Saudi Arabia’s industrial engine is roaring louder than ever. With a 66.7% jump in industrial licenses issued in February totalling 105 permits backed by over SR1 billion in investments, the Kingdom is accelerating toward Vision 2030 with unstoppable momentum. At Massar Business Solutions, we see this surge as more than numbers it’s a signal of […]

Too many companies enter Saudi Arabia thinking business setup is just paperwork. They hire a cheap offshore agency or a “GCC expert” — and end up with frozen licenses, rejected applications, or delayed operations. Saudi isn’t like anywhere else. It has its own language, legal structure, ministries, platforms, and ever-changing rules. One wrong activity code […]

Most companies entering Saudi Arabia treat HR like an afterthought. A few hires here, a payroll system there. Someone updates GOSI, eventually. Until… they get hit with a notice: “License blocked. Visa issuance frozen.” In Saudi Arabia, HR isn’t just about people, it’s about legal continuity. Every employee, every Iqama, every Saudization target is tied […]

📩 Download our free guide: Why Foreign Construction Projects Crash in Saudi (Who’s to Blame?) Foreign construction firms don’t fail in Saudi Arabia because of corruption, inefficiency, or a tough market. They fail because they show up with arrogance instead of adaptability. They assume their timelines, workflows, and “global standards” will work here without change. […]

Too many global companies believe they can enter Saudi Arabia by relying solely on remote teams or overseas consultants. What they don’t see, until it’s too late, is the unspoken complexity: constantly evolving regulations, hyper-local documentation, cultural nuance, and the need for real-time reaction. A missed submission?Is the wrong activity code on your CR?No response […]

In Saudi Arabia, compliance isn’t optional, it’s everything. One expired Iqama, missed visa renewal, or misplaced document can bring operations to a screeching halt. The truth? Most HR teams are juggling far too many moving pieces to track it all manually. If you’re scaling rapidly or managing a diverse expat workforce, the risk compounds. Just […]

In a high-growth market like Saudi Arabia, timing isn’t everything, it’s the only thing. The companies winning here aren’t always the ones with the biggest budgets or flashiest branding. They’re the ones who move faster. While your team is still sorting out internal approvals and deciphering the licensing maze, your competitor just hired their first […]

In today’s fast-moving talent market, hiring expat employees is only half the battle. The other half? Getting them onboarded smoothly, legally, and efficiently. We’ve seen it time and again: companies hire 100+ foreign workers, only to watch 30% get delayed in Iqama approvals, 10% drop out before contracts are finalized, and the rest drift into […]

It sounds ridiculous, but we’ve seen it too many times to laugh. You apply for a visa. Everything’s submitted. But nothing moves.Turns out, your name is off, by a single letter. In Saudi Arabia, systems like Absher, Muqeem, and Qiwa aren’t just picky; they’re brutally unforgiving. They require exact matches across all platforms: Arabic and […]

There’s a hidden clause in Saudi Arabia’s employment system, one that doesn’t show up in contracts, portal FAQs, or HR briefings. We call it the freeze. It happens right after a job switch is initiated. You’ve got approval from your old employer, your new sponsor’s ready, and everything seems greenlit. Then? Nothing. No updates. No […]

In 2025, applying for a work visa to Saudi Arabia will be smooth and digital. Think again. Behind the polished surfaces of official portals like Absher, Qiwa, and Muqeem lies a chaotic web of permissions, approvals, and backchannel steps no one tells you about, until it’s too late. Each portal is a gatekeeper. Miss one […]

Getting a work visa in Saudi Arabia sounds simple—until you’re stuck in endless paperwork, rejected applications, or surprise legal roadblocks. Many expats arrive with a job offer in hand, only to find the visa process slow, unpredictable, and often confusing. Employers may be unfamiliar with the latest regulatory updates, and small errors—like a missing stamp […]

