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Business Activity Approvals in Saudi Arabia

Unlock your business in Saudi Arabia by obtaining the required approvals for your licenses in the Kingdom.

Check Required Approvals
approval document
1,200+GCC Ventures Trusted Us
2–6 weeksAvg. approval timeline

Why Third-Party Approvals Matter

Understanding the critical role of regulatory approvals in your Saudi business operations

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Sector Requirement

Many sectors in Saudi Arabia require external approvals in addition to the Commercial Registration (CR).

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Legal & Operational Readiness

Third-party approvals validate your legal eligibility and sector compliance to operate in Saudi Arabia.

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Business Continuity

Without the right approvals, operations may be blocked or delayed.

Approvals We Cover

AstroLabs has guided companies through some of the key approval processes in Saudi Arabia, including:

SAMA logo

SAMA

Saudi Central Bank

Fintech
Finance
Payment providers
CMA logo

CMA

Capital Market Authority

Asset management
Securities firms
SCA logo

SCA

Saudi Contractors Authority

Construction
Contracting classification
SCE logo

SCE

Saudi Council of Engineers

Engineering
Architectural professionals
Saudi Food & Drug Authority

SFDA

Saudi Food & Drug Authority

food
pharma
Ministry of Media

MoM

Ministry of Media

software
design
Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

MCIT

Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

ICT
digital
Communications, Space and Technology Commission

CST

Communications, Space and Technology Commission

telecom
communication
Transport General Authority

TGA

Transport General Authority

logistics
transportation
Ministry of Tourism

MoT

Ministry of Tourism

operators
hospitality
Technical and Vocational Training Corporation

TVTC

Technical and Vocational Training Corporation

educational
training
Ministry of Culture

MoC

Ministry of Culture

video
content
Ministry of Health

MoH

Ministry of Health

healthcare
medical
Baladiya and Civil Defense

BaCD

Baladiya and Civil Defense

safety
compliance
SAMA logo

SAMA

Saudi Central Bank

Fintech
Finance
Payment providers
CMA logo

CMA

Capital Market Authority

Asset management
Securities firms
SCA logo

SCA

Saudi Contractors Authority

Construction
Contracting classification
SCE logo

SCE

Saudi Council of Engineers

Engineering
Architectural professionals
Saudi Food & Drug Authority

SFDA

Saudi Food & Drug Authority

food
pharma
Ministry of Media

MoM

Ministry of Media

software
design
Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

MCIT

Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

ICT
digital
Communications, Space and Technology Commission

CST

Communications, Space and Technology Commission

telecom
communication
Transport General Authority

TGA

Transport General Authority

logistics
transportation
Ministry of Tourism

MoT

Ministry of Tourism

operators
hospitality
Technical and Vocational Training Corporation

TVTC

Technical and Vocational Training Corporation

educational
training
Ministry of Culture

MoC

Ministry of Culture

video
content
Ministry of Health

MoH

Ministry of Health

healthcare
medical
Baladiya and Civil Defense

BaCD

Baladiya and Civil Defense

safety
compliance
SAMA logo

SAMA

Saudi Central Bank

Fintech
Finance
Payment providers
CMA logo

CMA

Capital Market Authority

Asset management
Securities firms
SCA logo

SCA

Saudi Contractors Authority

Construction
Contracting classification
SCE logo

SCE

Saudi Council of Engineers

Engineering
Architectural professionals
Saudi Food & Drug Authority

SFDA

Saudi Food & Drug Authority

food
pharma
Ministry of Media

MoM

Ministry of Media

software
design
Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

MCIT

Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

ICT
digital
Communications, Space and Technology Commission

CST

Communications, Space and Technology Commission

telecom
communication
Transport General Authority

TGA

Transport General Authority

logistics
transportation
Ministry of Tourism

MoT

Ministry of Tourism

operators
hospitality
Technical and Vocational Training Corporation

TVTC

Technical and Vocational Training Corporation

educational
training
Ministry of Culture

MoC

Ministry of Culture

video
content
Ministry of Health

MoH

Ministry of Health

healthcare
medical
Baladiya and Civil Defense

BaCD

Baladiya and Civil Defense

safety
compliance
SAMA logo

SAMA

Saudi Central Bank

Fintech
Finance
Payment providers
CMA logo

CMA

Capital Market Authority

Asset management
Securities firms
SCA logo

SCA

Saudi Contractors Authority

Construction
Contracting classification
SCE logo

SCE

Saudi Council of Engineers

Engineering
Architectural professionals
Saudi Food & Drug Authority

SFDA

Saudi Food & Drug Authority

food
pharma
Ministry of Media

MoM

Ministry of Media

software
design
Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

MCIT

Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

ICT
digital
Communications, Space and Technology Commission

CST

Communications, Space and Technology Commission

telecom
communication
Transport General Authority

TGA

Transport General Authority

logistics
transportation
Ministry of Tourism

MoT

Ministry of Tourism

operators
hospitality
Technical and Vocational Training Corporation

TVTC

Technical and Vocational Training Corporation

educational
training
Ministry of Culture

MoC

Ministry of Culture

video
content
Ministry of Health

MoH

Ministry of Health

