What Is the Ministry of Commerce Portal?
The Ministry of Commerce (MC) portal at mc.gov.sa is the primary platform for all company registry matters in Saudi Arabia. It replaced the Chamber of Commerce as the main authority for Commercial Registration (CR) issuance, renewal, and amendments. Every company and establishment interacts with the MC portal for CR lifecycle and related filings.
For Saudi Arabia market entry, the CR is issued after you obtain your MISA investment license. Thereafter, ongoing compliance includes annual CR renewal, activity updates, and data amendments — all through the MC portal or integrated channels such as Emkan.
New Commercial Registration — Process Overview
New CR is issued after MISA license (for foreign-owned entities) or equivalent approval. The process can be done through Emkan (the unified business platform) or directly on the MC portal. You submit the company details, activities, address, and authorised signatories; pay the fee; and receive the CR electronically. CR is the legal proof of your company's existence and authorised activities — required for banking, contracts, visas, and Maroof verification.
CR Renewal — Deadlines, Costs and Steps
CR is renewed annually on the Hijri anniversary of issuance. Cost is typically SAR 1,200/year base plus activity-specific fees. Renewal is done online: log in with the authorised signatory, confirm company data, pay the fee, and receive the renewed CR. Late renewal: SAR 500 fine and the CR becomes inactive — which blocks invoicing, banking, and new visa issuance until renewed. Add the Hijri anniversary to your compliance calendar and renew before the due date.
Adding or Amending Business Activities
You can add up to 20 activities on a single CR. To add or amend activities: log in to the MC portal with the authorised signatory, select the amendment type, pay the fee (typically SAR 200–600 depending on activity), and receive the updated CR within 1–3 working days. New activities must be permitted under your MISA license (for foreign entities). If you plan to expand services, align MISA and CR activity lists.
Amending Company Data (Name, Capital, Address)
Changing the company name usually requires MISA approval first, then update with MC. Capital increase requires updated Articles of Association (AOA) notarised, then filing with MC. Address change can be done through the portal with supporting proof. All amendments must be reflected in the CR and (where applicable) MISA and tax records.
Certificates of Good Standing
The MC issues certificates of good standing (no outstanding fines, active CR) that are often required for tender prequalification, bank account openings, and government approvals. Request through the portal; ensure your CR is renewed and any penalties are paid so the certificate is issued without delay.
Liquidation Filing Through MC Portal
Voluntary liquidation is initiated by filing through the MC portal. This starts a public notification period (minimum 60 days) during which creditors can submit claims. After the period and settlement of obligations, the company is dissolved and the CR cancelled. Liquidation must be coordinated with tax (ZATCA), GOSI, Qiwa, and labour clearance. Plan with your legal and compliance team.