Commercial Registration for Foreigners in Saudi Arabia 2026
How a foreigner gets a commercial registration (CR) in Saudi Arabia in 2026: the legal route, steps, timeline, what changed in 2025 and the risk of concealment.
A question we get a lot, especially from expats already living in Saudi Arabia: "Can I get a commercial registration in my own name?" The short answer is no, not as an individual. But there is a legal way to have your own CR and run your business with full ownership, and it is how we've helped more than 1,000 investors. Here is how a commercial registration for foreigners in Saudi Arabia works in 2026.
Can a foreigner get a CR in Saudi Arabia?
A sole proprietorship CR, the kind issued to an individual, is only for Saudi and GCC nationals. A foreigner gets a CR through a company: a company you own outside the Kingdom gets the investment license, then a Saudi company is set up, and the CR is issued in the company's name. You own the company, so the CR is effectively yours.
Don't run your business under someone else's CR
Some people take a shortcut and work under a Saudi citizen's CR. That is commercial concealment (tasattur), and the penalties include prison, heavy fines and losing the business. If you are already in that situation, don't put it off. Correct it and move the business into your own name properly.
Steps to get a CR as a foreigner
1. A parent company outside Saudi Arabia
It must have completed at least one financial year and have financial statements. If you don't have one, we set it up for you in Egypt as part of the package.
2. The investment license
From the Ministry of Investment, covering your activities. One license can now cover several activities. See our guide to the MISA license.
3. The trade name
It must not already be in use in the Kingdom. Since 2025, English names are allowed too.
4. The articles of association
They set the partners, the capital, and the manager's powers.
5. The commercial registration
Issued by the Ministry of Commerce once the articles are approved.
6. After the CR
Register with ZATCA for Zakat and income tax, then GOSI, then Qiwa. After that you can appoint an account manager and issue visas. VAT registration becomes mandatory once your annual revenue exceeds SAR 375,000. Many activities also need a municipality license before opening.
How long does it take?
With EL-LWAA, you can have your CR within about 45 working days for a service activity, and a little longer for trading, depending on how quickly the trade name is approved and how ready the parent company's documents are.
What changed in the CR in 2025
The new Commercial Register Law came into force in April 2025. The CR no longer needs to be renewed every year. Instead, you confirm your company's information once a year. If you don't confirm within 90 days of the due date, the registration can be suspended, so keep an eye on the date. The way branches are registered also changed, and we'll tell you the current method for your case.
How much does it cost?
The CR comes as part of the full formation package, which includes the parent company, the license, the CR and the platform registrations. The price depends on your activity and on whether you already have a parent company. Details are in our article on company setup cost in Saudi Arabia.
Why EL-LWAA
We have been setting up companies for more than 40 years, with offices in Riyadh, Jeddah and Cairo, and have formed more than 1,000 companies in Saudi Arabia, across trading, service and professional activities, including ones that are hard to license.
Start your request through the ASSIS platform, or contact us to check your case.
FAQ
Can a foreign resident open a sole proprietorship CR in Saudi Arabia?
No. Sole proprietorships are for Saudi and GCC nationals. A foreigner gets a CR through a company.
My business is under a Saudi citizen's CR. What should I do?
Correct it quickly, because it counts as commercial concealment. Contact us to review your papers and move the business into your name properly.
How long does it take to get a CR?
About 45 working days for a service activity with EL-LWAA, a little longer for trading.
Do I need to renew my CR every year?
Not anymore. Since April 2025 you confirm your information once a year instead of renewing.
Can my trade name be in English?
Yes, English trade names have been allowed since 2025.
What happens if I work in an activity that isn't on my CR?
That can lead to violations. Add the activity to your registration first. Contact us and we'll handle it.