Setting up a business in Saudi Arabia is a milestone, but staying compliant is where many fail. Shockingly, over 60% of foreign-owned companies in the Kingdom operate without complete or correct documentation. Here are 3 major compliance mistakes that could put your operations at risk: Wrong Commercial Activity Code:Many businesses apply for licenses under incorrect […]

Many businesses in Saudi Arabia believe they need to rent an office just to meet the National Address requirement. But here’s the truth: Overpaying for empty space doesn’t make sense. At Massar Business Solutions, we offer a smarter, cost-effective alternative—premium coworking spaces in Riyadh that provide everything you need: ✅ A legitimate National Address – […]

The Fastest Way to Get an Iqama in Saudi Arabia – A Step-by-Step Guide Getting an Iqama (residency permit) in Saudi Arabia is mandatory for expatriates working in the Kingdom. However, many businesses and employees face delays, errors, and unexpected roadblocks that slow down the process. At Massar Business Solutions, we streamline the entire process […]

Starting a business in Saudi Arabia is an exciting opportunity, but the biggest threat to success isn’t competition—it’s compliance issues. Many foreign businesses enter the Saudi market with high expectations, only to get tangled in regulatory red tape, missed deadlines, and visa complications that can lead to costly fines or even business shutdowns. In this […]

Relocating to Saudi Arabia can be an exciting opportunity, offering a unique blend of tradition, modernity, and career growth. One of the most important aspects of settling in is choosing the right place to live. Thankfully, Saudi Arabia offers a variety of expat-friendly communities designed for comfort, security, and convenience. Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter – The […]

Setting up a business in Saudi Arabia as a foreign investor involves several steps to ensure compliance with Saudi business laws. The process starts with obtaining a business license from the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA), formerly known as SAGIA. This license allows foreign businesses to legally operate in the country. The next […]

Expatriates in Saudi Arabia often choose gated residential compounds that offer Western-style amenities, enhanced security, and recreational facilities. Popular expat-friendly areas include: Riyadh: The Diplomatic Quarter (DQ), Al Olaya, and Al Nakheel are prime choices, offering proximity to international schools, business districts, and leisure facilities. Jeddah: The Corniche area, Al Rawdah, and Al Hamra are […]

The cost of living in Saudi Arabia depends on lifestyle choices and family size. Major expenses include housing, transportation, healthcare, and education. Many expatriates receive corporate housing and allowances as part of their employment packages, significantly reducing costs. Rent is one of the biggest expenses, with prices varying by city and neighborhood. In cities like […]

Yes, foreign employees in Saudi Arabia can sponsor family residency visas (Iqama) for their dependents, including spouses and children. To qualify, the employee must meet the minimum salary requirement set by Saudi authorities and provide essential documents, such as a valid Iqama, employment contract, marriage certificate, and birth certificates for children. The application process includes […]

Work visa renewals in Saudi Arabia must be completed before expiry to avoid fines and legal complications. Employers must ensure employees have a valid employment contract, a clear legal record, and an active work permit sponsorship. Additionally, GOSI registration and medical insurance must be up to date. Businesses often partner with visa management solutions in […]

To obtain an Iqama in Saudi Arabia, employers must first secure a Saudi work visa, complete mandatory medical tests, and register employees with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI). The company must also be registered under the Saudization (Nitaqat program) to meet labor market requirements. The employer is responsible for the Iqama processing in […]

Foreign employees in Saudi Arabia require an Iqama (residency permit), obtained through a Saudi work visa. Additional visa types include business visas, ideal for short-term professional visits, investor visas for entrepreneurs looking to start a company in Saudi Arabia, and dependent visas for family members of expatriates. Employers must provide sponsorship for foreign workers, ensuring […]

Managing payroll services in Saudi Arabia requires strict adherence to Saudi labor law compliance, ensuring accurate salary processing, tax deductions, and employee benefits. Employers must register their workforce with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) and contribute to social security payments. Payroll includes processing wages, bonuses, and allowances while ensuring compliance with the Wage […]