Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia

Relaxes Ownership Limits for Foreign Investors

26 Jun 2019

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 to foreign strategic investors. Under the new regulations, foreign ownership of stocks will no longer be limited to qualified foreign investors (QFIs) (i.e. financial firms with at least US$500 million in assets under management). Also, the previous minimum or maximum ownership limits for strategic investors have been abolished. Holding periods of 24 months continue to apply.