The MSZ Business Setup Glossary for UAE & Saudi Arabia
When setting up a business in the UAE or Saudi Arabia, entrepreneurs encounter a wide range of regulatory and commercial terminology. To simplify this process, MSZ has defined the most commonly used business terms you’ll encounter when dealing with government authorities and professional advisors. Our goal is to support you at every stage of your business setup journey, offering end-to-end assistance from concept to completion.
Commercial Registration Certificate in Saudi Arabia
A Commercial Registration Certificate is the document that officially places a business on Saudi Arabia’s commercial records. It’s issued by the Ministry of Commerce and confirms that the company is legally recognized within the Kingdom.
Company Name Reservation Certificate in Saudi Arabia
Before a company can be registered in Saudi Arabia, the name has to be locked in. That’s what the Company Name Reservation Certificate does. It’s issued by the Ministry of Commerce and confirms that the business name you chose is available, acceptable under Saudi regulations, and temporarily protected.
Chamber of Commerce Membership Certificate in Saudi Arabia
A Chamber of Commerce Membership Certificate is an official document issued by the relevant Saudi Chamber of Commerce that confirms a business entity’s membership with the Chamber. It serves as proof that the company is recognized as a registered commercial entity within its jurisdiction.
GOSI Registration in Saudi Arabia
GOSI Registration is the mandatory process of registering an employer and its employees with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) - the Saudi government authority responsible for administering social insurance coverage, workplace injury benefits, and employee protection programs.
Iqama Residency Permit in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, expatriates rely on the Iqama for day-to-day life. It’s a residency permit issued by the Ministry of Interior and it acts as the main form of ID for non-Saudis living and working in the Kingdom.
MISA Investment License
A MISA Investment License is an official permit issued by the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) that allows foreign investors to establish, own, and conduct business activities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
National Address Certificate in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, every individual and every business is expected to have a registered, traceable address. The National Address Certificate is the document that confirms that address. It’s issued through Saudi Post (SPL) and acts as an official proof of where a person or company is physically located.
Trade Name Reservation Certificate in Saudi Arabia
Before a company can be registered in Saudi Arabia, the business name has to be cleared and set aside. The Trade Name Reservation Certificate is the approval process for this. It’s issued by the Ministry of Commerce and confirms that the chosen trade name is available, acceptable under Saudi regulations, and is not already being used.
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) Declaration
When Saudi authorities ask for a UBO Declaration, they want to know who actually controls the business. A UBO Declaration identifies the real person, or people, who ultimately own or influence a company.
ZATCA Registration in Saudi Arabia
ZATCA Registration refers to the mandatory process of registering a business or individual with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) - Saudi Arabia’s unified authority responsible for administering zakat, taxation, and customs regulations. Registration enables ZATCA to assess, monitor, and collect applicable zakat and tax obligations.