Do all businesses in Saudi Arabia need sector licences?

No. Many service and trading businesses only need investor registration, a Commercial Registration and standard post-incorporation registrations. Regulated sectors such as food, healthcare, education, manufacturing, construction and financial services need extra approvals from their regulators.

What licences does a restaurant need in Saudi Arabia?

A restaurant typically needs the correct activity code on its Commercial Registration, a Balady municipal licence, Civil Defense safety approval and health certificates for food-handling staff. Food importers and manufacturers also need SFDA approvals.

Can foreigners own 100% of a business in any sector?

Most activities in Saudi Arabia are open to 100% foreign ownership. A limited number remain restricted, capped or closed to foreign investors, so we check your exact activity against current rules before you register.

How long do sector approvals take?

It depends on the sector and regulator. Healthcare, manufacturing and financial services approvals usually take longer than general services, and premises readiness is often the deciding factor. We give you a realistic timeline upfront.

Industry-Specific Business Setup in Saudi Arabia

Every Saudi business needs investor registration and a Commercial Registration, but your industry decides the licences that follow. Restaurants need municipal and Civil Defense approvals, clinics need Ministry of Health licensing, factories need an industrial licence, and fintechs need Saudi Central Bank or Capital Market Authority approval. Start Easy maps and coordinates them for you.

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Sectors We Support

Typical approvals by sector. We confirm the exact requirements for your activity and location.

Sector Licences & Regulatory Approvals

Mapping and coordinating the licences your activity needs after the Commercial Registration, in the right order.

Food & Beverage and Hospitality

Balady municipal licence, Civil Defense approval and staff health certificates, plus SFDA requirements for food import or production.

Trading & Commerce

Correct trading activity codes, customs registration for importers and product conformity for regulated goods.

Technology & Digital

Broadly open to foreign investment, with CST licensing for telecom or cloud services and e-commerce and data protection compliance.

Professional Services

Consulting, engineering, legal and accounting firms, with professional licensing for regulated professions.

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Ministry of Health facility licensing, practitioner registration and SFDA approvals for pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

Construction & Real Estate

Contractor classification for government projects and REGA licensing for regulated real estate activities.

Education & Training

Licensing from the Ministry of Education or the relevant training authority, with facility and staffing requirements.

Manufacturing & Industrial

An industrial licence from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, a suitable site and environmental permits.

Fintech & Financial Services

SAMA licensing or sandbox for payments and financing, and CMA licensing for investment activities.

How It Works

A transparent process, with government fees and our professional fees shown separately.

Step 1

Tell us your plans

Share your activity, ownership and timeline.

Step 2

We map requirements

A clear list of what applies to you, in order.

Step 3

We prepare and submit

We submit to the relevant Saudi authorities on your behalf.

Step 4

We keep you on track

Updates throughout, and support after go-live.

Built on transparency and trust

Saudi-based execution

Practical support from a team working with businesses in the Kingdom.

End-to-end setup

Structure, registration, residency, banking and operational readiness.

Transparent costs

Professional fees and expected government / third-party costs explained separately.

Professional fee guarantee

100% of our professional fee, subject to our guarantee terms.

Find Out What Your Sector Requires

Tell us your activity and location. We will map your approvals and timeline. No cost, no obligation.