Sector Setup

Set Up a Logistics, Freight Forwarding or 3PL Company in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's logistics sector is being reshaped by Vision 2030's Global Logistics Hub strategy: rail freight expansion, maritime capacity, new transhipment hubs and digital customs clearance. Foreign logistics operators enter via MISA plus licensing from the Transport General Authority (TGA).

How do I set up a logistics & supply chain company in Saudi Arabia? 100%-foreign-owned LLC under MISA Logistics activity. Capital SAR 500,000 – SAR 5,000,000 typical (varies by sub-activity). Cost: Tailored quote. Cost depends on which TGA licence classes you need and whether customs brokerage and warehousing are in scope. Timeline: Scoped case by case. TGA licensing runs alongside MISA and CR; asset and staffing evidence usually determines how fast it clears. Sector regulators: MISA, TGA (Transport General Authority), Saudi Customs, ZATCA.

Logistics & Supply Chain sector entry in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's logistics sector is being reshaped by Vision 2030's Global Logistics Hub strategy: rail freight expansion, maritime capacity, new transhipment hubs and digital customs clearance. Foreign logistics operators enter via MISA plus licensing from the Transport General Authority (TGA).

Recommended structure: 100%-foreign-owned LLC under MISA Logistics activity. Capital requirement: SAR 500,000 – SAR 5,000,000 typical (varies by sub-activity). Saudization band needed: Green required.

Groups placing regional logistics leadership in the Kingdom sometimes also consider the RHQ programme; eligibility is assessed case by case with MISA. Tamra runs end-to-end logistics & supply chain-sector setups — MISA, sector licensing, CR, banking, GR, ongoing compliance and workforce administration.

Key facts

SectorLogistics & Supply Chain
Recommended entity100%-foreign-owned LLC under MISA Logistics activity
Capital requirementSAR 500,000 – SAR 5,000,000 typical (varies by sub-activity)
Cost basisTailored quote. Cost depends on which TGA licence classes you need and whether customs brokerage and warehousing are in scope.
Timeline basisScoped case by case. TGA licensing runs alongside MISA and CR; asset and staffing evidence usually determines how fast it clears.
Saudization bandGreen required
Sector regulatorsMISA, TGA (Transport General Authority), Saudi Customs, ZATCA

Logistics & Supply Chain setup process

Scoped case by case. TGA licensing runs alongside MISA and CR; asset and staffing evidence usually determines how fast it clears.

  1. Sector licensing pre-check. Verify the foreign parent's track record satisfies MISA, TGA (Transport General Authority), Saudi Customs, ZATCA requirements before MISA submission.
  2. MISA application. Submit MISA application under the appropriate sector activity code, with full attested parent-company documentation.
  3. Sector regulator submission. Submit sector-specific licence applications in parallel with CR. MISA Logistics licence drives the critical path.
  4. Commercial Registration & Chamber. MoC issues the CR; Chamber of Commerce subscription is activated.
  5. Operational portals. Activate Qiwa, Muqeem, GOSI, ZATCA, Mudad and any sector-specific portals.
  6. Banking & GM Iqama. Open Saudi corporate bank account; issue GM Iqama for the appointed manager.
  7. First hire / first invoice. Logistics & Supply Chain entity becomes operational. Tamra continues as the managed-services partner for payroll, GR and Iqama.

Mandatory sector licences

  • MISA Logistics licence
  • TGA freight forwarding / land transport / warehousing licences
  • Saudi Customs broker licence (if customs clearance offered)

Best-fit subsectors

  • Freight forwarding
  • Last-mile delivery & e-commerce logistics
  • Warehousing & 3PL
  • Cold chain
  • Customs brokerage

Common rejection reasons

  • TGA licence applied for without sufficient fleet/asset evidence
  • Customs broker licence requested without Saudi-national authorised broker on staff
  • Saudization gaps for fleet and warehouse roles

Frequently asked questions

What's the cheapest way to enter Saudi Arabia's logistics & supply chain market?

If you are testing the market, an EOR (hiring through Tamra's existing licence) is the lowest-commitment entry. For long-term presence, a 100%-foreign-owned LLC under MISA Logistics activity is the standard. Tamra runs both routes.

What is the capital requirement for a logistics & supply chain company?

SAR 500,000 – SAR 5,000,000 typical (varies by sub-activity)

How long does logistics & supply chain setup take?

Scoped case by case. TGA licensing runs alongside MISA and CR; asset and staffing evidence usually determines how fast it clears.

What are the sector-specific licences required?

MISA Logistics licence; TGA freight forwarding / land transport / warehousing licences; Saudi Customs broker licence (if customs clearance offered). Tamra coordinates these in parallel with MISA + CR.

Can Tamra act as the Saudi presence before our entity is ready?

Yes. Tamra holds an EOR licence and can sponsor your first 1–10 hires immediately, then transition them onto your entity once it is operational.

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