Overview
The Audiovisual Media License is the regulatory permit that allows a company to produce, distribute, broadcast, or stream audiovisual content in Saudi Arabia. It is issued by the General Authority for Media Regulation (GAMR) — the successor to the former General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM) — and is mandatory for any entity working in television and radio production, films, animation, video games, dubbing and subtitling, post-production, advertising content, and OTT/VOD streaming platforms. The license covers the activities defined under the Law of Audiovisual Media and its executive regulations, and it works alongside your commercial registration to make media operations fully compliant.
For foreign investors, the path begins with an investment license from the Ministry of Investment (MISA), followed by the GAMR media permit and commercial registration with the Ministry of Commerce. Ownership rules depend on the specific activity: many production and content activities are open to full foreign ownership through a Saudi-incorporated company, while certain regulated media services may require local participation or additional sector approvals. Because the audiovisual sector is content-sensitive, GAMR reviews the nature of the content and the applicant's track record, which is why precise activity selection and a clean application matter. We position your license correctly from the outset so you avoid rejected activities, re-submissions, and costly delays.
Activities covered
Producing television and radio programs, films, documentaries, and series.
Creating animation, motion graphics, and video game content.
Dubbing, subtitling, editing (montage), and post-production for audiovisual works.
Operating OTT/VOD streaming platforms and distributing digital audiovisual content.
Producing advertising and branded audiovisual content for broadcast and digital channels.
Providing broadcasting services, including scheduled and unscheduled audio or visual broadcasting.
Who is it for?
Production houses, studios, and post-production firms creating TV, film, animation, or commercial content for the Saudi market.
OTT, VOD, and streaming operators looking to launch a licensed platform or distribute audiovisual content in the Kingdom.
International media companies, agencies, and creators establishing a compliant Saudi entity to operate or co-produce locally.
How we issue it for you
Activity scoping & MISA license
We map your business to the exact GAMR activity codes, confirm ownership eligibility, and secure your MISA investment license where applicable.
Company incorporation & commercial registration
We establish your Saudi entity and obtain the commercial registration from the Ministry of Commerce that underpins the media license.
GAMR application & content review
We compile and submit the audiovisual media application to GAMR, present the activity scope, and manage the content and compliance review.
License issuance & activation
We follow up until the license is issued, settle government fees at cost, and activate your entity for operations.
Post-license setup
We handle GOSI registration, banking, and any sector approvals so you are ready to produce and broadcast.
Requirements
A MISA investment license (for foreign investors) and a Saudi commercial registration from the Ministry of Commerce.
Valid identity of the applicant (national ID, residency, or passport) and proof they are the owner or company manager.
Company documents (articles of association, board/shareholder resolutions) and a clear description of the intended media activities.
A national address, authorized signatory, and compliance with Saudization and content-regulation conditions.
Cost & timeline
Government fees for the audiovisual media license vary by activity — basic production permits typically start in the region of SAR 20,000, while OTT, platform-operating, and broadcasting tiers carry different official fees. Add MISA investment-license and commercial-registration costs on top. These are government charges paid at cost and should be confirmed by a consultant for your exact activity mix. The full process typically takes around 3 to 6 weeks, depending on documentation and content review.
Frequently asked questions
The General Authority for Media Regulation (GAMR), formerly known as the General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM). Foreign investors first obtain an investment license from the Ministry of Investment (MISA), then the GAMR permit, alongside a commercial registration from the Ministry of Commerce.
It depends on the activity. Many production and content activities can be fully foreign-owned through a Saudi-incorporated company, while certain regulated media services may require local participation or extra approvals. We confirm the exact ownership rules for your chosen activities before you commit.
Yes. OTT/VOD and platform-operating services are licensed under specific GAMR activities with their own conditions and fees, distinct from a basic content-production permit. We scope your platform model and register the correct activities so the license matches how you actually operate.
Typically around 3 to 6 weeks, depending on how complete your documents are and the content review. We prepare a clean application up front to avoid re-submissions and keep the timeline as short as possible.