Registering a company in Saudi Arabia is more straightforward today than it has ever been. The Ministry of Commerce has digitised most of the process, and many steps that previously took weeks now complete in days.
Step 1: Choose Your Legal Structure
The most common structure is the Limited Liability Company (LLC). Other options include the Single-Person LLC, Professional Companies, and Simplified Joint Stock Companies. Your choice affects capital requirements, governance obligations, and profit distribution.
Step 2: Reserve Your Trade Name
Reserve a trade name through the Ministry of Commerce portal. The name must be unique and comply with naming regulations. Arabic names are required; English trade names can be registered alongside.
Step 3: Draft Your Articles of Association
The Articles of Association define company structure, partner rights, and governance rules. For an LLC, this document must be notarised.
Step 4: Apply for Your Commercial Registration
Submit through the Ministry of Commerce online system. Standard processing takes 1 to 3 business days.
Step 5: Complete Ancillary Registrations
Register with ZATCA for tax, GOSI for social insurance, Chamber of Commerce, and your municipal authority for premises licensing.
Step 6: Open a Corporate Bank Account
With your CR and supporting documents, approach Saudi banks for corporate account opening.
If you need help with any stage, our company formation service handles the entire journey.
