Saudi Arabia is an emerging hub for entrepreneurs. With its ambitious vision 2030, the global business activity is increasing. If you wish to incorporate a business in Saudi Arabia, it’s the best time to start.
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For starting a business you will need a Saudi Arabian business license. And this blog will help you understand the process for getting it.
Types of Saudi Arabian Business Licenses
Here are the types of business licenses in Saudi Arabia.
-
Service License
The service license allows businesses to offer a wide variety of services in Saudi Arabia. These include:
- Restaurant
- IT Services
- Marketing Agencies
- Web or App development
- And some General services
Expats get 100% ownership of the business they will incorporate.
-
Entrepreneurial License
This Saudi business license is for people who want to build a start-up. With so many benefits like:
- Low fees
- Streamlined rules & regulations
- Huge access to government programs which support your business.
-
License for Agriculture Business
This license allows you to engage in agricultural activities such as:
- Farming
- Livestock production
- And any business which relates to agriculture.
An agriculture license allows the expats to own 100% of their business.
-
Real Estate License
This Saudi trade license is for you if you wish to incorporate a real estate business. The major point to note is that you should not start the business in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
-
Commercial Business License in Saudi Arabia
A commercial license is also known as a trade license. It allows businesses to import and export their goods in Saudi Arabia.
If you want to own 100% as an expat, your company should have its branches in three different nations.
-
Mining License
This Saudi business license will help you incorporate a mining business. Foreigners can own 100% of their companies.
-
Business License for Professionals
To get this license, you should have any professional educational qualification such as:
- Law
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Taxation or Advisory services.
These are the types of licenses you should be aware of for a business setup in Saudi Arabia.
Benefits of Getting a Saudi Arabian Business License -
Here are the benefits of having a business license in Saudi Arabia:
- Get access to the global markets
- Get access to all the essential services.
- The Saudi business license gets you tax advantages.
- A trade license in Saudi Arabia allows you to get government support.
- Helps you build a strong reputation. This makes you look professional and reliable.
- Get the legal authority for operating a business activity and gaining the trust of your customers.
The Process for Getting Your Business License in Saudi Arabia -
Read this table to understand the process for obtaining a Saudi business license:
Steps |
LLC (Time Taken) |
JSC (Time Taken) |
|
|
Register the business name |
4-5 business days |
2-3 business days |
3-4 business days |
|
Apply for the approval from Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) |
2-4 business days (depending on business activities) |
3-5 business days (depending on business activities) |
3-5 business days (depending on business activities) |
|
Submit the documents for review |
4-5 working days |
4-5 working days |
4-5 working days |
|
Get AOA Notarised |
2-3 working days |
2-3 working days |
Not applicable |
|
Pay the fees and get your license |
2 working days |
2 working days |
2 working days |
|
Open a corporate bank account |
3-4 weeks (including only working days) (depending on the bank) |
3-4 weeks (including only working days) (depending on the bank) |
3-4 weeks (including only working days) (depending on the bank) |
|
Find a physical place and register it with the authority |
Required |
Required |
Required |
|
Chamber of Commerce registration |
2 working days |
2 working days |
2 working days |
|
Tax registration |
3-4 working days |
3-4 working days |
3-4 working days |
As you can see, for setting up a company in Saudi Arabia, it’s important to know about the type of company you want to build.
The Saudi Government Authorities -
Here are the government authorities you should contact to get your Saudi Arabian trade license:
- National Address (SPL)
- Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA)
- Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA)
- General Organisation of Social Insurance (GOSI)
- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD)
Note: The above-listed authorities keep changing and updating their rules and regulations, so it’s always better to contact business consultants like Commitbiz to make your process easier.
Requirements for your Saudi Business License -
Particulars |
Limited Liability Company |
Joint Stock Company |
Branch |
Shareholders |
1 to a maximum of 50 numbers |
2 shareholders in general |
Not Applicable |
Capital Requirement |
This is decided by the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA), depending on the |
Depending on the shareholder |
Depending on the shareholder |
Limited Liability |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Corporate Tax |
20% |
20% |
20% |
Zakat Rate by GCC |
2.5% |
2.5% |
2.5% |
Tax Returns |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Filing Annual Statements |
Required |
Required |
Required |
Appointing Auditors |
Required |
Required |
Required |
End Note
This article explains to you all about the trade licenses in Saudi Arabia. If you require additional assistance, you should contact Commitbiz to get your license.
We also offer a free consultation call to answer all your questions about starting your business in Saudi Arabia. If you want to book this call, do connect with us now.