TadafulAdvisory Network

Guide

Regional Headquarters (RHQ) in Saudi Arabia: requirements and incentives

An orientation to the RHQ programme run by MISA and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. Criteria and incentives are updated periodically \u2014 a vetted advisor should confirm the current rules for your group.

  1. Step 1 · MISA

    Confirm your group is eligible

    The programme targets multinational groups that manage operations in several countries and want to run regional leadership from Riyadh.

    • Group operating in multiple countries
    • RHQ manages subsidiaries or branches outside the Kingdom
    • Activities limited to headquarters functions

  2. Step 2 · MISA

    Apply for the RHQ licence

    The RHQ licence is issued by MISA. Applications include parent-group documents and a business plan describing the headquarters' strategic and management role.

    • Attested parent-company documents
    • RHQ business plan
    • Nominated RHQ leadership

  3. Step 3 · Ministry of Commerce

    Register the RHQ entity

    After licensing, the RHQ obtains its Commercial Registration and sets up its national address, bank account and government portal access.

    • Commercial Registration
    • Chamber of Commerce membership
    • Corporate bank account

  4. Step 4 · HRSD · Qiwa

    Meet the staffing commitments

    RHQs commit to a minimum headcount and senior leadership based in Riyadh within an agreed period. Advisors confirm the current thresholds for your case.

    • Senior executives based in Riyadh
    • Minimum full-time headcount
    • Visa and Iqama processing

  5. Step 5 · ZATCA

    Register and apply the tax incentives

    Qualifying RHQ activities can benefit from a published package of corporate income tax and withholding tax incentives. Eligibility depends on meeting the programme conditions.

    • ZATCA registration
    • Separate accounts for RHQ activities
    • Annual compliance reporting

  6. Step 6 · Government contracting

    Understand procurement rules

    Saudi government entities generally prefer or require contractors whose regional headquarters is in the Kingdom, which is a key commercial reason groups establish an RHQ.

    • Review current procurement policy
    • Map exposure to public-sector contracts
    • Plan RHQ timing around bids

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