healthcare
medical
Baladiya and Civil Defense

BaCD

Baladiya and Civil Defense

safety
compliance
SAMA logo

SAMA

Saudi Central Bank

Fintech
Finance
Payment providers
CMA logo

CMA

Capital Market Authority

Asset management
Securities firms
SCA logo

SCA

Saudi Contractors Authority

Construction
Contracting classification
SCE logo

SCE

Saudi Council of Engineers

Engineering
Architectural professionals
Saudi Food & Drug Authority

SFDA

Saudi Food & Drug Authority

food
pharma
Ministry of Media

MoM

Ministry of Media

software
design
Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

MCIT

Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

ICT
digital
Communications, Space and Technology Commission

CST

Communications, Space and Technology Commission

telecom
communication
Transport General Authority

TGA

Transport General Authority

logistics
transportation
Ministry of Tourism

MoT

Ministry of Tourism

operators
hospitality
Technical and Vocational Training Corporation

TVTC

Technical and Vocational Training Corporation

educational
training
Ministry of Culture

MoC

Ministry of Culture

video
content
Ministry of Health

MoH

Ministry of Health

healthcare
medical
Baladiya and Civil Defense

BaCD

Baladiya and Civil Defense

safety
compliance
SAMA logo

SAMA

Saudi Central Bank

Fintech
Finance
Payment providers
CMA logo

CMA

Capital Market Authority

Asset management
Securities firms
SCA logo

SCA

Saudi Contractors Authority

Construction
Contracting classification
SCE logo

SCE

Saudi Council of Engineers

Engineering
Architectural professionals
Saudi Food & Drug Authority

SFDA

Saudi Food & Drug Authority

food
pharma
Ministry of Media

MoM

Ministry of Media

software
design
Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

MCIT

Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

ICT
digital
Communications, Space and Technology Commission

CST

Communications, Space and Technology Commission

telecom
communication
Transport General Authority

TGA

Transport General Authority

logistics
transportation
Ministry of Tourism

MoT

Ministry of Tourism

operators
hospitality
Technical and Vocational Training Corporation

TVTC

Technical and Vocational Training Corporation

educational
training
Ministry of Culture

MoC

Ministry of Culture

video
content
Ministry of Health

MoH

Ministry of Health

healthcare
medical
Baladiya and Civil Defense

BaCD

Baladiya and Civil Defense

safety
compliance

What We Do

AstroLabs streamlines your approval process from identification to final certification

dart in target

Approval Identification

Identify which government approvals are required based on your business activity.

open folder

Documentation Support

Prepare and submit all documentation required for your specific approval process.

prize ribbon with star

Government Liaison

Liaise and coordinate with relevant authorities to accelerate the approval process.

shield

Compliance Management

Obtain final approval so operations can begin with full regulatory compliance.

Who Needs Third-Party Approvals?

Companies across various sectors must obtain approvals from the regulators overseeing their activities. The most common ones are:

person
SCEMCIT

Professional Service Providers

Consulting, legal, and professional services

monitor
MCITCST

ICT & Software Design Companies

Technology and software development

government building
SAMACMA

Financial Institutions & Fintechs

Banking and financial services

tv
Ministry of Media

Media & Content

Broadcasting and content creation

Ready to Get Your Approvals?

Start with our free diagnostic tool or request a comprehensive compliance review from our experts.

Check Required Approvals

Our Process

A streamlined 5-step approach to secure your business approvals efficiently

Check Required Approvals
Step 1

Checking Eligibility

Same day – 1 business day

Review your business activities and determine approval requirements

Step 2

Identifying Approval

1–3 business days

Map specific approvals needed for your industry and activities

Step 3

Preparing Documents

3–7 business days

Compile and prepare all required documentation and applications

Step 4

Submitting Application

2–8 weeks

Submit applications and coordinate with regulatory authorities

Step 5

Assigning Approval

1–5 business days

Receive final approval and begin compliant operations

Check the Required Approvals for Your CR

Get a personalized checklist of approvals needed for your business activities

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fresha logo
ui path logo
worldvue logo
edenred logo
checkout logo
fresha logo
ui path logo
worldvue logo
edenred logo
checkout logo
fresha logo
ui path logo
worldvue logo
edenred logo
checkout logo
fresha logo
ui path logo
worldvue logo
edenred logo
checkout logo
fresha logo
ui path logo
worldvue logo
edenred logo
checkout logo
fresha logo
ui path logo
worldvue logo
edenred logo
checkout logo
fresha logo
ui path logo
worldvue logo
edenred logo
checkout logo
fresha logo
ui path logo
worldvue logo
edenred logo

AstroLabs really helped us with communicating with the authorities. They set up calls with MISA where we could present our use case, but also guided how we should explain what it is that we are doing, and to ensure that as a foreign company we are aligning with the Vision 2030, what parts of that we are aligning with just to ensure that the authorities understand the purpose of us going into Saudi. AstroLabs helped us use the language of the Saudi authorities and the Saudi regulators how to present the various cases to accelerate getting our CR - company registration, in Saudi and everything else that was needed.

