How to Register in the Commercial Register in Saudi Arabia (1446H): A Step-by-Step Guide

The new Commercial Register Law was issued by Royal Decree No. (M/83) dated 19/3/1446H to facilitate business, simplify procedures and enhance transparency in the Saudi market in line with Vision 2030. The Law requires all traders (natural and legal persons) to register in the Commercial Register, with limited exceptions. In this article Shehab Alsaleh Lawyers & Legal Advisors explains how to register, the required data, the electronic procedure, the annual confirmation, and key tips to avoid rejection or delay.

1. Data Required in the Registration Application

Article 6 of the Law provides that the registration application must include:

1. The applicant’s name, address and ID number (or Commercial Registration number for companies).
2. The trade name to be reserved and registered.
3. The trader’s legal form (sole establishment, LLC, simplified joint stock company, branch of a foreign company, etc.).
4. The authorized capital.
5. The names and powers of the manager(s) or board members.
6. The address of the head office.
7. Any additional data specified in the Implementing Regulations (such as the bank account after registration).

2. Steps to Submit the Registration Application

All applications are submitted electronically through the Ministry of Commerce’s Saudi Business Center platform:

1. Go to the Saudi Business Center platform.
2. Select the “Commercial Registration” service.
3. Choose the type of registration (main, branch, sole establishment, company, etc.).
4. Enter the required data accurately (trade name, legal form, capital, address, etc.).
5. Attach the required documents (ID, authenticated articles of association, investment license for foreigners if applicable, etc.).
6. Pay the fees electronically.

The Registrar decides on the application within 10 working days, and the period may be extended in specific cases. If the application is rejected, the reason is given, and the applicant may file a grievance with the Ministry within 60 days.

3. Annual Confirmation of Registration Data

Article 11 requires the trader to submit an annual confirmation of the registration data through the same platform. The basic conditions are:

• The registration is active (not suspended or cancelled).
• Any previously required amendments have been completed.
• For foreign companies: an investment license valid for at least 30 days.

There are two separate services: confirmation of the main registration and confirmation of branch registrations. Failure to confirm annually may lead to suspension or cancellation of the registration.

4. Types of Registration

Registration of a Natural Person (Sole Establishment)

Requirements:

• At least 18 years of age
• Not a government employee
• Does not hold another active sole-establishment registration

Documents: ID, special approvals for restricted activities (health, education, etc.), and proof of e-commerce activity if applicable.

Registration of a Legal Person (Companies)

This covers all company forms under the 1443H Companies Law (LLC, simplified joint stock company, general partnership, limited partnership, branch of a foreign company, etc.).

How Can Shehab Alsaleh Law Firm Help You Obtain Your Commercial Registration?

We provide an integrated service for establishing and registering local and foreign companies and establishments quickly and in full compliance:

1. Advice on choosing the optimal legal form
2. Reserving and registering a compliant trade name
3. Drafting and electronically authenticating the incorporation documents
4. Obtaining an investment license from the Ministry of Investment (MISA) for foreign companies
5. Completing and following up the application on the Saudi Business Center until the registration is issued
6. Post-incorporation services: tax and zakat registration, annual confirmation, data amendments and opening bank accounts

To avoid common incorporation mistakes and obtain a clean Commercial Registration quickly, contact us through our contact page.