Professional License with Saudi Shareholder
Professionals looking to operate legally in Saudi Arabia must obtain a professional license from the Ministry of Investment (MISA). Whether you’re an engineer, doctor, architect, consultant, or service provider, this license allows you to run your business in compliance with local laws.
We guide you through the entire licensing process—ensuring it’s smooth, accurate, and fully aligned with Saudi regulations.
Importance of Professional Licenses
Before we move to specifics, we should define the professional licenses and their importance. This is not a mere formality; compliance to licensure manifests trust by customers and partners. Gulf Corporate Services Dubai identifies a licence as a critical tool that creates a credible business image.
Saudi Shareholder Requirement
Business operations within Saudi Arabia have a Saudi shareholder as a legal requirement. This rule has fostered local collaborations, stimulated economic growth, and promoted a more favourable business ecosystem. For Gulf Corporate Services Dubai, conforming to this requirement can be considered a strategic move to blend into the Saudi market effortlessly.
What is a Professional License?
A professional license in Saudi Arabia is a business permit granted to individuals or companies offering services based on their personal qualifications or professional expertise. Unlike commercial licenses, this type of license focuses on skill-based and consultancy-driven services.
Who Needs This License?
You’ll need a professional license if you are offering services in fields such as:
- Legal and accounting consultancy
- Medical or dental services
- Architecture and engineering
- Management or business consulting
- IT and software services
- Educational or training services
This license is also suitable for GCC nationals, foreign professionals, and joint ventures with Saudi partners.
Key Requirements to Apply for a Professional License
Before you can apply for a professional license in Saudi Arabia, you must prepare the following:
For Foreign-Owned Entities
- Valid passport copy
- University or professional degree certificate
- Updated CV or resume
- Experience letter (if required by the profession)
- Commercial registration from your home country
- Financial statements and company profile
- National identity (if GCC national) or Premium Residency, if applicable
For Companies
- Commercial registration (CR)
- Company bylaws or Articles of Association
- Shareholder information
- Proof of office address in Saudi Arabia
- Details of Saudi partner (if applicable)
We help you review and organize all documents for quick and accurate submission.
Steps to Obtain a Professional License in Saudi Arabia
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Eligibility Check
We assess your profession, qualifications, and business model to confirm eligibility.
Step 2: Reserve Trade Name and Submit Application
We help you choose and register your company name and begin your online application through MISA.
Step 3: Document Preparation and Translation
All required documents are translated (if needed), notarized, and submitted for approval.
Step 4: Shareholding & Identity Verification
The ownership structure is verified, and identity checks are completed, including alignment with the Absher system where applicable.
Step 5: Final Approval and License Issuance
Once approved, you receive your professional license and can legally begin offering your services in Saudi Arabia.
Compliance and Shareholder Guidelines
- Saudi law requires proper alignment between capital and Saudi shareholding based on the business activity.
- If any partner was previously licensed by MISA, this must be disclosed in the application.
- Premium Residency holders are exempt from certain documentation requirements.
- All identity data (Saudi ID, Iqama, or Premium Residency) must be included during the digital application process.
Our team ensures you meet every compliance requirement and avoid unnecessary delays.
Cost of Professional License in Saudi Arabia
The cost of a professional license in Saudi Arabia varies depending on your activity, ownership structure, and additional services required, such as:
- Legal translation and notarization
- Office registration and leasing
- Share capital deposits
- MISA and Chamber of Commerce fees
We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees—providing a detailed cost breakdown before we begin.
Professional Licensing Requirements In Saudi Arabia
Professional Partners
Required Documents for Professional Partners
To apply for a professional license in Saudi Arabia, the following documents are needed:
- A certified copy of the foreign company’s commercial registration, authenticated by the Saudi Embassy, showing the company’s professional activities.
- Financial statements for the last fiscal year, certified by the Saudi Embassy (required if the Ministry of Commerce hasn’t previously licensed the company).
- For GCC national partners: a copy of their national ID.
- A copy of their Saudi ID and verification from the ABSHAR system is required for Saudi national partners.
- A valid professional license from the relevant authority in Saudi Arabia for each partner.
Rules and Restrictions for a Professional License in Saudi Arabia
To legally operate under a professional license in Saudi Arabia, these conditions must be met:
- A Saudi partner must hold at least 25% of the company shares.
- Non-professional ownership (Saudi, GCC nationals, or Premium Residency holders) must not exceed 30%.
- Any non-Saudi entity must have a strong professional reputation in its field.
- The non-Saudi partner must appoint a licensed representative authorized to practice the profession.
- Foreign partners must contribute expertise, technical knowledge, and training for Saudi nationals.
- Approval from the relevant Saudi authority may be required, depending on the profession.
- If the Ministry of Investment previously licensed a partner, the application must note this.
- The electronic application must include all relevant identity or registration details for Saudi or foreign partners.
Non-Professional Partners
Required Documents for Non-Professional Partners
The Ministry of Investment in Saudi Arabia may receive formal requests from other government bodies to establish an Economic and Technical Communication Office within the Kingdom. These offices are intended to enhance cooperation and promote sectoral development.
To support the licensing request, applicants must submit a detailed work plan outlining the nature of services offered and the scope of proposed activities within Saudi Arabia.
Rules and Restrictions for Professional License in Saudi Arabia
To obtain a professional license in Saudi Arabia, certain ownership and compliance rules must be followed:
- A Saudi partner with a valid professional license must hold at least 25% ownership.
- Non-professionals, including Saudis, Gulf nationals, or Premium Residency holders, must not collectively own more than 30%.
- Any foreign professional company must have a strong reputation in its field.
- The appointed representatives from foreign partners must be licensed by the relevant authority in their home country.
- Foreign partners are expected to contribute technical knowledge and expertise and offer training to Saudi professionals.
- Approval must be obtained from a competent authority in Saudi Arabia if required.
- If the Ministry of Investment previously licensed any partner, this must be disclosed in the application.
- When applying, identity data such as Saudi national ID, Premium Residency, or commercial registration must be provided based on the partner’s credentials.
Gulf Corporate Services provides full support in meeting all licensing conditions, preparing the necessary documents, and ensuring your business meets regulatory standards with ease.