Guide
MISA investment licence: requirements and steps
The Ministry of Investment (MISA) licence is usually the first approval a foreign-owned business needs. This is an orientation, not legal advice \u2014 requirements differ by activity, so a vetted advisor should confirm your path.
Step 1 · MISA
Check activity eligibility
Confirm your planned activity is open to foreign investment and whether full foreign ownership is allowed or conditions apply.
- Review the foreign investment negative list
- Check ownership conditions
- Identify sector regulators
Step 2 · MISA
Map your ISIC activity codes
Each licence lists the business activities you may carry out. Choosing the correct ISIC codes early avoids amendments later.
- Select ISIC activity codes
- Align codes with your business plan
- Check sector-specific approvals
Step 3 · Parent company
Prepare and attest documents
MISA reviews the foreign shareholder. Parent documents normally need to be attested and translated into Arabic where required.
- Parent commercial register
- Latest audited financial statements
- Board resolution and power of attorney
Step 4 · MISA
Submit the application
Applications are filed through MISA's online services with shareholder, manager and activity details. MISA may request clarifications before issuing the licence.
- Online application
- Licence fee payment
- Respond to MISA queries
Step 5 · Ministry of Commerce
Move to Commercial Registration
With the licence issued, the company reserves its trade name, finalises its Articles of Association and obtains its Commercial Registration.
- Trade name reservation
- Articles of Association
- Commercial Registration
Step 6 · MISA
Keep the licence in good standing
Licences must be renewed and kept consistent with your activities, shareholders and capital. Changes usually require MISA amendments.
- Licence renewal
- Amendments for changes
- Ongoing compliance
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