Learn about the key services, required documents, and turnaround times needed to establish your project within the economic cities and special economic zones, from issuing your investment license through to launch.
Investor Journey
Page last updated: September 17, 2026
Investor Journey
From Site Selection to Launch
Setup steps differ by project type. Choose your project type to see its complete real journey, from the first step to the last.
Industrial Projects
- Start
Select the project site with the developer
- 2
Reserve a trade name
- 3
Preliminary approval (energy activities)
- 4
Issue the investment license
- 5
Issue the commercial registration
- 6
Register the establishment
- 7
Issue the incorporation license
- 8
Register the sale/lease contract
- 9
Apply for an industrial loan
- 10
Environmental permit for construction
- 11
Issue a building permit
- 12
Update the industrial license
- 13
Issue the occupancy permit
- 14
Environmental permit for operation
- 15
Request visas for staff
- 16
Specialized activity license (example)
- 17
Issue the operating permit
- End
Update the industrial license
Important notes
- The main developer is responsible for the property's infrastructure permits (electricity, water, sewage, public roads, and telecom networks).
- The lease contract registration service is carried out by the main developer on the investor's behalf.
- If the investor is purchasing the property, the Authority issues the investor a title deed.
- The sequence of some steps may vary according to the investor's project model, preferences, and project requirements.
- This journey mainly targets new investors looking to establish their business in the Kingdom for the first time, and can also serve as a general reference for investors with similar requirements.
- The property's use must match the classification assigned to it in the property's general plan.
- Civil Defense approvals are handled by the Authority at the occupancy-permit stage.
Related Entities & Platforms
You May Need to Interact With These
Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority
Ministry of Education
Saudi Business Center
General Organization for Social Insurance
Ministry of Commerce
National Center for Environmental Compliance
Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (Sanaey Platform)
Saudi Post (National Address)
Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services (Logistic Platform)
Saudi Data and AI Authority (Shomoos Platform)
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
Education and Training Evaluation Commission
Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF)
Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property
Ministry of Municipalities and Housing
Saudi Commission for Health Specialties
Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority
King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy
Ministry of Tourism
Saudi Food and Drug Authority
Ministry of Health
Transport General Authority
Need Help?
Contact the Investor Service Center
For any help or questions along your investment journey, we're glad to hear from you.