The Saudi Business Setup Cost Calculator combines basic government fees, professional charges and VAT into one estimate. Enter commercial-registration, publication, trade-name and additional licence fees, then add legal, accounting or formation-service costs. The defaults illustrate a limited liability company scenario, but they are not universal charges for every entity or activity.
How it works
The calculator adds registration, publication, trade-name, licence and professional costs to produce a pre-VAT subtotal. It applies the entered VAT rate and displays the final estimated setup cost, while separating government and professional charges.
The formula
Fees vary by legal form, activity, regulator and required licences. A foreign investor may need to complete investment registration with MISA before issuing a commercial registration and obtaining sector approvals.
Worked example
With SAR 1,200 for commercial registration, SAR 500 for publication, SAR 200 for a trade name and SAR 3,000 in professional fees, the pre-VAT subtotal is SAR 4,900. VAT at 15% is SAR 735, producing an estimated total of SAR 5,635.
Frequently asked questions
Is SAR 1,200 the cost of establishing every company?
No. It is an example of the commercial-registration fee for a limited liability company. Other legal forms, branches and regulated activities may have different fees.
Does the calculator include share capital?
No. Share capital is not treated as a setup fee, and some entities or regulated activities may have separate minimum-capital requirements.
Do foreign investors have an additional step?
Foreign investors generally complete investment registration with MISA, then obtain the commercial registration and any licences required by the competent authorities.
Are chamber, national-address and municipal costs included?
Only if you enter them under additional licence fees. They vary by entity, activity, location and selected services.
Why are professional fees separated?
They are not fixed government charges and can vary widely according to the provider, ownership structure, documents and complexity of the formation.
This is an initial budget estimate, not an official quotation. Verify current requirements and fees through the Saudi Business Center, MISA and the regulator for your activity.