Investment Policy Monitor
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The Investment Policy Monitor provides the international investment community with up-to-date, country-specific information on recent policy developments affecting foreign direct investment (FDI).
Through its ongoing monitoring of investment policy changes, UNCTAD delivers cutting-edge and forward-looking contributions to investment policy discourse. The Monitor also supports evidence-based policymaking aimed at ensuring that foreign investment contributes to sustainable development. The Monitor also informs the analysis of global and regional investment policy trends featured in the World Investment Report, the Investment Policy Monitor publications and the joint UNCTAD-OECD Reports on G20 Investment Measures.
UNCTAD has tracked changes in national policies affecting FDI on an annual basis since 1992. Over time, the methodology has been revised to enhance the quality and consistency of reporting. The most recent revision, completed in 2024, further refined the monitoring framework and applied the updated classification to policy measures dating back to 2012.
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UNCTAD Investment Policy Monitor The UNCTAD Investment Policy Monitor database compiles official measures affecting FDI adopted by United Nations Member States. These encompass measures explicitly targeting foreign investment (FDI-specific), as well as general investment measures that have a clear impact on such investment (FDI-related).
The measures are either reported directly to UNCTAD by Member States through annual surveys or identified by UNCTAD researchers through publicly accessible sources (such as government websites and specialized policy databases).
The classification of measures as more or less favourable to investors is based solely on their potential impact on investors. The type of measures included in each category are described below. This classification does not reflect any value judgement by UNCTAD on the merit or suitability of the measure.
Classification of the nature of measures
More favourable to investors
Liberalization: includes privatization; lifting of entry restrictions (e.g. opening of sectors to FDI) and entry conditions (e.g. minimum capital requirement); removal (total or partial) of FDI screening or approval mechanisms; lifting of foreign exchange restrictions; liberalization of land access.
Facilitation: includes streamlining of investment procedures (e.g. one-stop shops); greater transparency of investment-related laws and procedures (e.g. information portals); introduction by IPAs and other entities of new services to assist investors (e.g. linkages programmes, investor visa facilitation or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms).
Promotion: includes establishment of IPAs or other institutions with a remit as investment promoters and expansion of their mandate; adoption of investment promotion strategy and plans; introduction of PPPs, auctions, and concessions initiatives or framework; introduction of OFDI promotion initiatives.
Incentives: includes adoption of new tax and financial incentives schemes for investment; introduction of other incentives (e.g. citizenship by investment programmes); adoption of new SEZ-related incentives.
Other regulatory changes: includes enhancement of investor treatment and protection guarantees; easing of labour or migration regulations concerning foreign hires and key personnel; removal of operational restrictions on investment (e.g. local content requirements).
Less favourable to investors
Entry: includes introduction or tightening of entry restrictions (e.g. total or partial ban on FDI in specific sectors); introduction or tightening of entry conditions (e.g. minimum investment threshold, joint venture requirements or State participation in strategic sectors); introduction or expansion of screening mechanisms for national security.
Treatment and operation: includes introduction or expansion of foreign exchange restrictions; introduction or expansion of restrictions on foreign hires and key personnel; removal or reduction of investment incentives; introduction or expansion of post-establishment requirements for local content; reduction of guarantees for investment treatment and protection; introduction or expansion of restrictions on OFDI.
Note: Measures are verified, to the fullest extent possible, by referencing government sources. The compilation of measures is not exhaustive.
Disclaimer: the boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
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Investment Policy Measures
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Saudi Arabia
03 Mar 2025Opens the retail pharmacies sector to foreign investors
On 3 March 2025, Saudi Arabia issued Royal Decree No. M/195, which permits foreign ownership in the retail pharmacies sector. Before the issuance of this Decree, the retail pharmacies sector in Saudi Arabia was governed by the Law [...]
Saudi Arabia
11 Aug 2024New investment law the suspension rule of foreign investments on national security grounds
On 11 August 2024, Saudi Arabia adopted the new Investment Law, which allows the Ministry of Investment (MISA) to suspend any foreign investment for national security purposes, provided that the suspension decision is based on “objective [...]
Saudi Arabia
11 Aug 2024New investment law guarantees equal treatment and replacing licensing with registration
On 11 August 2024, Saudi Arabia issued an Updated Investment Law which repeals the Foreign Investment Law of 2000 and takes effect 180 days following its publication. Among the novelties introduced, the new law guarantees that local [...]
Saudi Arabia
22 Jan 2024Launched first administrative courts for investor-State disputes
On 22 January 2024, the Government of Saudi Arabia launched its first administrative enforcement court. The court will take up disputes between local and foreign investors who find themselves at odds with Government institutions. It [...]
