Service Business License in Saudi Arabia
Launch and scale your business in Saudi Arabia with 100% foreign ownership. Learn how AstroLabs helps international companies secure a MISA Service License and navigate the setup process across sectors like tech, education, healthcare, and more.
Information Essentials: Obtaining a Service License in KSA
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and MISA’s regulatory framework make it simpler than ever for foreign service providers to enter the Kingdom. The Service License enables foreign companies to operate across a wide range of sectors in Saudi Arabia, including construction, technology, education, healthcare, and tourism, with 100% foreign ownership. This license offers a streamlined path for international companies looking to expand and set up a business in Saudi Arabia.
What Type of Company Should Consider This License in Saudi Arabia?
Here are examples of the companies that can provide services under this license in Saudi Arabia.
IT firms and Software Developers
Companies delivering digital solutions, software development, SaaS platforms, enterprise IT services and more, can operate under the Service License to support Saudi Arabia’s fast-evolving tech ecosystem.
Marketing, Digital, and Media Agencies
Agencies offering branding, advertising, digital marketing, social media, creative production, and more, can legally establish operations and serve both public and private sector clients.
Restaurants, Catering Services, and F&B Businesses
International food and beverage businesses, including dine-in concepts, QSRs, and catering services, can set up and scale in Saudi Arabia’s booming hospitality sector.
Logistics, Training, and Educational Service Providers
Companies in freight forwarding, supply chain management, corporate training, and education consulting can expand operations to meet demand across industrial and talent development sectors.
Healthcare Practitioners and Wellness Providers
Foreign healthcare brands, clinics, wellness centers, and health tech providers can offer specialized services aligned with the Kingdom’s healthcare transformation goals.
Construction, Exhibition, and Event Management Companies
Businesses involved in infrastructure development, project management, and live event production can secure the Service License to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s large-scale development and entertainment agenda.
Service Licensing Process in KSA: The 3-Stage Market Entry Roadmap
Step 1: Legal Entity Establishment (Projected timeline: 1 month)
The setup journey begins with establishing your legal foundation, securing the MISA license, reserving your name, drafting the Articles of Association (AoA), obtaining the Certificate of Registration (CR) and Certificate of Compliance (CoC), all of which are legalized and translated into Arabic.
Step 2: Authorization and Hiring (Projected Timeline: 2 months)
Next, authorize operations by obtaining a company seal, registering with the Ministry of Labor, GOSI, and National Address, issuing a GM visa, and completing GAZT and VAT registration.
Step 3: Residency and Banking (Projected timeline: 3 months)
Finally, complete residency procedures and activate your corporate presence by issuing the GM’s Iqama, registering with key government platforms (Muqeem, Absher, Qiwa, Mudad), and opening a corporate bank account.
AstroLabs Advantage
| Offering | AstroLabs | Corporate Services Companies offering PRO & GRO | Law Firms | In-House |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40+ on-ground local team of experts |  |  | | |
| Government portal management and compliance support | | | | |
| Full management of your company licenses and certificates | | | | |
| Management of registered employees across the employee journey, from hiring to ongoing management | | | | |
| Full suite of support: PRO, GRO, HRs support and access to a pool of Saudi talent | | | | |
| National Address Registration with varied coworking and private office locations | | | | |
| Seamlessly manage GRO services online using a digital platform | | | | |
| Corporate bank account opening | | | | |
| Access to a community of 700+ high-growth businesses in Saudi Arabia | | | | |
| Extended media and exposure support through press releases, social media coverage and articles | | | | |
| Opportunity-matchmaking with potential partners in governmental entities and corporates | | | | |
| Access to global and regional events such as BIBAN, LEAP, Seamless, etc | | | | |