What Is the Method for Adding an Activity to the Commercial Register in Saudi Arabia?

Translation of the attached article:

Adding an activity to the commercial register in Saudi Arabia is no longer a complicated process. It has become an important step that enables you to expand safely within the rapidly growing Saudi market.

If you are an entrepreneur or establishment owner seeking to document an additional activity or legally expand your business scope, knowing how to add an activity to the commercial register is essential. In this article, we will explain this method, the conditions, and the required documents for adding an activity to the commercial register in Saudi Arabia.

How to Add an Activity to the Commercial Register

An activity can be added to the commercial register electronically through the Ministry of Commerce platform by following these steps:

1. Access the Ministry of Commerce website, then click the commercial register service from the e-services menu.
2. Log in through Absher using your identity data.
3. The user’s commercial registers will be displayed after entering the dashboard.
4. Select the register to which you want to add the commercial activity, then click the option to amend the commercial register.
5. Click the add activity option from the amendment options.
6. You will then be redirected to the commercial activities page.
7. Enter the name of the new activity on the activities page, or browse the classifications approved by the Ministry.
8. Choose the appropriate activity carefully, because activities are classified according to the National Classification for Economic Activities (ISIC4).
9. Review all entered information, ensure that it is correct and free from errors, then approve the legal undertakings.
10. A government payment invoice will be issued through the SADAD system, then payment is completed electronically. After payment, the register will be updated automatically.
11. After completing the procedures, you can download a copy of the updated register with the new activity directly from the platform.

Because adding an activity to the commercial register requires the register to be existing and valid, you may need to understand renewing the commercial register of an establishment before starting the amendment procedures.

Conditions for Adding an Activity to the Commercial Register

Certain conditions must be met to add an activity to the commercial register, including:

• The new activity must be compatible with the legal form of the establishment. For example, some activities may only be practiced through limited liability companies or joint-stock companies.
• The activity must not violate Saudi laws or be expressly prohibited.
• The original commercial register must be valid and must not be suspended or have remarks against it.
• The new activity must not already be repeated within the same commercial register.
• The required approvals must be obtained from regulatory authorities, if necessary.
• Zakat and tax data must be updated after adding the activity, if required.

Because adding a new activity comes after having an existing commercial register, you may first need to understand how to open a commercial register so you can start your legal steps from the beginning.

Required Documents for Adding an Activity to the Commercial Register

There are some basic documents that must be attached when adding an activity to the commercial register, including:

• A valid commercial register.
• National Single Sign-On data.
• Approval from the relevant authorities if the new activity is subject to supervision or licensing by a government entity, such as the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, the Ministry of Health, or the General Authority of Media Regulation.
• The articles of association or partners’ resolutions if the establishment is a company.

Fees for Adding an Activity to the Commercial Register

Adding an activity to the commercial register requires certain fees, including:

• Fees for amending the main commercial register by adding an activity, which are SAR 200 annually, in addition to chamber of commerce fees that vary according to geographic location and activity type.
• Fees for adding an activity to the commercial register, which are SAR 100 annually, in addition to chamber of commerce fees.
• Chamber of commerce fees, which vary from one region to another and range from approximately SAR 300 to SAR 1,000. These fees differ according to the subscription grade and activity type.

Activities That Cannot Be Added to the Commercial Register

When adding an activity to the commercial register, you will find that some activities cannot be added for several legal reasons, including:

• Activities prohibited by law or Sharia, such as gambling or selling alcohol.
• Activities that require a special license without first obtaining that license, such as security activities, private education, and healthcare activities.
• Security or sovereign activities that are not granted to private companies or individuals.
• Activities that conflict with the main activity, such as combining real estate activity and financing activity under the same entity.
• Activities that fall under the jurisdiction of entities that have not yet issued their approved classifications or regulatory rules.

The Importance of Seeking the Assistance of a Law Firm When Adding an Activity to the Commercial Register

Although adding an activity to the commercial register is done electronically, turning to a specialized law firm is an important option for any establishment owner or trader seeking expansion.

Nawaf bin Awad Al-Harbi Law Firm can help you with this step through the following:

• Ensuring that the new activity is compatible with the nature of the existing commercial entity.
• Amending or preparing internal regulations and contracts if the activity requires a special license.
• Providing the necessary legal support if an objection is raised by the competent authorities.
• Considering the tax and zakat implications resulting from adding the new activity.

Contact now with the best companies and establishments lawyer to ensure that your activity is added to the commercial register in Saudi Arabia legally and smoothly, while following up on all official procedures, avoiding mistakes, and ensuring compliance with Saudi laws without delay or financial fines.

Conclusion

Thus, it becomes clear that adding an activity to the commercial register is no longer as complicated as before. It can now be done electronically through the Ministry of Commerce website. This requires knowing the steps that must be followed and the conditions that must be met, which we have explained in this article. We also clarified the fees and required documents for this process, along with the importance of seeking the assistance of a law firm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Activity Be Cancelled After Being Added to the Register?

Yes, the activity can be cancelled after being added through the commercial register amendment service on the Ministry of Commerce website.

How Long Does It Take to Amend the Commercial Register Electronically?

The updated commercial register is often issued immediately after completing the amendment request, and a copy of the updated register can be downloaded directly through the platform.

Can More Than One Activity Be Added to the Commercial Register at Once?

Yes, this is possible, provided that these activities are compatible with the nature of the establishment’s business and the required fees are paid.