E-commerce business in Saudi Arabia in 2024

Setting up an e-commerce business in Saudi Arabia is time consuming and challenging. However, the January 2020 enactment of a new e-commerce Law should improve regulation for entrants into this new market.

Summary of setting up an e-commerce business in Saudi Arabia

  • A licence to conduct e-commerce activities must be obtained from the Ministry of Investment (MISA);
  • MISA is inefficient and unfortunately licensing procedures are tedious and long, with multiple in-person visits to MISA offices required;
  • Healy Consultants Group’s step by step process for Saudi Arabia company incorporation ensures our Clients are shielded from many of the day-to-day challenges of e-commerce business set up and licensing.

Saudi Arabia e-commerce business setup requirements

  • To setup a 100% foreign-owned enterprise in Saudi Arabia, it is necessary first to obtain an Investor Licence from MISA;
  • Though the Investor Licence, a foreign investor does not need a local partner and can operate anywhere within the kingdom;
  • Investors must also obtain a Commercial Registration Certificate (CR) from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry;
  • Registration with the Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the appointment of a General Manager is also mandatory;
  • Companies must secure an office space and sign a lease agreement;
  • The company must also register with i) Ministry of Labour ii) General Organisation for Social Insurance and iii) the Tax Authority.

E-commerce business operation considerations

  • The business must disclose the contact details and all identifying information relating to the e-commerce business and any online store;
  • The company is obliged to protect customers’ personal data from third-party access;
  • The operator can only retainer the consumer’s details during the period of the e-commerce transaction;
  • Service providers must report to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry within three days if their online platform has been hacked;
  • All e-advertisements sent to consumers must have a mode to request cessation;
  • A consumer’s right to terminate a purchase and seven-day return policy must be included on the online store;
  • Non-compliant platforms can be suspended indefinitely or fined up to SAR1million (approximately US$270,000).

Contact us

Request a Saudi Arabia e-commerce company setup quotation here.

Contact us

For additional information on our business registration services in Saudi Arabia, please contact our in-house country expert, Ms. Chrissi Zamora, directly:
client relationship officer - Chrissi
riyadhchamber