Investment Policy Monitor
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UNCTAD has been collecting information on changes in national foreign direct investment (FDI) policies on an annual basis since 1992. This collection has provided input to the analysis of global and regional investment policy trends in the World Investment Report, the quarterly Investment Policy Monitor (since 2009) and the UNCTAD-OECD Reports on G20 Measures.
In 2011, to further strengthen the quality of reporting, UNCTAD revised the methodology of monitoring investment policy measures. and revised the measures going back to 2000 accordingly.
The Investment Policy Monitor provides the international investment community with country-specific, up-to-date information about the latest developments in foreign investment policies.
Through its monitoring of investment policy changes, UNCTAD offers cutting-edge and innovative contributions to investment policy discourse, and contributes to preparing the ground for future policymaking in the interest of making foreign investment work for growth and development.
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Note: the policy measures are identified through a systematic review of government and business intelligence sources. 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
26 results
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
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'. [...]
Saudi Arabia
14 Jun 2016Saudi Arabia allowed 100 per cent foreign ownership in wholesale and retail trade sector
On 14 June 2016, Saudi Arabia increased the ceiling for foreign investment in wholesale and retail trade sector from 75 per cent to 100 per cent. However, some terms and conditions will apply. For example, foreign firms will have to [...]
Saudi Arabia
17 Feb 2016Saudi Arabia eased licensing procedures for foreign investors
The Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) has simplified licensing procedures for foreign investors. It expedited procedures by reducing the number of documents required for new licenses to only three and states that the [...]
Saudi Arabia
15 Jun 2015Government opens the stock market, known as the Tadawul, to foreign investors
On 15 June 2015, Saudi Arabia opened its stock market, known as the Tadawul, for foreign investors. Restrictions apply, however: Only Qualified Foreign Investors (QFI) can participate in the market (Art.1 and Art. 5); QFI’s need to [...]
Saudi Arabia
16 Apr 2012Adopts arbitration law
Saudi Arabia adopted Royal Decree No. M/34 on arbitration, which allows the use of international dispute settle mechanisms if the dispute involves foreign investors. [...]
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UNCTAD has been collecting information on changes in national foreign direct investment (FDI) policies on an annual basis since 1992. This collection has provided input to the analysis of global and regional investment policy trends in the World Investment Report, the quarterly Investment Policy Monitor (since 2009) and the UNCTAD-OECD Reports on G20 Measures.
In 2011, to further strengthen the quality of reporting, UNCTAD revised the methodology of monitoring investment policy measures. and revised the measures going back to 2000 accordingly.
The Investment Policy Monitor provides the international investment community with country-specific, up-to-date information about the latest developments in foreign investment policies.
Through its monitoring of investment policy changes, UNCTAD offers cutting-edge and innovative contributions to investment policy discourse, and contributes to preparing the ground for future policymaking in the interest of making foreign investment work for growth and development.
-
Note: the policy measures are identified through a systematic review of government and business intelligence sources. 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
