Business Setup from Brazil to Saudi Arabia: Opportunities, Challenges, and Practical Steps

In recent years, the economic relationship between Brazil and Saudi Arabia has accelerated, creating exciting opportunities for Brazilian firms looking to expand internationally.

Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $6.7 billion in 2023, and new investments across energy, food, mining, and technology have further strengthened ties. 

For Brazilian companies, Saudi Arabia is becoming a natural destination for expansion. With one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and a diversification agenda under Vision 2030, the Kingdom offers access to untapped markets, new investment incentives, and partnerships that align well with Brazil’s industrial and technological strengths. 

In this post, we delve into the main drivers of Brazil-Saudi cooperation, highlights promising sectors, and provides a practical roadmap for Brazilian companies looking for business setup in the KSA. 

– Sectors Forming Business Setup Foundations for Brazilian Companies

1. Industrial and Mining Cooperation: The Core of the Relationship

Industrial collaboration forms the foundation of Brazilian-Saudi economic ties. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has already committed $15 billion to Brazil, one of its largest sovereign investments in Latin America.

This funding is concentrated in renewable energy, hydrogen fuel, and transport infrastructure, sectors where Brazilian expertise can complement Saudi Arabia’s ambitions. 

Food security is another key focus. In 2025, Brazilian food giant BRF partnered with the Halal Products Development Company (HPDC), a PIF-backed entity, to launch a poultry and halal food facility in Jeddah. Expected to open by 2026, the facility will have a production capacity of 40,000 tons annually and create 500 new jobs. 

Mining is equally central to cooperation. Ma’aden, Saudi Arabia’s state-owned mining giant, announced a $1.3 billion commitment to geological research and mineral exploration in Brazil. The move includes setting up a São Paulo office and partnerships with Brazilian geological institutions. 

In addition, Ma’aden and PIF jointly acquired a 10% stake in Vale’s base metals unit, further linking the two countries’ mining ecosystems. For Brazilian firms, these developments open pathways to collaborate on downstream processing, technology transfers, and co-development of mineral resources. 

2. Infrastructure and Logistics: Building Cross-Border Connectivity

Logistics and infrastructure are emerging as the next big opportunity. In 2024, a consortium backed by PIF and Brazil’s Pátria Investments secured a $1.2 billion toll-road concession in Paraná state.

The 30-year deal underscores the scale of cooperation possible in infrastructure development. Saudi interest in Brazil’s port and waterway infrastructure is also growing.

Over 40 projects have been pitched to Saudi port operators such as Red Sea Gateway Terminal, with auctions expected by 2026. Brazil’s ports saw a 5% growth in 2024, with container throughput rising by 18%. This creates room for modernization and partnerships that leverage Saudi capital with Brazilian expertise. 

On the Saudi side, the Kingdom’s own logistics sector is undergoing massive transformation, making it an attractive space for Brazilian companies specializing in supply chain management, warehousing, and transport technologies. 

3. Technology and Innovation: Brazil’s Next Frontier in the Kingdom

Beyond traditional sectors, Brazil is finding fertile ground for business setup in Saudi Arabia’s rising digital sector. In early 2025, the Saudi Social Development Bank led a delegation to São Paulo to scout for startups in gaming, fintech, creative industries, and even coffee exports.

Later in the year, Brazilian gaming firms are scheduled to visit Riyadh to explore local partnerships. This coincides with Saudi Arabia’s push to become a global gaming hub through Savvy Games Group, a PIF-backed company actively investing worldwide. 

Brazilian technology firms specializing in B2B SaaS, artificial intelligence, and smart-city solutions can find significant opportunities in Saudi Arabia, especially with giga projects like NEOM and The Line demanding advanced digital infrastructure. 

– Practical Steps for Brazilian Companies Entering Saudi Arabia

While the opportunities are substantial, expanding to Saudi Arabia requires careful preparation and compliance with local regulations. Here is an overview of the key steps:

1. Prepare Foundational Documents
   Brazilian companies must have their incorporation documents, memorandum of association (MoA), articles of association (AoA), and audited financial statements attested for use in Saudi Arabia. 

2. Register with Ministries and Authorities
   The expansion process involves registering with multiple entities, including the Ministry of Investment (MISA), Chamber of Commerce, and other regulatory bodies. 

3. Secure a Registered Office and National Address
   A locally registered office is mandatory, as it provides the company with a national address and enables legal correspondence. 

4. Obtain Iqama and Portal Registrations
   The general manager must secure an Iqama (residence permit) and register the company on key government platforms such as Muqeem, Absher, Qiwa, and Mudad. 

5. Set Up a Bank Account
   An active corporate bank account is crucial for completing the business setup process. Without it, the company cannot operate legally. 

6. Hire Staff and Comply with Saudization
   Firms must meet Nitaqat quotas, which require hiring a certain percentage of Saudi nationals. Visa issuance for foreign employees is contingent on this compliance. 

7. Post-Setup Compliance
   After incorporation, companies must handle renewals of licenses, payroll management, and tax compliance to maintain good standing. 

– What are the tax implications?

Corporate tax is 20%. VAT is currently 15%. Zakat may apply depending on the entity type. Incentive schemes, including tax exemptions, are available in specific cases. 

Expansion partners with local expertise can provide guidance on licensing, HR, accounting, and compliance, ensuring smooth integration into the Saudi market. 

Business Setup in Saudi Arabia: A Growth Corridor for Brazilian Businesses

The growing economic corridor between Saudi Arabia and Brazil represents one of the most dynamic global partnerships today. From industrial collaboration in food and mining to opportunities in infrastructure, technology, and logistics, the stage is set for Brazilian companies to expand confidently into Saudi Arabia. 

By leveraging strong bilateral ties, supportive policies, and local expertise, Brazilian firms can successfully establish operations in the Kingdom. The key lies in preparation, compliance, and choosing the right partners to navigate the complexities of business setup in Saudi Arabia.