Third-Party Approvals in Saudi Arabia
Unlock your business in Saudi Arabia by obtaining the required approvals for your licenses in the Kingdom.
Why Third-Party Approvals Matter
Sector Requirement
Many sectors in Saudi Arabia require external approvals in addition to the Commercial Registration (CR).
Legal & Operational Readiness
Third-party approvals confirm that your company meets all regulatory and sector-specific requirements, allowing you to operate legally, bid for contracts, and access key partnerships in the Kingdom.
Business Continuity
Without the right approvals, operations may be blocked or delayed.
Our Process
Typical timeframe depends on approval type, but AstroLabs accelerates the process by managing all requirements and communication on your behalf.
Checking Eligibility
Identifying Approval
Preparing Documents
Submitting the Application
Assigning the Approval
Approvals We Cover
AstroLabs has guided companies through some of the key approval processes in Saudi Arabia, including:
SFDA
Saudi Food & Drug Authority
For food, pharma, and medical companies
SAMA
Saudi Central Bank
For fintech, finance, and payment providers
CMA
Capital Market Authority
For asset management and securities firms
SCA
Saudi Contractors Authority
For construction and contracting classification
SCE
Saudi Council of Engineers
For engineering and architectural professionals
MoM
Ministry of Media
For software, design, and media activities
MCIT
Ministry of Communications and Information Technology
For ICT and digital service providers
CST
Communications, Space and Technology Commission
For telecom and communication providers
TGA
Transport General Authority
For logistics and transportation companies
MoT
Ministry of Tourism
For tour operators and hospitality businesses
TVTC
Technical and Vocational Training Corporation
For educational and training institutions
MoC
Ministry of Culture
For video, content, and production companies
MoH
Ministry of Health
For healthcare professionals and medical centers
BaCD
Baladiya and Civil Defense
For office space certifications and safety compliance
Our Process
Typical timeframe depends on approval type, we accelerate the process by managing all requirements and communication on your behalf through our team
Eligibility check based on CR and activity codes
Document preparation and submission to the relevant governmental body
Approval issuance and integration with your licensing requirements
Who Needs Third-Party Approvals?
Local and Regional Corporates
Expanding into regulated activities such as finance, healthcare, ICT, logistics, or energy
SMEs & Startups
Expanding into regulated industries like media, consulting, engineering, or import/export
International companies
Setting up in Saudi Arabia for the first time and needing cross-border compliance before going live
AstroLabs was Wa'ed's suggestion as the go-to-market entry partner in KSA. The team at AstroLabs had in-depth knowledge about the Kingdom's procedures and the newly issued laws and enabled a very efficient and effective expansion for us.
Michael de Lagarde
CEO
We were attracted by the team’s turnkey solution and how helpful they were. The team has been nothing short of wonderful. Not only were they exceptionally professional, responsive and thorough, but they consistently went above and beyond to help us, particularly during COVID. I am so impressed.
Michael de Lagarde
CEO
AstroLabs is proactive and highly responsive, they drive tasks and take ownership over the process. As a Saudi market entry partner, they facilitated and supported our company towards achieving our goals of establishing our entity in KSA and beyond.
Michael de Lagarde
CEO
We had a unique experience with AstroLabs, we engaged with them a long time ago because Saudi has always been our target market, Faloos was built for the Saudi market and we wanted local support. We understood the value of having people on the ground, and knew the people that would help move us forward with our process.
Michael de Lagarde
CEO
AstroLabs provided invaluable support in our strategic entry into Saudi, which is one of the largest markets in MENA. PRO work can look complicated, but with the help of their on-ground specialists, AstroLabs made our whole expansion journey quick and efficient. They simplified the process remarkably.
Michael de Lagarde
CEO
AstroLabs are the perfect partners to launch your business in Saudi. They set-up our company and got us the needed residency for our team. They understood our priorities and made sure that the job was done on time. We highly recommend them.
Michael de Lagarde
CEO
I want to praise the excellent work AstroLabs did in issuing my Iqama and finalizing the rest of the company setup in the Kingdom. I know how tedious the process is but with the AstroLabs know-how, patience, agility, and connections within the ecosystem.
Michael de Lagarde
CEO
Insights & Resources
Stay updated with the latest market trends and business insights
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.