Frequently Asked Questions

How can I apply for Investment Registration?

You can review the required documents and submit the application through the following link: https://investsaudi.sa/ar/login

Who can obtain Investment Registration?

The Ministry of Investment issues registration for legal entities, foreign companies, and individuals who hold Premium Residency.

Is it required to visit the Ministry’s Business Center to apply?

No visit to the Ministry’s headquarters is required. You can submit the Investment Registration application electronically through the following link: https://investsaudi.sa/ar/login

Is a local partner required? Can a local individual participate in the project for which registration is requested?

This depends on the selected activity. Some activities require a local partner, while other activities can be carried out without one.

When establishing a foreign company electronically from abroad, and the partners are from two different countries, should authentication be done in each country separately?

The document authentication service is applied for through Saudi missions abroad for each partner in the company to be established, regardless of the partners’ countries, provided that the service is available at the Saudi mission in the partner’s country.

What is meant by having a unified support center for registration? Is it the Comprehensive Service Centers or the Saudi Business Center?

It refers to the Comprehensive Service Center. The center does not complete the registration itself; it provides assistance and guidance. Registration is completed through the Ministry’s online portal.

Is a GCC investor considered a local investor?

Yes, a GCC investor is considered a local investor unless there are foreign investors within the ownership structure of the GCC company in its country.

What are the restrictions on transferring funds abroad under the current and new system?

Transfers are subject to the applicable laws and regulations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

What does freedom of ownership for foreigners and locals mean? Does it include the boundaries of the Two Holy Mosques?

It does not include the boundaries of the Two Holy Mosques, and this is subject to the Law of Real Estate Ownership and Investment by Non-Saudis.

What are the Investment Registration tracks?

There are two tracks: available activities and restricted activities. The application review period is up to 10 days.

Can an investor obtain Entrepreneur Registration?

Yes. The Ministry of Investment reviews the submitted documents and approves the registration accordingly.

Under the new registration system, are there restrictions on adding activities to some existing license types such as professional activities and legal services?

Professional activities are registered separately and cannot be combined with non-service activities. However, the registration certificate will not be named a professional registration certificate.

What is the difference between the National Register and Investor Registration?

The National Register is managed by the Ministry and is not directly handled by the investor. Investor Registration is a required procedure that investors must obtain before starting investment activities. The registration information feeds into the National Register, along with information from other entities.

What documents are required to apply for registration?

The required documents depend on the type of registration and the selected activity. They can be viewed when submitting the application.

Can a GCC investor obtain Investment Registration?

Investors who are citizens of GCC countries, and companies fully owned by them, receive the same systems and benefits provided to Saudi citizens directly. Applications are submitted through the Ministry of Commerce.

How many activities are allowed to be added to the registration certificate?

There is no specific number, but the activities must be practiced after being added.

Must the documents submitted to the Ministry of Investment be translated?

Documents submitted to the Ministry of Investment do not need to be translated. However, some other ministries may require translated documents.

Can any activity be selected to apply for a temporary certificate for government tenders?

No. The certificate is only for contracting projects.

Can one email address be registered for two companies?

Each company must have a different email address in the Ministry’s system.

Can an English copy of the registration be obtained?

Investment Registration is issued in Arabic only. The company may translate the certificate through an accredited translation office.

Who is authorized to obtain power of attorney on behalf of the partner in the service of establishing foreign companies electronically from outside the Kingdom?

A copy of the foreign establishment’s commercial registration authenticated by the Saudi Embassy is required.

If one of the partners is Saudi, can the electronic foreign company establishment service be used?

Saudi partners may benefit from the service. If the partner is an individual, their identity is verified through the National Information Center. If the partner is an entity, the identity of the authorized representative or agent is verified based on data registered with the Ministry of Commerce.

What documents are required under the Investment System?

The required documents include: a copy of the foreign establishment’s commercial registration authenticated by the Saudi Embassy; a copy of the ID if one of the partners is a natural person holding GCC nationality and their data is not registered in Absher; the financial statements for the last fiscal year of the foreign company requesting registration, authenticated by the Saudi Embassy; the requirements related to the type of activity to be registered; and Premium Residency holders are exempt from submitting the commercial registration and financial statements.

Is the Articles of Association issued electronically or manually for the service of establishing a foreign company from abroad?

The Articles of Association are authenticated and the Commercial Registration is issued electronically after registering and opening a file on the Ministry of Commerce website.

Who is authorized to submit the application to the Ministry of Commerce to benefit from the service of establishing a foreign company electronically from abroad?

Registration on the Ministry of Commerce portal is completed through the establishment’s contact officer registered with the Ministry of Investment.

Can the client obtain the Investment License separately only under the service of establishing a foreign company electronically from abroad?

Yes. The client can obtain only the Investment License and then complete the rest of the application to authenticate the Articles of Association and obtain the Commercial Registration.

What are the Ministry’s communication channels?

Email: investorCare@misa.gov.sa
Phone number from inside the Kingdom: 8002449990
Phone number from outside the Kingdom: 00966115065777

Can contracting or service companies import specialized equipment from outside the Kingdom to execute their projects? Can contracting or service companies import materials?

Investment service companies in the contracting sector are allowed to import goods and materials for contract execution after matching the actual imports with what is stated in valid contracts. The purpose must align with the commercial and investment activity. These licenses and commercial registrations do not require adding the term import and export. Companies facing issues in clearing imports should refer to the Restrictions Department at the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.

Are there specific activities for investment in Saudi Arabia?

There are no specific limited activities. Investment can be made in any activity that is permitted for investment, provided that its requirements are met.

Frequently Asked Questions

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