Services License in Saudi Arabia
Expanding your business into Saudi Arabia’s service sector opens the door to one of the fastest-growing markets in the Middle East. Whether you plan to offer consulting, IT solutions, or marketing services, obtaining a Services License in Saudi Arabia is the essential first step to operating legally and confidently.
At Incorpyfy, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs and companies secure their service activity license in KSA. From handling the paperwork to ensuring complete compliance with local regulations, our team makes the entire process seamless so you can focus on delivering value to your clients.
Who Needs a Services License in Saudi Arabia?
A services license is required for any business providing professional or commercial services rather than trading in physical goods. It covers a broad range of activities — from management consultancy and technology development to education, healthcare, and marketing.
What a Service Activity Covers
This license applies to a wide variety of professional categories, including:
- Business and management consultancy
- Software and IT development
- Marketing and advertising agencies
- Financial and accounting services
- HR and recruitment services
- Training and education providers
- Maintenance and facility management
Whether you are a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, you must secure this license before beginning operations in the Kingdom.
Activities Needing Sector Approvals
Certain service sectors require additional approvals from specific authorities:
- Healthcare services – Ministry of Health (MoH)
- Financial or insurance services – Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)
- Educational and training institutions – Ministry of Education (MoE)
If your activity falls under any regulated category, Incorpyfy ensures you obtain all necessary clearances before submitting your main license application.
Regulator & Compliance Overview (MISA, MOC, HRSD, ZATCA)
Saudi Arabia’s licensing process involves multiple government bodies, each responsible for specific compliance requirements.
- Ministry of Investment (MISA): Handles licensing for foreign investors seeking to operate service-based businesses in Saudi Arabia.
- Ministry of Commerce (MOC): Issues the Commercial Registration (CR) upon approval of the MISA license.
- Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD): Oversees Saudization quotas to ensure a balanced local workforce.
- Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA): Handles VAT registration and tax compliance for service companies.
Foreign Investor Path
Foreign businesses start by obtaining a MISA license. Once approved, the company must register with the MOC to obtain its Commercial Registration (CR) and set up a physical office under an Ejar lease contract.
Saudization and VAT at a Glance
Every service company must meet Saudization (HRSD) requirements and register for VAT with ZATCA once turnover crosses the mandatory threshold. These are ongoing obligations to ensure legal compliance and smooth business operations in the Kingdom.
A service activity license covers the following activities in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, obtaining a service activity license unlocks access to one of the Kingdom’s most diverse and fast-growing sectors. Regulated by the Ministry of Investment (MISA) and the Ministry of Commerce (MOC), this license allows both local and foreign investors to legally offer a wide range of professional, commercial, and personal services.
While a service activity license covers most service-oriented businesses, certain fields — such as healthcare, education, and financial services — may require additional approvals from specific ministries. At Incorpyfy, we guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your business remains compliant from the start.
Here’s a closer look at the types of services covered under a service activity license in KSA:
- Professional Services: Consulting, legal, accounting, engineering, and architectural firms that provide expert advice and specialized solutions.
- Business Services: Advertising, marketing, event management, and business support agencies helping brands grow and scale.
- Information Technology Services: Software development, web design, data analysis, and cybersecurity solutions for both private and public sectors.
- Hospitality Services: Hotels, restaurants, catering, and tourism projects managed under the Ministry of Tourism guidelines.
- Education & Training Services: Schools, vocational training institutes, e-learning platforms, and professional development providers.
- Healthcare Services: Clinics, hospitals, laboratories, and specialized medical centers (requiring Ministry of Health approval).
- Financial Services: Banking, insurance, fintech, investment advisory, and related operations under Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) oversight.
- Logistics & Transportation: Freight forwarding, warehousing, delivery, and vehicle leasing operations.
- Maintenance & Repair Services: Equipment servicing, facility maintenance, automotive workshops, and technical repairs.
- Personal Services: Salons, spas, laundries, gyms, and other lifestyle or wellness businesses catering to individuals.
Securing a service license in Saudi Arabia ensures your business operates legally and efficiently, whether you’re launching a startup or expanding a global brand. At Incorpyfy, our experts handle the MISA approval, documentation, and submission process — saving you time, effort, and unnecessary delays.
Ready to establish your business?
Contact Incorpyfy today to start your service activity license application in Saudi Arabia with confidence.
Services Licensing Requirements In Saudi Arabia
Setting up a service-based business in Saudi Arabia can open the door to a wealth of opportunities, but getting the right license is essential to ensure everything runs smoothly. At Incorpyfy, we simplify the process, guiding you through the steps to secure your services license in Saudi Arabia while ensuring full compliance with local regulations.
Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements and rules you need to know:
Required Documents for a Services License
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Plan & Project Proposal | A comprehensive plan detailing your service offerings, goals, and projected outcomes. |
| Proof of Financial Capability | Documents demonstrating sufficient capital and resources to sustain the business. |
| Investor Documentation | Passport copies and personal information for all involved parties. |
| Services License Application | Completed forms and supporting documents specific to the services sector. |
| Professional Certifications | Relevant qualifications or certifications (where applicable). |
Rules and Restrictions
| Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| Saudization & Local Content | Service businesses must comply with Saudization quotas by hiring local talent. |
| Industry-Specific Regulations | Certain industries, such as healthcare or finance, have additional licensing requirements. |
| Foreign Ownership Limits | Some service sectors may have restrictions on how much ownership foreign investors can hold. |
At Incorpyfy, we understand the nuances of the licensing process and help you navigate each step seamlessly. From drafting project proposals to handling legal paperwork, we ensure your business is set up for long-term success.
Let us take the complexity out of obtaining your services license in Saudi Arabia – so you can focus on growing your business. Reach out today to get started!
Obtain Your Services License in Saudi Arabia with Incorpyfy
At Incorpyfy, securing a services license in Saudi Arabia can feel complex, but we’re here to make it easier. Our team takes pride in guiding you step by step, ensuring that every document is in order and your business meets all current regulations. We’ve spent years mastering the ins and outs of the Saudi services landscape and are ready to put that expertise to work for you.
By partnering with Incorpyfy, you can stay focused on what matters most—growing and refining your services—while we handle the paperwork and navigate regulatory requirements. Our dedication to excellence means we’ll do everything we can to streamline the licensing process so you can hit the ground running.
We believe in forging strong, long-term partnerships with our clients, and we’re committed to helping you contribute to Saudi Arabia’s economic growth and diversification. Ready to get started? Contact Incorpyfy today, and let’s turn your service venture into a thriving success.
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