National Address Certificate in Saudi Arabia - Definition, Key Features, and Who Needs It

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.

The system was introduced to fix long-standing address issues. Before this, locations were often unclear or inconsistent. The National Address created a single, standardized format that government bodies, banks, and service providers all rely on.

Why this certificate matters

For businesses, especially foreign-owned companies, the National Address Certificate usually comes after Commercial Registration. From there, it becomes necessary for things like opening bank accounts, completing tax registration, and enrolling in labor systems. Without it, those steps often stall.

It also confirms that the business has a real, verifiable location inside the Kingdom, which is something regulators pay close attention to.

What the National Address Certificate includes

The certificate is issued by Saudi Post (SPL) and contains a full breakdown of the registered address. This typically includes:

• Building number and street name
• District and city
• Postal code
• Additional address number

The certificate is digital and can be generated or updated online through the SPL platform when details change.

What having a National Address allows you to do

Once the address is registered and the certificate is issued, individuals and businesses can move forward with:

• Commercial Registration updates and post-registration requirements
• Opening and maintaining personal or corporate bank accounts
• Registering with government bodies such as ZATCA, GOSI, and other portals
• Applying for licenses, permits, and municipal approvals
• Receiving official mail, deliveries, and government notifications
• Staying compliant and avoiding unnecessary administrative delays

Who needs a National Address Certificate

In practice, almost everyone does. This includes:

• Companies registered in Saudi Arabia, whether local or foreign-owned
• Branches and representative offices of overseas companies
• Saudi nationals and expatriate residents
• Businesses applying for banking, tax registration, or government services
• Without a valid certificate, many applications are either delayed or rejected outright.

How it fits into the business setup process

During company formation, the National Address Certificate usually comes after commercial registration. It’s a required step before completing banking, tax, and labor registrations and is a foundational document. It doesn’t authorize operations on its own, but it confirms where the business operates, which is critical for the rest of the setup process.