Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)
Can a foreign payment company operate in Saudi Arabia?
Content reviewed 2026-08-14 · How we check sources
Short answer
A foreign group cannot rely on its overseas payment licence as a substitute for SAMA authorisation in Saudi Arabia. Regulated payment services in the Kingdom must be provided through a structure that meets the Saudi licensing framework.
What this means
Applicant establishment, ownership and local operational requirements are part of the SAMA process and should be checked for the chosen licence category.
A foreign company may also enter through a permitted partnership, agent or group structure, but the licensed Saudi-facing activity must remain within the SAMA framework.
Official sources
SAMA — Law of Payments and Payment Services ↗SAMA — Implementing Regulations of the Law of Payments and Payment Services ↗Ask with your entity, activity and regulator.
Regulatory research, not legal advice. This answer has the scope and review date shown above; your institution decides applicability.