With your MISA license in hand, you’re now ready to create your official legal identity in Saudi Arabia. This means obtaining your Commercial Registration (CR), defining your business activity license, acquiring a municipality license, and completing registration with the Foreign Strategic Center (FSC).

Each step validates a different aspect of your business — from its name to its physical location — and together they form the operational foundation of your Saudi entity.

Step 1: Issuing the Commercial Registration (CR)

Your CR is the birth certificate of your Saudi company — it makes your business legally recognized by the Ministry of Commerce (MoC).

Key Requirements:

• MISA license number and details
  
• Trade name approval
  
• Articles of Association (AoA)
  
• Notarized Board Resolution & Power of Attorney (if not done already)
  
• Identity documents of partners or authorized signatories
  
• Lease agreement (or virtual office contract) for business premises
  

Processing Time: Typically 1–3 business days once documents are complete and approved.

Step 2: Business Activity Licensing

After issuing the CR, you must obtain the license for your specific business activity from the relevant ministry or authority (e.g., MoC, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Media, etc.).

This license defines:

• The scope of what your company can do
  
• The operational conditions tied to your sector
  
• The authority that will monitor your activity going forward
  

📌 In some sectors, this license must be obtained before CR issuance — always check your activity code (ISIC4) and licensing authority requirements in advance.

Step 3: Municipality License (Baladiyah)

This license is issued by the local municipal authority (Baladiyah) in the city where your company operates. It ensures your chosen location complies with zoning and safety regulations.

You’ll need:

• Copy of your CR and MISA license
  
• Lease contract (minimum 1-year duration)
  
• Civil defense safety report (if applicable)
  
• Location coordinates (via the Balady platform)
  
• Proof of payment for municipal fees
  

* If your lease is for a virtual office or business center, the license may have limitations based on sector or square meter requirements.

Step 4: Registering with the Foreign Strategic Center (FSC)

The FSC monitors and validates foreign companies operating in KSA. This step is crucial for maintaining transparency and sectoral alignment.

Required Information:

• Company CR and MISA license
  
• Activity license (if separate)
  
• Ownership structure and parent company details
  
• Business address and contact details
  
• Authorized representative info
  

*FSC registration is often required before issuing labor files, applying for GOSI, or activating government e-services like Qiwa or Muqeem.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a temporary lease or PO box — a physical address is mandatory.
• Mismatch in activity codes between MISA and MoC — always align early.
• Skipping municipal approval — some cities require additional clearance from Civil Defense or the Chamber of Commerce.

What Comes Next?

Once all licenses and registrations are in place, you can begin onboarding staff, applying for work visas, and activating services like GOSI, ZATCA, and bank accounts.

This marks the end of your legal setup phase — and the beginning of your operations in Saudi Arabia.

Our Role at Operational Framework

We streamline your Phase 3 journey with expert coordination, bilingual document prep, and milestone tracking. Our team works with you to:

• Secure your trade name and issue your CR
  
• Prepare submissions for municipal and activity licensing
  
• Coordinate with authorities across ministries
  
• Ensure your FSC profile is registered and aligned
  
• Avoid missteps that could delay onboarding or cost you fees
  

Need support across these steps?
Let us handle the admin — you focus on the business.
Contact us or schedule a setup consultation.