Saudi Arabia
10 Jan 2024Introduced premium residency for investors and entrepreneurs
On 10 January 2024, the Government of Saudi Arabia introduced five premium residency products to attract investors, skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. It offers foreign nationals the ability to become temporary or permanent [...]
Saudi Arabia
05 Dec 2023Offers a 30-year tax relief package to attract regional corporate headquarters
On 5 December 2023, the Government of Saudi Arabia offered a 30-year tax exemption package for foreign companies establishing their regional headquarters (RHQ) in Saudi Arabia. The incentive is a key part of its campaign to attract [...]
Saudi Arabia
06 Nov 2023Expands investor e-visa to all countries to facilitate FDI
On November 6, 2023, the Government of Saudi Arabia launched the second phase of the "Visiting Investor" electronic business visit visa program, extending its coverage to all countries worldwide. The "Visiting Investor" e-visa is designed [...]
Saudi Arabia
02 Dec 2022Announces establishment of the Aseer Investment Company (AIC)
On 2 December 2022, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the establishment of the Aseer Investment Company (AIC) to promote local and foreign direct investment to develop and transform the region into a year-round [...]
Saudi Arabia
01 Nov 2022Opens Special Integrated Logistics Zone to attract foreign investment
On 1 November 2022, the Government of Saudi Arabia unveiled its first Special Integrated Logistics Zone to position itself as the region’s leading logistics hub and attract foreign investment. The zone offers investors a 50-year tax [...]
Saudi Arabia
02 Aug 2022Establishes an Investment Promotion Authority
On 2 August 2022, the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia approved the establishment of the Saudi Investment Promotion Authority (SIPA), which will work to attract national and foreign investment as part of the National Investment [...]
Saudi Arabia
13 Apr 2022Launches four special economic zones (SEZ)
On 13 April 2023, the Government of Saudi Arabia announced the launch of four special economic zones (SEZs) across the country with incentives for international companies to operate within the Kingdom. The new SEZs are spread strategically [...]
Saudi Arabia
05 Apr 2022200 privatization projects open to FDI
On 5 April 2023, the National Center for Privatization & PPP (NCP) published a list of 200 projects approved for privatization in 17 sectors including the four airports of Abha, Taif, Hail and Qassim and 4,500 km of road developments [...]
Saudi Arabia
09 Nov 2021Allows non-Saudis to invest in real estate funds
On 9 November 2021, the Capital Market Authority (CMA) allowed financial market institutions to accept the subscriptions of non-Saudis in the real estate funds that invest in assets within the boundaries of Makkah and Madinah. This [...]
Saudi Arabia
07 Sep 2021Introduces screening of foreign investment in sensitive and strategic sectors
On 7 September 2021, the Council of Ministers released a Resolution on the establishment of a “Permanent Ministerial Committee for the Examination of Foreign Investment”. The Committee is tasked to identify on an ongoing basis sensitive [...]
Saudi Arabia
09 Jun 2020New mining law
On 9 June 2020, Saudi Arabia’s cabinet approved a new mining law that aims to accelerate foreign investment in the sector as part of efforts to diversify its economy away from hydrocarbons. The new law facilitates investor access to [...]
Saudi Arabia
16 Apr 2020Pharmaceutical Businesses Opening for Foreign Investment
On 15 April 2020, the Cabinet of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued a resolution approving the Pharmaceutical and Herbal Establishments and Substances Regulation. It liberalizes certain pharmaceutical businesses in Saudi Arabia. The [...]
Saudi Arabia
31 Mar 2020Listing of state assets planned for privatisation
On 31 March 2020, Saudi Arabia’s government approved the listing of government assets planned for privatisation on its stock market TADAWUL after an initial public offering. Assets, sectors and services planned for privatisation shall [...]
Saudi Arabia
26 Jun 2019Relaxes Ownership Limits for Foreign Investors
On 26 June 2019, the “Instructions for Foreign Strategic Investors’ Ownership in Listed Companies” (the FSI Instructions) became effective. The FSI Instructions removed the existing limit on foreign ownership of a Saudi-listed company [...]
Saudi Arabia
08 May 2019Saudi Arabia offers 'green card' residency to foreign skilled professionals and investors
On 8 May, 2019, Saudi Arabia's Shoura Council approved plans to attract entrepreneurs and investors from overseas with a 'green card'-style residency scheme. Under the new Privileged Iqama system, highly skilled expatriates and owners [...]
Saudi Arabia
24 Apr 2019SAGIA launched Venture Capital Platform
On 24 April, 2019, the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) has launched 'VENTURE by Invest Saudi', a new initiative aimed at attracting global venture capital firms to the Kingdom. Launched at the Financial Sector Conference [...]
