Licensing of tourism activities services offices
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 tourism sector in Saudi Arabia and is a prerequisite for initiating any further procedures.
2. Apply via the electronic system
This is the starting point. The investor submits a comprehensive application through the Ministry of Tourism's electronic system. The application must include all required data and documents, such as the type of activity (travel and tourism, facility management), the proposed location, and all other conditions.
3. Commercial registration
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.
4. Field inspection to check the safety of the building
Civil Defense teams conduct a field inspection of the building to ensure it meets all safety, security, and fire prevention standards, and that all safety systems are operating efficiently. This step is essential to ensure the safety of employees and customers.
5. Issuing a business license and a safety license
Based on the inspection, the municipality or secretariat issues a business license. At the same time, the Civil Defense issues a safety license, two essential operating documents.
6. 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 others.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Exercise
After obtaining all necessary approvals and licenses, the investor can officially begin practicing the tourism activity.
