Steps to obtain a private school license if there is no existing building

If the investor is from outside the Kingdom, they must obtain an investment license from the Ministry of Investment (MISA). This license is a basic document granting the foreign investor the right to invest in the education sector in the Kingdom and is a mandatory step before initiating any further procedures.

The investor must find a suitable location for the school. A long-term lease agreement is signed or a title deed is submitted for the land. The site must comply with the requirements of the Ministry of Education and municipal authorities in terms of size and geographical location.

This step is submitted to the General Administration of Private Education at the Ministry of Education. The initial license is obtained after submitting a comprehensive business plan that includes details of the educational levels, the proposed school name, and an explanation of the investor's financial solvency. This license is an initial approval of the idea.

After obtaining initial approval, 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 dealing with all government and financial entities.

The investor must contract with an engineering office accredited by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing. The office will prepare engineering and architectural plans and designs for the building in accordance with the technical and educational requirements for school buildings.

After the engineering plans are approved by the competent authorities at the Ministry of Education, they are submitted to the municipality or secretariat to obtain a building permit. This permit is a legal document that allows the investor to commence construction work on the designated land.

During the construction phases, the investor must submit applications for water and electricity connections to the building. This step is vital to ensuring the necessary infrastructure is available for the actual operation of the school.

After the building is completed, Civil Defense teams conduct a field inspection to ensure that the building meets all security, safety, and fire prevention standards, and that all safety systems are operating efficiently.

After the Civil Defense inspection and the municipality or secretariat's verification of the building's completion and compliance with the plans, an occupancy certificate is issued. This certificate confirms that the building is complete and ready for use.

The investor must obtain accreditation from the Ministry of Education for the academic curricula to be taught at the school. This includes providing details of the curriculum and teaching plans.

This step isn't mentioned in your list, but it is essential. The investor must also register with several other government agencies, such as the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) for employee registration, the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA), and others.

Investors must submit applications for visas for teaching and administrative staff to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, after obtaining approval from the Ministry of Education.

After all requirements have been met, teams from the Ministry of Education conduct a field visit to the building to ensure that educational equipment and facilities are complete and that qualified teaching staff are available.

After completing the field visit, the Ministry of Education issues the school an operational license. This license is the final authorization that allows the school to begin accepting students and operating its educational activities.

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