The General Investment Authority has required foreign and joint-venture companies to limit the proportion of foreign workers to a maximum of 25% of their total workforce, provided that the establishment divides them into 10% managers and specialists and 15% technicians and workers, or vice versa.

The Authority has established new regulations for issuing and renewing investor visas or general manager visas effective February 15, 2016, to facilitate and increase quality investments, The Authority also clarified that individual entrepreneurs can obtain investment licenses and engage in the profession of investor under one of the following conditions:

– The establishment must be engaged in innovative activities, hold a valid patent, and utilize that patent in its products.

– The establishment must be one that exports its products, provided that the product’s technical specifications and production methods comply with approved Saudi, Gulf, or international standards.

– The enterprise must be classified as medium-sized and have a workforce of at least 50 employees.

– The enterprise’s capital must not be less than 37.5 million riyals.

The General Investment Authority confirmed that these regulations have been applied to all relevant applications received by the Authority, and that those who do not meet these regulations and requirements must bring their status into compliance by no later than December 31, 2017.