GCC Company Registration Checklist

Company registration checklist · 0/13 done

• Choose the jurisdiction (mainland or free zone) and legal form (LLC, branch, sole establishment).
• Pick business activities from the licensing authority's official activity list.
• Foreign investors in Saudi Arabia: obtain the MISA investment licence first.
• Reserve the trade name.
• Get initial approval and any approvals your activities need from sector regulators.
• Prepare shareholder documents: passport copies, and attested incorporation papers for corporate shareholders.
• Draft and sign the memorandum or articles of association (notarised where required).
• Secure an office or registered address with a registered lease where required.
• Pay the fees and receive the trade licence or commercial registration (CR).
• Register with the chamber of commerce where membership is mandatory.
• Open a corporate bank account.
• Register for corporate tax, and for VAT if you are over the threshold.
• Open immigration and labour files before sponsoring visas or hiring staff.

A general sequence that applies across the GCC. Order, names and documents differ by country, emirate and free zone; confirm the exact list with your licensing authority.