Foreign companies face additional steps when registering as vendors in Saudi Arabia. This checklist covers everything you need — before, during and after registration.

Step 1: Establish Your Saudi Legal Entity

Most Saudi procurement portals require a valid Saudi Commercial Registration (CR). Foreign companies must first establish a legal presence in Saudi Arabia — options include: a wholly foreign-owned company (WFOE) via MISA investment licence, a local branch office, or a local Saudi partner joint venture.

Step 2: Core Compliance Checklist

• ☐ Saudi Commercial Registration (CR) — with correct activity codes
• ☐ MISA Foreign Investment Licence (if applicable)
• ☐ ZATCA VAT registration and current certificate
• ☐ GOSI registration for all employees in Saudi Arabia
• ☐ Nitaqat Saudization compliance — Green or Platinum status
• ☐ Muqeem compliance for all non-Saudi employees
• ☐ Saudi bank account with IBAN letter
• ☐ Nafath / Absher verified authorised signatory

Step 3: Financial Documents

• ☐ Audited financial statements — last 2 years, SOCPA-certified auditor
• ☐ Bank reference letter from a Saudi bank
• ☐ Credit report (for large contract portals)

Step 4: Portal-Specific Requirements

For Aramco SACS:

• ☐ SACS-002 Cybersecurity Certification (IT/OT vendors)
• ☐ ICV (In-Country Value) Certificate
• ☐ ISO or technical certifications relevant to your supply category

For Etimad (Government):

• ☐ Etimad portal account (must link to Nafath-verified individual)
• ☐ Ministry-specific licences where required

Analytix has helped companies from over 15 countries complete every step on this checklist — from initial Saudi entity formation through to first tender award. Request your free foreign company consultation →