How to Register a New Establishment on Qiwa

By: Kharisma Gita

Qiwa is a platform launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) in Saudi Arabia. It facilitates services for businesses and individuals, including employee contracts, work permits, and company profiles. Registering a new establishment on Qiwa involves several key steps, detailed below:

Step 1: Understand the Commercial Registration (CR)

A Commercial Registration (CR) is a legal document issued by the Ministry of Commerce that certifies business registration in Saudi Arabia. It includes important details such as the company name, type of activity, and ownership information. The CR is essential for establishing any business entity in Saudi Arabia.

How to Register a Commercial Registration (CR):

  1. Prepare Required Documents:
    • National ID (for Saudi citizens) or Iqama (for residents).
    • National address.
    • Business activity details.
    • Capital declaration.
    • Special licenses (if applicable, e.g., for health or educational sectors).
  2. Online Application via Meras Portal:
    • Visit the Meras Portal or access the National Single Sign-On page directly at https://www.iam.gov.sa/authservice/userauthservice?lang=en.
    • Log in using Absher credentials or National/Iqama ID via the Nafath system.
    • Complete the application form with details about the business, including its activity, address, and ownership.
    • Upload the necessary documents.
    • Pay the applicable registration fees through the electronic payment system:
      • 200 Saudi Riyals for the main Commercial Registration.
      • 100 Saudi Riyals for each sub-Commercial Registration.
  3. Verification and Approval:
    • The Ministry of Commerce will verify the submitted information and documents.
    • Once approved, the CR will be issued electronically.
  4. Additional Steps for Gulf Citizens:
    • Gulf citizens may need to partner with a Saudi national or meet residency requirements to register a CR.
    • Obtain permits specific to their intended activity.

After completing the registration of your business entity and obtaining the unified number, you gain access to a wide range of integrated government services designed to streamline your business operations in Saudi Arabia. The unified number acts as a central identifier for your business and is linked to essential government entities and platforms, such as:

  1. Ministry of Commerce: For managing your Commercial Registration (CR) and other related services.
  2. General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI): To handle employee insurance and social contributions.
  3. Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD): For services like employee management, Saudization compliance, and work permits.
  4. Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority: To manage tax compliance and customs-related activities.
  5. Federation of Saudi Chambers: For connecting with the business community and accessing chamber services.
  6. Balady (Municipality Services): For obtaining municipal permits and managing location-specific regulatory requirements.
  7. Saudi Post (SPL): To facilitate communication and delivery services.

These integrations ensure your business can seamlessly comply with regulatory requirements and utilize government support services. Additionally, resources such as the Trader’s Guide and QR codes linking to further information help you understand and navigate these services effectively, ensuring a smoother and more efficient experience as a registered business in Saudi Arabia.

Step 2: Automatic Establishment Creation

In the context of Qiwa, an establishment refers to a registered business entity or organization in Saudi Arabia. This could be any type of business, such as:

  1. Commercial Establishments: Companies or businesses that trade, manufacture, or provide services. Examples include retail stores, factories, restaurants, and consultancy firms.
  2. Non-Commercial Establishments: Entities that operate under a specific license for non-commercial purposes, such as educational institutions, charities, or government-backed organizations.

An establishment is typically identified by its Commercial Registration Number (CR), issued by the Saudi Ministry of Commerce. The establishment represents the legal and administrative framework under which the business operates, and it must be registered on Qiwa to access labor-related services, such as employee management, Saudization compliance, and issuing work permits.

Once you have the necessary documentation, the establishment will be automatically created on Qiwa. You can manually register it through your Qiwa business account if it does not appear.

Step 3: Manually Register a New Establishment

To manually register an establishment on Qiwa:

  1. Log in to your Qiwa business account. If you don’t have one, create it first. You can go to this link to register: https://sso.qiwa.sa/registration, the step is easy to follow. Basically, you will only need to authenticate through your account, enter your phone number and e-mail address, and then set the password for your account.
  2. Once registered to qiwa, navigate to Establishment Accounts and click Register New Establishment in the upper-right corner.
  3. Enter your Commercial Registration Number and click Upload Establishment Data.
  4. Verify the details of the Commercial Registration and Group Manager(s), then click Next Step.
  5. Review establishment details, including:
    • Nationality: Specify the establishment’s nationality.
    • ISIC4 Activity: This will be automatically set to the activity with the highest required nationalization rate.
  6. Ensure that the declared activity complies with the establishment’s actual activity to avoid fines. Click Next Step.
  7. Enter the establishment address and click Go to Summary.
  8. Review all establishment details, accept the terms and conditions, and click Register Establishment.

Step 4: Subscribe to Qiwa Services

To utilize all Qiwa services (e.g., visa issuance, employee transfers, and online business management):

  1. Log in to your Qiwa account.
  2. Subscribe to the platform as required for your establishment’s needs.

Key Points to Remember

  • Activity Compliance: Ensure the declared activity matches the actual operations to avoid penalties.
  • Authorized Personnel: Only individuals listed on the Commercial Register can register the establishment.

Common Issues and Solutions

  1. Establishment Not Appearing Automatically: If the establishment doesn’t appear, ensure the CR details are correct and linked to Qiwa. Alternatively, register it manually.
  2. Errors in Profile Details: Contact Qiwa customer support for assistance in correcting discrepancies.
  3. Technical Difficulties: Use Absher credentials to authenticate or contact Qiwa support for login or registration issues.

Registering your establishment on Qiwa ensures access to essential labor market services and compliance with Saudi regulations. This process simplifies workforce management, enhances transparency, and supports business growth.

References:

Eyad Reda Lawyers & Legal Consultants. (n.d.). Commercial Registration Without Shop in Saudi Arabia || Full Guide. https://erlf.com/publications/commercial-registration-without-shop/#:~:text=Electronic%20Registration%3A%20Register%20via%20the,register%20through%20the%20electronic%20system.

Identity Authentication Management. (n.d.). https://www.iam.gov.sa/authservice/userauthservice?lang=en

Ministry of Commerce. (2015, July 27). The Application of the National Guide for the Economic Activities ISIC 4 has been started, as announced by MCI. https://mc.gov.sa/en/mediacenter/News/Pages/26-07-15-01.aspx

Qiwa. (n.d.). Registration. https://sso.qiwa.sa/registration

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