion with required commercial registration and chamber membership.
Operational Setup
Office lease, staffing, corporate bank account, and compliance framework implementation.
Key RHQ Incentives & Benefits
30-Year Tax Exemption
0% corporate income tax and 0% withholding tax on dividends and payments to the parent company for 30 years.
Relaxed Saudisation
No Saudisation requirements for the first 3 years with reduced Nitaqat thresholds thereafter for RHQ entities.
Premium Iqama
Expedited premium Iqama processing for RHQ executives with family sponsorship included from day one.
Government Procurement
Preferential access to Saudi government contracts worth hundreds of billions under Vision 2030.
Full Repatriation
100% foreign ownership with unrestricted repatriation of capital, profits, and dividends to the parent company.
Streamlined Approvals
Single-window processing through MISA with coordinated approvals across government entities.
MISA Compliance Requirements
Physical Office
A dedicated office space in Saudi Arabia with appropriate infrastructure to serve as the regional management hub.
Minimum Employees
At least 15 full-time employees within the first year, including regional management and support functions.
Regional Mandate
The RHQ must oversee and direct operations in at least two countries outside Saudi Arabia within the MENA region.
Audited Financials
Annual audited financial statements demonstrating the RHQ's operational activity and regional management functions.
Parent Company Support
The parent company must provide a formal undertaking guaranteeing financial and operational support for the RHQ.
Annual Compliance
Ongoing compliance with MISA reporting requirements, including annual declarations and operational reviews.
Eligibility Criteria for RHQ Licence
To qualify for a Saudi RHQ licence, the parent company must be a multinational corporation with established operations in at least two countries outside Saudi Arabia and a minimum annual turnover of SAR 500 million (approximately USD 133 million).
The company must commit to establishing a physical office in Saudi Arabia and employing at least 15 full-time staff within the first year. The RHQ must exercise genuine regional management and strategic oversight of the company's MENA operations.
Premium Iqama for RHQ Executives
RHQ executives and their families benefit from premium Iqama processing, which provides expedited residency card issuance, family sponsorship without salary thresholds, and access to premium healthcare and education services across the Kingdom.
Unlike standard Saudi work visas, RHQ Iqamas offer greater flexibility including multiple re-entry permissions, dependent sponsorship from day one, and streamlined renewal processes aligned with the RHQ licence validity period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an RHQ in Saudi Arabia?+
A Regional Headquarters (RHQ) in Saudi Arabia is a licensed entity established by a multinational corporation to manage, oversee, and direct its operations across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The Saudi RHQ programme, mandated by the Ministry of Investment (MISA), is a prerequisite for companies seeking government procurement contracts.
What are the benefits of the Saudi RHQ programme?+
Benefits include 0% corporate tax for 30 years, 0% withholding tax on dividends and payments to the parent company, no Saudization requirements for the first 3 years, streamlined visa processing with premium Iqama for executives, full expat-dependent sponsorship flexibility, and preferential access to government procurement contracts valued at billions.
What is the role of MISA in RHQ licensing?+
The Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) is the governing body that issues RHQ licenses, reviews applications, ensures compliance with RHQ programme requirements, and oversees the operational standards that RHQs must maintain to retain their license and associated benefits. MISA also coordinates with other government entities for streamlined approvals.
How long does RHQ setup take in Saudi Arabia?+
The typical RHQ setup process takes 4 to 8 weeks for standard applications, depending on the complexity of the documentation and the parent company's corporate structure. Our expedited guidance and established relationships with MISA help streamline the approval timeline for qualified multinational corporations.
What are the minimum requirements for RHQ licensing?+
Minimum requirements include that the parent company must be a multinational corporation with operations in at least two countries outside Saudi Arabia, have a minimum annual turnover of SAR 500 million (approximately USD 133 million), and commit to establishing a physical office in Saudi Arabia with a minimum of 15 full-time employees within the first year of operation.
Can an existing Saudi entity be converted to an RHQ?+
Yes, existing Saudi entities such as limited liability companies (LLCs) or foreign branches can apply for conversion to RHQ status through MISA. The conversion process requires demonstrating that the entity's functions align with RHQ requirements, including regional management, strategic oversight, and control of operations in at least two MENA countries.
Ready to Establish Your RHQ in Saudi Arabia?
Speak with our RHQ specialists for a confidential eligibility assessment and a custom setup plan tailored to your organisation.
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