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MCI Services in
Saudi Arabia

Complete support for obtaining your Commercial Registration (CR), managing company records, and ensuring full compliance with Saudi commerce regulations.

Issue Commercial Registration

Following the issuance of your MISA investment license, the next critical step in business setup in Saudi Arabia is obtaining your Commercial Registration (CR) from the Ministry of Commerce and Investment (MCI). The CR serves as your company's formal legal identity, enabling you to open bank accounts, lease premises, and hire staff.

Role of MCI in Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Commerce and Investment (MCI) is responsible for regulating the commercial sector, issuing trade licenses (CRs), and enforcing corporate governance standards. It maintains the definitive registry of all companies, ensuring transparency and trust in the Saudi market.

Digital Transformation: Through its Wathiq and Meras portals, MCI allows for the checking of trade names, CR data, and corporate status instantly, promoting a transparent business environment.

Core MCI Services

Our comprehensive services cover all interactions with the Ministry of Commerce.

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CR Issuance Obtaining the primary Trade License for your new entity or branch.
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Trade Name Reservation Checking availability and reserving your desired Arabic/English company name.
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Articles of Association Drafting and authenticating the AoA for Limited Liability Companies (LLCs).
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Corporate Updates Managing changes in shareholding, management, capital, or activities.

Commercial Registration Process

Once MISA licensing is complete, the MCI process typically follows these steps:

Name Reservation Submitting your preferred company names for approval and reservation.

AoA Drafting Drafting the Articles of Association (AoA) outlining ownership and governance.

Fee Payment Payment of government fees and Chamber of Commerce subscription.

CR Issuance Formal issuance of your Commercial Registration certificate.

Scope of MCI Support

Trade Name Consultation
CR Issuance & Renewal
Branch CR Registration

AoA Amendments (Partners, Capital)
License Cancellation & Liquidation
Legal & Regulatory Compliance

Who Needs MCI Registration?

Every legally operating business entity in Saudi Arabia requires a Commercial Registration. This applies to:

Joint Stock Companies

Large entities looking to list publicly or manage large capital.

Limited Liability Companies

The most common structure for foreign investors and JVs.

Branch Offices

Local branches of foreign entities registered under MISA.

Key Benefits of a Commercial Registration

Legal Entity Status Operate legally, sign contracts, and protect brand identity.
Bank Account Access Mandatory document to open corporate bank accounts in KSA.
Visa & Labor Eligibility Registers your firm with MOL to start issuing employee visas.

Key Outcomes & Deliverables

Commercial Registration (CR) Digital certificate with CR number and business details.

Chamber of Commerce Membership Active membership enabling document attestation.

Frequently Asked Questions

A CR is typically issued for 1 year but can be renewed for up to 5 years at a time, depending on the payment of government fees.

No, operating without a valid CR is illegal in Saudi Arabia and carries severe penalties, including fines and potential closure of business activities.

The MISA license authorizes foreign investment and ownership in the Kingdom. The CR is the subsequent operational license issued by the Ministry of Commerce that legally incorporates the company.

Yes, to activate your CR fully (and open Labor files), you typically need a registered National Address, which requires a physical office lease or a serviced office contract.

Ready to Incorporate?

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MCI Services in Saudi Arabia