Travel and Tourism Services License
1. Issuing an investment license to a foreign investor
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 travel and tourism services sector in Saudi Arabia and is a prerequisite for initiating any further procedures.
2. Commercial registration
The investor must register the establishment's commercial register with the Ministry of Commerce. The commercial register is the establishment's legal identity and is necessary for all official transactions with government and financial entities.
3. License application
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, academic qualifications and professional experience of the responsible manager, as well as proof of capital and a bank guarantee.
4. Issuing a business license and a safety license
After preparing the premises, the investor must obtain a business license from the competent 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.
5. Registration with government agencies
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.
6. Issuing visas for cadres
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.
7. License Issuance
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.
8. Exercise
After obtaining all necessary approvals and licenses, the investor can officially begin operating and providing travel and tourism services.
