Step 2
How to Register as a Business in Saudi Arabia

Why Register?

  • Builds customer trust
  • Allows you to receive payments legally
  • Gives you access to Monsha’at and government funding programs
  • Avoids fines and legal issues in the future

Part 1: Basic Registration (Applies to Everyone)

1. Register on Maroof

Maroof is a government platform by the Ministry of Commerce that verifies your online store, Instagram shop, or Snapchat business, displaying your business information to customers and collecting reviews for credibility.

Who should register?

  • Anyone selling online in Saudi Arabia
  • Those without a سجل تجاري who want a simple start

How to Register on Maroof (Step-by-Step):

  1. Go to maroof.sa.
  2. Click “تسجيل الدخول” and sign in using your Absher account.
  3. Click “إضافة حساب تجاري” (Add Business Account).
  4. Fill in:
    • Business name (shop or Instagram page name).
    • Your online platforms: Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp Business, or your website.
    • Contact information (phone, email).
    • Business category (e.g., handmade jewelry, desserts, abayas).
  5. Submit your request and wait for approval (typically within 24 hours).
  6. Once approved, you’ll receive a Maroof certificate you can display on your platforms.

Important notes:

  • Maroof is free.
  • You can use it without a سجل تجاري for initial testing of your business.
  • Some advanced features (linking payment gateways) may require a سجل تجاري later.

2. Get Your سجل تجاري (Commercial Registration)

The سجل تجاري (CR) legally registers your business with the Saudi Ministry of Commerce, allowing you to scale, use payment gateways, apply for funding, and open a business bank account. Who should get it?
  • If you plan to sell on platforms like Noon, Amazon, or Shopee
  • If you will scale your business (beyond hobby scale)
  • If you will import/export goods
  • If you want to apply for government grants or Monsha’at support
  • If you want to open a business bank account
  • If you want to use professional payment gateways (HyperPay, Tap)
How to Register for a سجل تجاري (Step-by-Step):
  1. Go to cr.sa.
  2. Log in with your Absher account.
  3. Click “إصدار سجل تجاري” (Issue Commercial Registration).
  4. Fill out:
  • Business name (can use your name or a commercial name).
  • Business activity (select the type of business clearly, e.g., e-commerce, handmade crafts, clothing sales).
  • Business address (home address can be used for e-commerce, but you must ensure it’s correct).
  • Business duration (typically 1 year, renewable).
  1. Pay the annual fee:
  • Fees are typically SAR 200–800 depending on the type of activity and region.
  1. Download your سجل تجاري immediately from the website.
Important notes:
  • Make sure your سجل تجاري includes the correct activity type matching your business plans.
  • You can modify or add activities later as your business expands.
  • Keep a PDF copy in your records.

3. Open a Business Bank Account

Once you have your سجل تجاري:

  1. Choose a bank (SNB, Al Rajhi, Riyad Bank, etc.).
  2. Take your:
    • سجل تجاري
    • National ID
    • Address details
    • Business stamp (optional but recommended)

Open a business account to keep your business income separate from your personal finances.

Part 2: Additional Requirements for Specific Sectors

If you plan to:

  • Sell home-baked goods, desserts, catering services, or packaged food products.

You need:

  1. SFDA Registration (Saudi Food and Drug Authority)
  • Mandatory for packaged foods or catering.
  • Register at sfda.gov.sa.
  • Prepare:
    • Ingredients and recipes.
    • Packaging labels with ingredients and expiry dates.
    • Product photos.
  • Wait for product approval and keep your certificate.
  1. Municipality License (رخصة بلدية)
  • Required for physical kitchens or catering operations.
  • Apply via your local أمانة (municipality) website.
  • Requirements include:
    • Hygiene and safety compliance.
    • Waste disposal plan.
    • Kitchen inspection by municipal officers.
  1. Food Handler Health Certificate:
  • Required for anyone preparing or handling food.
  • Obtain from government hospitals or approved clinics.

If you plan to:

  • Sell skincare, soaps, perfumes, makeup, or beauty products.

You need:

  1. SFDA Registration
  • All cosmetic products must be registered with SFDA before sale.
  • Submit:
    • Ingredients list.
    • Packaging details and labels.
    • Product samples if requested.
  • Register at sfda.gov.sa.

Note:

    • Ensure all claims (e.g., whitening, anti-aging) comply with SFDA guidelines.
    • Keep your registration certificate for inspections or audits.

If you plan to import products to Saudi Arabia or export products abroad.

  1. Import/Export License:
  • Register through FASAH platform for customs clearance processes.
  1. ZATCA Registration:
  • Register with Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority for compliance with import/export regulations.
  1. Update سجل تجاري:
  • Ensure your سجل تجاري includes “import/export” as a business activity.

Prepare:

  • Supplier invoices and agreements.
  • HS codes for your products.
  • Basic understanding of customs duties applicable to your products.

If you plan to open a physical shop, boutique, or café.

  1. Municipality License (رخصة بلدية):
  • Apply on your city’s أمانة website.
  • Submit:
    • Business location lease contract.
    • سجل تجاري.
    • Fire safety and sanitation compliance documents.
    • Waste disposal plan.
    • Signage permit (for store signboards).
  1. Additional Sector Permits:
  • Food handling certificates if serving food.

SFDA approvals if selling consumables or cosmetics.

What You Need for All Registrations:

  • Active Absher account
  • National ID
  • Valid mobile number linked to Absher
  • Business name and description
  • Bank card for online payments
  • Email address for confirmations

Final Checklist Before You Launch:

  • Register on Maroof for trust.
  • Get your سجل تجاري for legal operations.
  • Open a business bank account for transactions.
  • Register with SFDA, Municipality, or ZATCA if your sector requires it.
  • Keep all certificates and approvals organized in a folder for your business.

What This Enables You to Do:

  • Receive payments professionally.
  • Build credibility with customers.
  • Access government and Monsha’at funding.
  • Avoid legal issues and future fines.
  • Scale your business confidently.
Step 1: Finance
Step 3: Online Presence
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