If the investor is from outside the Kingdom, they must obtain an investment license from the Ministry of Investment (MISA). This document is essential because it grants the foreign investor the legal right to invest in the tourism services sector in Saudi Arabia and is a prerequisite for initiating any further procedures.

This is the starting point. The investor submits a license application through the Ministry of Tourism's electronic system. The application must include all required data and documents, such as a business plan, proposed location, and the academic qualifications and professional experience of the investor and the managing director.

After initial approval of the application, the investor must register the facility's commercial registry with the Ministry of Commerce. The commercial registry is the facility's legal identity and is necessary for all official transactions with government and financial entities.

After securing and equipping the premises, the investor must obtain a business license from the relevant municipality or secretariat, in addition to a safety license from the Civil Defense. Civil Defense teams conduct a field inspection of the office to ensure it meets all security and safety standards and that all safety systems are operating efficiently. Based on this inspection, the municipality issues a business license, and the Civil Defense issues a safety license.

The investor must register with a number of other government agencies, such as: the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) for employee registration, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), and other relevant authorities.

Investors must submit applications for visas for specialized personnel to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, after obtaining approval from the Ministry of Tourism.

After all requirements have been met and all required documents have been submitted, the Ministry of Tourism issues the final license to the office. This license is the official authorization that allows the establishment to begin operating.

After obtaining all necessary approvals and licenses, the investor can officially begin practicing the tourism consulting activity.