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How to Get a Commercial Registration (CR) in Saudi Arabia
A Commercial Registration (CR) — known in Arabic as Sijil Tijari — is the official license that legally authorises your business to operate in Saudi Arabia. It is issued by the Ministry of Commerce (MOCI) and is required before you can open a bank account, hire employees, or apply for other licenses. This guide explains how to obtain your CR online.
Who Is This For?
Business owners and entrepreneurs setting up a new company in Saudi Arabia who need to obtain their Commercial Registration number.
What You Need Before Starting
- ✓A valid National ID (Saudi nationals) or Iqama (residents)
- ✓For foreign investors: a MISA Foreign Investment License
- ✓A defined business activity — you must select the correct activity codes from MOCI's list
- ✓A registered business address in Saudi Arabia
- ✓Articles of Association (for LLC) — can be drafted through the MOCI portal
- ✓A payment method for the registration fee
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Go to the Ministry of Commerce portal at mc.gov.sa and log in with your National ID or Iqama via the Nafath identity verification system
- 2Click 'Start a Business' or 'Commercial Registration Services'
- 3Select your business structure — LLC, sole proprietorship, or other
- 4Enter your business name — the system will check availability. Arabic name is required; an English name is optional
- 5Select your business activity codes — you can choose multiple activities. Be precise as this affects your licenses and Saudization requirements
- 6Enter the registered business address
- 7For LLCs: draft or upload the Articles of Association through the portal. The system provides a standard template
- 8Pay the registration fee online
- 9Your CR certificate is issued digitally immediately or within a few working days
- 10Download and save your CR document — you will need it for every subsequent registration
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Selecting incorrect activity codes — this is very difficult to change later and affects multiple licenses
- ✗Using a residential address as the business address — some activities require a commercial address
- ✗Not verifying the business name availability before preparing documents
- ✗Skipping the MISA step as a foreign investor — MOCI will reject the application without a valid MISA license
- ✗Not renewing the CR annually — CRs must be renewed every year or they expire
Timing & Fees
CR registration fee starts at approximately SAR 1,200 for a one-year registration. The process is typically completed within 1–3 business days online. Annual renewal is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a physical office to get a CR?
For most activities, yes — a registered commercial address is required. However, some service-based and freelance activities may allow registration with a virtual office or home address. Check MOCI guidelines for your specific activity.
Can I add more activities to my CR later?
Yes. You can add or modify business activities through the MOCI portal after your CR is issued, though there may be additional fees and approval steps required.
How long is a CR valid?
A CR is typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Penalties apply for operating with an expired CR.