Saudi Arabia
23 Oct 2018Foreign investment allowed in four more sectors
Four more sectors are now open to foreign investment in Saudi Arabia: (1) Recruitment and employment services, (2) Real estate brokerage, (3) Audiovisual and media services, and (4) Land transport services. The changes are effective [...]
Saudi Arabia
26 Feb 2018Extends foreign investment licensing period
On 26 February 2018, the General Investment Authority of Saudi Arabia extended the licensing period for foreign investors to five years - up from the current one year. The licensing period can also be renewed upon expiry of the five-year [...]
Saudi Arabia
26 Oct 2017Allows foreign investors to directly invest in Parallel Market
On 26 October 2017, the Capital Market Authority (CMA) Board issued its resolution allowing non-resident foreign investors to invest directly in the Parallel Market, starting from 1 January 2018. Foreign investors in the Parallel Market [...]
Saudi Arabia
07 Aug 2017Allows 100 per cent foreign ownership of engineering firms
On 7 August 2017, the Cabinet decided to allow foreign companies full ownership of engineering services companies and associated consultancy, provided that the company is at least ten years old and operates in at least four countries. [...]
Saudi Arabia
09 Jun 2017Introduces the Implementing Regulations of the Arbitration Law
On 9 June 2017, Saudi Arabia's Implementing Regulations of the 2012 Arbitration Law entered into force. The new regulations clarify many of the Arbitration Law's provisions such as 'Competent court' and 'Intervention and Joinder'. [...]
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The Investment Policy Monitor provides the international investment community with up-to-date, country-specific information on recent policy developments affecting foreign direct investment (FDI).
Through its ongoing monitoring of investment policy changes, UNCTAD delivers cutting-edge and forward-looking contributions to investment policy discourse. The Monitor also supports evidence-based policymaking aimed at ensuring that foreign investment contributes to sustainable development. The Monitor also informs the analysis of global and regional investment policy trends featured in the World Investment Report, the Investment Policy Monitor publications and the joint UNCTAD-OECD Reports on G20 Investment Measures.
UNCTAD has tracked changes in national policies affecting FDI on an annual basis since 1992. Over time, the methodology has been revised to enhance the quality and consistency of reporting. The most recent revision, completed in 2024, further refined the monitoring framework and applied the updated classification to policy measures dating back to 2012.
-
UNCTAD Investment Policy Monitor The UNCTAD Investment Policy Monitor database compiles official measures affecting FDI adopted by United Nations Member States. These encompass measures explicitly targeting foreign investment (FDI-specific), as well as general investment measures that have a clear impact on such investment (FDI-related).
The measures are either reported directly to UNCTAD by Member States through annual surveys or identified by UNCTAD researchers through publicly accessible sources (such as government websites and specialized policy databases).
The classification of measures as more or less favourable to investors is based solely on their potential impact on investors. The type of measures included in each category are described below. This classification does not reflect any value judgement by UNCTAD on the merit or suitability of the measure.
Classification of the nature of measures
More favourable to investors
Liberalization: includes privatization; lifting of entry restrictions (e.g. opening of sectors to FDI) and entry conditions (e.g. minimum capital requirement); removal (total or partial) of FDI screening or approval mechanisms; lifting of foreign exchange restrictions; liberalization of land access.
Facilitation: includes streamlining of investment procedures (e.g. one-stop shops); greater transparency of investment-related laws and procedures (e.g. information portals); introduction by IPAs and other entities of new services to assist investors (e.g. linkages programmes, investor visa facilitation or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms).
Promotion: includes establishment of IPAs or other institutions with a remit as investment promoters and expansion of their mandate; adoption of investment promotion strategy and plans; introduction of PPPs, auctions, and concessions initiatives or framework; introduction of OFDI promotion initiatives.
Incentives: includes adoption of new tax and financial incentives schemes for investment; introduction of other incentives (e.g. citizenship by investment programmes); adoption of new SEZ-related incentives.
Other regulatory changes: includes enhancement of investor treatment and protection guarantees; easing of labour or migration regulations concerning foreign hires and key personnel; removal of operational restrictions on investment (e.g. local content requirements).
Less favourable to investors
Entry: includes introduction or tightening of entry restrictions (e.g. total or partial ban on FDI in specific sectors); introduction or tightening of entry conditions (e.g. minimum investment threshold, joint venture requirements or State participation in strategic sectors); introduction or expansion of screening mechanisms for national security.
Treatment and operation: includes introduction or expansion of foreign exchange restrictions; introduction or expansion of restrictions on foreign hires and key personnel; removal or reduction of investment incentives; introduction or expansion of post-establishment requirements for local content; reduction of guarantees for investment treatment and protection; introduction or expansion of restrictions on OFDI.
Note: Measures are verified, to the fullest extent possible, by referencing government sources. The compilation of measures is not exhaustive.
Disclaimer: the boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
Share
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