How to start an IT company in Saudi Arabia?

The Information Technology market in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabian IT market is one of the largest in the Middle East and North Africa region. It has ranked in the top 10 globally for their robust information technology framework. In line with the Vision 2030 goal to digitally transform the nation, the opportunities in this sector have the potential to explode in every direction as every business requires IT solutions. The Saudi ICT strategy 2023 is looking to create more than 25,000 jobs in the sector. As society evolves from traditional to more digital processes, there is a demand for IT in all sectors from governments, as well as public and private businesses.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) is an organisation which was created to oversee communication and information technology in the Kingdom. They develop regulations and policies that govern the sector. Their aim is to help bridge the gap between supply and demand in the sector by providing training, job opportunities, innovation labs and programmes for professionals and businesses. The opportunities in information technology also align with the Kingdom’s sustainable development goals as we move more towards an online environment. Digital processes will help to improve the quality and efficiency in government and business work processes and provide an accessible environment for e-commerce, digital education, digital health, smart cities, national data, and e-government services.

For years, we have been seeing large investment and development in online platforms and mobile applications. With communities leaning more on these digital platforms for information and interaction. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we saw the need for these online resources to escalate. Applications were developed and used to manage the population. For example, in Saudi Arabia the Morajea App was established for booking appointments to visit government entities. Other such applications previously existed and continue to develop, post pandemic, both in government, public and private sectors to assist with workflows and managing data. The increased demand on internet traffic and usage also creates opportunity for businesses.

How do you start an Information Technology company in Saudi Arabia?

Company Formation in Saudi Arabia can be defined by a 3-stage process.

1. Establish the foundation of the legal entity, which provides the required permission to operate in the Kingdom.

• Legalisation and attestation of documents at the Saudi consulate or business owner’s relevant embassy
• Applying for business license with Ministry Investment Saudi Arabia
• Register company name
• Draft Articles of Association (AoA) document
• Issuance of the Commercial Registration (CR)
• Register with Chamber of Commerce (CoC) and activate online account

2. Legal entity has authorisation to hire staff and must register with the following:

• Ministry of Labour
• General Organisation for Social Insurance (GOSI)
• General Authority of Zakat and Tax (GAZT)
• Register a physical office address

3. General Manager to complete a health check, obtain health insurance, and register on the Ministry of Human Resources and Human Development (MHRSD) portal to obtain residency in the Kingdom and then will be able to open a company bank account.

The formation process can be fully established within 3 months assuming all documentation has been provided and authorisation is granted.

How can PRO Partner Group assist?

Sovereign PPG Saudi Arabia have strong connections with key government agencies within Saudi Arabia and can guide you through the process of business incorporation and liaise with all parties involved on your behalf.

If you need assistance with setting up an information technology business in Saudi Arabia or any other company setup, restructuring, local partner or PRO support matter in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, the wider UAE, Oman, Qatar or Saudi Arabia, then please do get in touch with us on +971 (0)4 456 1761 for Dubai or +971 (0)2 448 5120 for Abu Dhabi, email us at info@propartnergroup.com or complete the contact form below and we will be delighted to assist you.