Setup A Travel and Tourism Company in Saudi Arabia

Today, numerous international investors and entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia are recognizing travel tourism companies as a rapidly expanding industry in the years to come. Are you interested in investing in Saudi Arabia by establishing a tourism and travel agency?
Our blog is here to provide you with expert guidance on establishing a business in Saudi Arabia. Our team of CIG Saudi Arabia consultants is ready to be your trusted advisors throughout the process. From selecting the optimal location in Saudi Arabia for a tourism company to determining the appropriate legal structure for your business, obtaining the necessary licenses and registrations, and adhering to tax and government regulations.

Travel and Tourism Company in Saudi Arabia

There is no denying that the oil sector is crucial for the development of Saudi Arabia's economy. However, it is important to keep in mind the government's Vision 2030. The Saudi Vision 2030 plan has set its sights on diversifying the economy and positioning the country as a global destination. Establishing a solid groundwork to reduce the country's reliance on oil.
In the past, individuals holding business visas and those on pilgrimages were permitted to travel to the country. It's truly unbelievable how quickly the decision to issue instant tourist visas has had an impact. In just ten days, an astounding 24,000 foreigners have already visited the Kingdom annually.
The Saudi Vision has had a significant impact on the economic growth roadmap of the KSA. As a part of Vision 2030, the Saudi government is committed to expanding the travel tourism industry through a range of ambitious projects worth over $810 billion.

Obtaining a Travel and Tourism Company License in KSA

First: Choose the legal form

You have the option to form either a limited liability company (LLC) or a branch of a foreign company. A minimum capital of SAR 500,000 and at least two shareholders (with one being a Saudi national) are necessary for an LLC. In order to establish a branch of a foreign company, a minimum capital of SAR 100,000 and the presence of a local agent or sponsor are necessary.

Second: Ministry of Commerce and Investment Registration

To proceed, please ensure you have the necessary documents, including a valid ID or passport, a letter from the local agent or sponsor (if applicable), and the required fees.

Third: Apply for a Commercial Registration (CR)

You will be required to submit a certificate containing the name of your company. Articles of association or branch agreement (if applicable). Your office premises' lease contract or ownership deed. A bank certificate that indicates the amount of your capital deposit. Your local agent's or sponsor's ID or passport (if applicable), your shareholders' IDs or passports, and the charge payment.

Fourth: Membership of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the region 

Your CR certificate will be required. Your shareholders' passports or identification cards, as well as your lease contract or ownership deed for your office space. Additionally, you will require the ID or passport of your local agent or sponsor (if applicable) and the charge payment.
In order to facilitate the application process for various tourism licenses, including the Tour Operator/Organizer, Tourism & Travel Agency, Tourist Guide, and Tourism Accommodation Facility licenses, the Saudi Arabian government has implemented a distinct e-portal. The e-licensing service portal has simplified the process for individuals seeking a tourism license. The portal offers a variety of additional benefits in addition to the acquisition of a new travel business license. These include the ability to modify the license, change the trade name, change the location, add or cancel an activity, renew the license, transfer it, rescind the license, and update the current data.
There are two primary objectives of the Saudi government in the provision of the e-government procedure:

•  To enhance transparency, efficacy, accuracy, and speed
•  In an effort to expedite the Government's objectives without any complications

Prerequisites for Obtaining the License:

1. Commercial registration (With the exception of tourist guides' activity licenses)
2. Municipal license (With the exception of tourist guides activity authorization)
3. An account in the unified access service
4. Address at the national level
5. Online application on the Ministry of Tourism website
6. Registration of trademarks
7. The pecuniary consideration that is non-refundable.
8. Your license will be issued and available for online printing once all of the aforementioned procedures have been completed.

Steps for religious tourism

1. Umrah and Hajj operator license:

• This enables you to sell and organize Umrah itineraries for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia or abroad. You are required to submit the following documents:
• The CR certificate
• The CCI membership certificate
• A travel and tourism license certificate
• A bank guarantee of SAR 500,000
• Professional liability insurance
• Proof of the employment of at least one manager with a bachelor's degree in tourism or a comparable field
• Certificate of conclusion of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah training course on Umrah operator regulations

CIG Saudi Arabia Partnership

One of your commendable options is to establish a travel and tourism company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, this endeavor necessitates a significant amount of technical expertise. It may be challenging or even impossible for an individual to complete all of these procedures in order to establish their travel business in the Kingdom.
The CIG Saudi Arabia team is your savior during this intricate and protracted process. Our team will be your ultimate destination for help in transforming your ideal travel agency into a reality in Saudi Arabia. Our team of highly professional business establishment consultants, who have over 15 years of experience, is the sole reason for our ability to assist hundreds of foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and local Saudi citizens in establishing any business in the KSA.