Saudi free zone

KAEC SEZ company setup, license cost, visas, and benefits

Saudi Red Sea SEZ for advanced manufacturing, logistics, medtech, and global trade. King Abdullah Economic City Special Economic Zone is a GCC business setup option used by investors comparing location, licensing, visas, office substance, banking, and tax treatment. It is most relevant for advanced manufacturing, logistics, automotive, medtech activities.

GCC skyline and free zone business district

Free zone overview

King Abdullah Economic City Special Economic Zone is a GCC business setup option used by investors comparing location, licensing, visas, office substance, banking, and tax treatment. It is most relevant for advanced manufacturing, logistics, automotive, medtech activities.

Official authority details

AuthorityEconomic Cities and Special Zones Authority
CountrySaudi Arabia
LocationMakkah Province
Official websiteecza.gov.sa/en/special-economic-zones

Location map

KAEC SEZ GCC location map

Nearby access: Makkah Province airports, ports, highways, and business districts depending on facility selection

Industries supported

  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Logistics
  • Automotive
  • Medtech
  • ICT

Business activities

  • Import-export
  • Consultancy
  • Trading
  • E-commerce
  • Professional services
  • Regional distribution
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Logistics
  • Automotive

License types

  • Commercial
  • Service
  • Industrial
  • E-commerce
  • Professional

Visa eligibility

Depends on SEZ approval

Office solutions

Commercial offices and business facilities

Warehousing options

Industrial land, logistics facilities, and port-linked warehousing

Company setup process

  1. Activity mapping and free zone confirmation
  2. Trade name and license application
  3. KYC and document submission
  4. Facility agreement
  5. License issuance
  6. Visa, tax, banking, and accounting activation

Required documents

  • Passport copy
  • Passport-size photo
  • Proposed trade name
  • Shareholder KYC
  • Corporate documents for company shareholders
  • Business plan for regulated or industrial activities

Setup timelines

4 to 12+ weeks is an indicative planning range. Regulated or facility-heavy applications can take longer.

Approximate pricing

Project-based. Confirm live authority fees before filing.

Advantages

  • Foreign ownership options
  • Sector-focused authority support
  • Investor and employee visa routes
  • Regional trade access
  • Structured licensing process

Disadvantages

  • Fees and approvals change regularly
  • Banking requires strong KYC and business evidence
  • Some activities require extra authority or regulator approval

Nearby airports and ports

Makkah Province airports, ports, highways, and business districts depending on facility selection

Contact information

Use the official authority link for direct authority information, or send a WhatsApp inquiry for advisory shortlisting.

Compare KAEC SEZ with other GCC free zones

Review cost, visas, office requirements, setup time, audit, tax, banking ease, and offshore support.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

KAEC SEZ setup typically takes 4 to 12+ weeks, depending on documents, approvals, activity, and facility.

KAEC SEZ WhatsApp inquiry

Submit your details or use WhatsApp for a faster free zone shortlist.

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Video guide

GCC free zone video overview

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