Steps to obtain a training facility license

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 training sector in Saudi Arabia and is a prerequisite for initiating any further procedures.

The investor must find a suitable location for the training facility. A lease agreement must be signed or a title deed for the land or building must be submitted. The location must comply with the requirements of relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

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

This step isn't mentioned in your list, but it's essential if the building is new or requires structural modifications. The investor must contract with an engineering office accredited by the relevant municipality or secretariat. The office will prepare the building's engineering and architectural plans and designs in accordance with the technical requirements of the training.

If there is no existing building, or if an existing building is being modified, approved engineering plans must be submitted to the municipality or secretariat to obtain a building permit. This permit allows the investor to commence construction or modification work.

During the construction or equipping phases, the investor must submit requests for water and electricity connections to the facility. This step is vital to ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place for the actual operation of the training facility.

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

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.

The investor must submit an activation application for the training programs they wish to offer. This includes submitting curriculum plans, trainer biographies, and all technical and educational requirements for each program.

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 other relevant entities.

The investor must submit applications for approval of the number of visas required for specialized foreign personnel, and this is done in coordination with the supervising authority.

After obtaining visa approval, the investor can obtain visas from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to bring in the required trainers and employees.

After all requirements have been met, teams from the supervising authority conduct a field visit to the building to ensure that training equipment and facilities are complete, that qualified personnel are available, and that all requirements have been met.

After completing the field visit, the supervising authority issues the facility an operational license. This license is the final authorization that allows the facility to begin accepting trainees and operating its business.

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