Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax for individuals. The kingdom's Vision 2030 reforms have dramatically transformed the business and social environment, with new entertainment sectors, relaxed social regulations, and major infrastructure investments creating opportunities unprecedented in the region.

A 15% VAT applies. Corporate income tax is 20% for foreign entities (Saudi and GCC-owned companies pay 2.5% zakat instead). The riyal is pegged to the US dollar, providing currency stability.

The Premium Residency program, launched in 2019, offers two options: permanent residency for a one-time payment of SAR 800K (~USD 213K) or annual renewable residency for SAR 100K (~USD 27K) per year.

Premium residents can own real estate (excluding Mecca and Medina), sponsor family members, own businesses without a Saudi partner, and move freely without employer sponsorship. Saudi Arabia does not offer citizenship to foreign investors, but Premium Residency represents a significant liberalization of historically restrictive immigration policies.

The kingdom's vast oil reserves, mega-projects like NEOM and The Red Sea Project, and growing tech sector offer significant business opportunities for those willing to navigate an evolving regulatory environment.