Saudi share trading costs and taxes: the full picture

The Saudi Exchange caps total trading commission on Main Market equities at 15.5 basis points (0.155%) of executed value. That figure bundles the broker's share with the exchange, Edaa and CMA portions, so a broker advertising 'zero commission' is waiving only its own slice; the regulatory components still apply.

Brokers compete inside the ceiling. Some charge the full 15.5 bps; several digital brokers price between 8 and 12 bps; a few apply a minimum commission per order that makes small trades proportionally expensive. Our profiles show the stated rate and label anything unconfirmed as not verified.

Beyond commission, the costs that actually move your returns are usually these:

Saudi Arabia has no personal income tax and no capital gains tax on individuals trading listed shares. Dividends paid to residents are not subject to withholding. Zakat applies to Saudi and GCC nationals on their own wealth and is self-assessed; it is not deducted by brokers. Expat residents should check whether their home country taxes worldwide income while they live abroad.

Dividends paid to non-residents carry 5% withholding tax, deducted by the company's paying agent before the cash reaches your account. There is no Saudi capital gains tax for non-resident individuals on listed shares. Treaty relief may reduce withholding for some countries; your broker will tell you whether it processes treaty claims, and most do not.