Qashio logo

Armin Moradi

CEO

man in dark jacket leaning on table and looking at camera

Insights & Resources

Stay updated with the latest market trends and business insights

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Reports

February 24, 2025

First Business Success Index Reveals Factors for Thriving in Saudi Arabia

The updated 2025 report draws on 1,200+ international companies to introduce the first Saudi Success Index, identifying localization, compliance, and market integration as top success drivers, while urgency to enter increased by 33% YoY.

Read more
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Reports

February 7, 2024

Business Expansion Activity Across Saudi Arabia Sees 4X Increase Since 2018

The 2023 Saudi Market Entry Report analyzed responses from 660 high-growth firms, revealing a fourfold acceleration in market entry timelines (from 8–12 months down to ~2 months), and that 91% of entrants hire local talent within 4 months.

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Reports

November 25, 2024

Saudi Construction Sector Guidebook: 30+ Regulations, Licenses & Key Stakeholders Mapped

AstroLabs releases the first comprehensive guide to Saudi Arabia’s construction sector, outlining over 30 regulatory requirements, licensing steps, and key public and private stakeholders. Designed for local and international players, this guide simplifies entry into one of the Kingdom’s fastest-growing industries and aligns with Vision 2030 development priorities.

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Webinars

November 26, 2025

How to Win Projects in Saudi: Bidding and Tendering Process

​Join us for an insightful session focused on how to win governmental projects in Saudi Arabia by navigating the bidding and tendering process. Our experts will walk through the key tender platforms, registration steps, required documents, and practical tips to increase your chances of winning bids.

​We’ll end with an open Q&A, so you can ask your specific questions and better understand how to approach tenders in Saudi Arabia.

Register here

Webinars

November 12, 2025

Saudi Business Expansion: 2025 Recap and What’s Ahead in 2026

​Get ready to unlock the Saudi market! Join us as we dive into the biggest trends, opportunities, and lessons from 2025, and explore what’s on the horizon for 2026. Our experts will share insider tips on market entry, winning strategies, and building a strong local presence.

​Whether you’re planning to expand to Saudi Arabia or aiming to grow your existing footprint, this webinar will give you actionable insights to stay ahead. Stick around for the live Q&A to get your burning questions answered and take your expansion plans to the next level!

Register here

Webinars

October 29, 2025

Saudi Business Registration: Advantages of Having a Local Entity

Join our bite-sized webinar, featuring a fireside chat with two of our experts as they explore the benefits of establishing a local entity in Saudi Arabia. Learn why having a local presence is crucial for winning contracts, attracting clients, and building a strong regional network.

Register here

Webinars

September 17, 2025

Navigating Saudi Regulations: A Guide to 100% Foreign-Owned Entities

​​Join us for an insightful webinar where we explore the regulatory landscape of expanding your business to Saudi Arabia, with a focus on setting up 100% foreign-owned entities. Learn about the step-by-step setup process, explore the different types of licenses available, and uncover the top five success factors for market entry. Gain valuable insights and expert guidance to ensure a smooth, compliant, and successful entry into the Saudi market.

Register here
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Guides

December 9, 2024

Company Formation in Saudi Arabia in 2025: A Full Guide

This comprehensive, step-by-step guide covers entity selection, licensing options, document requirements, and setup workflows for companies entering the Saudi market in 2025.

Read more
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Guides

December 15, 2024

How to Get a Foreign Investment (MISA) License in Saudi Arabia

A clear walkthrough of obtaining foreign investment licenses—covering license types, entity structures, required documentation, and application processes.

Read more
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Guides

November 29, 2024

Vision 2030 Goal Surpassed: 540+ Firms Gain RHQ License in Saudi

Over 540 global businesses have set up their Regional Headquarters in Saudi—surpassing the 2030 target early—highlighting the RHQ incentives such as 0% withholding tax and Saudization exemptions.

Read more
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News & Media

June 16, 2025

UK’s NayaOne Enters Saudi Market with AstroLabs

Announcement of the first fully Saudi‑hosted NayaOne platform, accelerating fintech sandbox deployments in weeks and reinforcing UK–Saudi digital collaboration.

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News & Media

June 26, 2025

Italy’s PRONUR Enters Saudi Arabia with AstroLabs

PRONUR, a renewable energy engineering firm, enters KSA with AstroLabs support—aligning with Vision 2030’s energy diversification and sustainability targets.

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News & Media

May 26, 2025

AstroLabs and SAB Accelerate Expansion Opportunities in Saudi

AstroLabs partners with Saudi Awwal Bank to offer integrated market entry support—including licensing, financing, and compliance—aimed at fast-growing international companies.

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Frequently Asked Questions