LICENSING

Are you keen to enrich your business presence with an expansion into Saudi Arabia's market?

We specialize in facilitating licensing processes for both local and global corporations, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey towards business setup in Saudi Arabia. Our expert team offers comprehensive services covering company incorporation and post-incorporation needs, including acquiring Saudi business licenses issued by the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA, previously SAGIA). With our assistance, navigating the complexities of government departments becomes streamlined, enabling you to obtain, renew, or cancel licenses efficiently while minimizing fines and costs. Stay informed and ahead of trends with our expert advice, ensuring your business thrives in the competitive Saudi market. Let us simplify the process and help you operate within regulatory guidelines, so you can enjoy uninterrupted business activities in Saudi Arabia.

Types of Licenses in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia offers a diverse range of business licenses tailored to various sectors, encompassing Commercial, Professional, and Industrial categories. It is essential to identify the most suitable license aligned with your specific business activity to maximize success within Saudi Arabia’s dynamic and expanding economy. By selecting the appropriate license, you can effectively navigate regulatory requirements and position your business for growth and prosperity in this thriving market.

Service License

Empower Your Business Growth in Saudi Arabia: The Service License Advantage.The Service License in Saudi Arabia presents a strategic opportunity for international companies. It grants access to a broad spectrum of service sectors within the Kingdom, including construction, technology, education, healthcare, and tourism. Notably, the license structure permits wholly foreign-owned entities, facilitating business expansion and diversification for international investors.

  1. The Business Should Have Been Established Outside Of KSA For More Than 1 Year
  2. Minimum Capital Of SAR 25,000
  3. Copy Of Commercial Registration Of The Shareholding Partner Certified By The Saudi Embassy
  4. Foreign Company’s Financial Statements Of The Previous Year Certified By The Saudi Embassy

 

Agricultural License

Saudi Arabia’s growing agriculture sector invites foreign investment to address food security issues. The government facilitates international participation through agricultural licenses, offering full ownership rights. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the sector aims for technology transfer and local production to meet processed food localization targets. With a projected CAGR of 4.9% (2023-2028) and an annual GDP contribution of 53 billion SR, it presents lucrative opportunities for international investors.

  1. The company must be established outside of Saudi Arabia for more than 1 year.
  2. A minimum investment of 25,000 Saudi Riyals (SAR) is required.
  3. A certified copy of the shareholding partner’s commercial registration from the Saudi Embassy is necessary.
  4. The foreign company’s financial statements for the previous year must be certified by the Saudi Embassy.

Industrial License

Obtaining an industrial license in Saudi Arabia enables companies to conduct manufacturing and industrial activities within the Kingdom, covering heavy, light, and transformative industries. This sector holds the potential to position Saudi Arabia as a regional industrial hub, attracting investments and trade from neighboring countries. It’s essential to consider that specific industries may have unique requirements or restrictions, impacting the licensing process based on each company’s circumstances. Foreign investors can benefit from 100% ownership when establishing industrial ventures, fostering strategic investments and contributing to the dynamic growth of Saudi Arabia’s industrial economy.

  1. The Business Should Have Been Established Outside Of KSA For More Than 1 Year
  2. A minimum investment of 25,000 Saudi Riyals (SAR) is required.
  3. A certified copy of the shareholding partner’s commercial registration from the Saudi Embassy is necessary.
  4. The foreign company’s financial statements for the previous year must be certified by the Saudi Embassy.

Entrepreneurial License

Tailored for startups, the Entrepreneurial License in Saudi Arabia offers streamlined regulations, reduced fees, and government support programs to foster growth and development for entrepreneurs and innovators. This business license facilitates the establishment of pilot projects accredited by Saudi universities or business incubators.This business license in Saudi Arabia amplifies opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators, empowering them to drive growth and development.

  1. The Entrepreneur Should Either Present A Patented Idea, Have VC Backing, Or A Support Letter From A Government Entity Such As MISA, PIF, CODE, KAUST, TDF, Etc
  2. An Endorsement Letter From A Startup Incubator

Mining License

Mining activities in Saudi Arabia have a long history, dating back thousands of years with the discovery of ancient mining sites in the country’s western region. Modern mining operations began in the 1930s following the discovery of oil, which spurred the exploration and extraction of other resources like gold and copper. The development of the mining industry is a crucial component of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts under Saudi Vision 2030. With oil, gas, and petrochemicals already major contributors to the economy, mining represents a potential third pillar for significant industrial growth.

  1. The Business Should Have Been Established Outside Of KSA For More Than 1 Year
  2. A minimum investment of 25,000 Saudi Riyals (SAR) is required.
  3. A certified copy of the shareholding partner’s commercial registration from the Saudi Embassy is necessary.
  4. The foreign company’s financial statements for the previous year must be certified by the Saudi Embassy.
licensing and registration in saudi arabia

Commercial License

Saudi Arabia offers Trading or Commercial Licenses to foreign investors for wholesale or retail business activities, either in partnership with a Saudi shareholder or independently with 100% foreign ownership. This license allows foreign companies to trade goods in Saudi Arabia’s wholesale and retail markets. Acquiring a commercial license is essential for operating any business in Saudi Arabia, providing legal authorization for commercial activities within the country and offering advantages like government service access, intellectual property protection, and eligibility for tenders and contracts. Visit our blog to learn more about Import-Export Business in Saudi Arabia.

For 100% foreign ownership:

  1. The Foreign Company Must Have Branches In At Least 3 Different Countries Excluding Saudi Arabia
  2. A Capital Investment Of At Least SAR 30 Million In The First Year
  3. Capital Investment Of SAR 170 Million Over The Next 5 Years In The Saudi Company

25% Saudi partner:

  1. Capital Investment Of SAR 26,666,666 During The First Year
  2. Shares Held By Foreign Investors Cannot Be Less Than SAR 20 Million

For companies that are 100% owned by GCC nationals:

  1. Minimum Capital Of SAR 50,000
  2. All Other Rules Same As For Saudi Nationals

Professional License

The Professional License enables the establishment of businesses offering professional services such as law, taxation, consultancy, engineering, and architecture in Saudi Arabia. Foreign professionals have the opportunity to establish and operate 100% professional companies with full ownership rights, allowing them to capitalize on the expanding opportunities presented by Saudi Arabia’s rapidly developing economy.

For 100% foreign ownership:

  1. The Foreign Company Should Have Branches In At Least Four Different Countries
  2. The Share Capital Of One Branch Should Be Equal To 10 Million SAR
  3. The Foreign Company Should Have 7+ Years Of Experience In This Field.

Real Estate License

This business license in Saudi Arabia is designated for foreign real estate development firms interested in undertaking projects within the country with combined land and construction costs exceeding 30 million Saudi riyals. Typically, the real estate investment must be situated outside the urban boundaries of Mecca and Medina. The processing time for obtaining this license is usually 1-2 days.

  1. Copy Of Commercial Registration Of The Shareholding Partner Certified By The Saudi Embassy
  2. Foreign Company’s Financial Statements Of The Previous Year Certified By The Saudi Embassy