Overview
The Scientific and Technical Office License is issued by the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) to a foreign company that already has an authorized Saudi agent or accredited distributor in the Kingdom. It permits the foreign company to open a non-commercial office that provides scientific and technical information about its products to its agents, distributors and the end-users of those products - for example offering technical support, conducting market studies on the company's line of activity, and reporting back to the parent company. Crucially, it does not grant the right to trade: the office is a support and liaison presence, not a profit-generating one.
The office is fully owned by the foreign parent company, which is exactly why MISA permits one hundred percent foreign ownership: there is no commercial activity to localize. In return, the office is strictly prohibited from executing any contracts, carrying out any direct or indirect commercial or investment activity inside the Kingdom, or charging fees for training Saudi technicians. The license matters because it gives international manufacturers and technology firms a legitimate, on-the-ground technical arm to protect their brand, train and back their distribution network, and stay close to the Saudi market - a stepping stone many companies use before converting to a full trading entity.
Activities covered
Providing scientific and technical information and after-sales support on the company's products to agents, distributors and end-users.
Conducting market studies on the company's line of activity and preparing reports for the parent company.
Training and technically supervising the Saudi agent's or distributor's staff (without charging fees for the training).
Acting as a technical liaison between the parent company and its Saudi distribution network and clients.
Communicating product specifications, usage guidance and technical updates to protect brand quality and standards.
Gathering market feedback and technical insights to inform the parent company's product and support decisions.
Who is it for?
Foreign manufacturers and technology companies that already sell into Saudi Arabia through a local agent or distributor and want an official technical-support presence.
International brands wanting to train, supervise and back their Saudi distribution network and protect product quality and reputation in the market.
Companies testing the Saudi market with a low-cost, non-trading foothold before committing to a full commercial or industrial license.
How we issue it for you
Eligibility check and document preparation
We confirm you have a valid Saudi agent or distributor, then prepare and arrange embassy attestation and certified Arabic translation of your commercial registration and agency agreement.
MISA license application
We submit the Scientific and Technical Office application to MISA on your behalf through its electronic services portal and manage all follow-up and clarifications.
License issuance and fee settlement
Once approved, we handle issuance of the MISA license and settle the government fees at cost, then advise you on the annual investor-relations subscription.
Commercial registration and post-licensing setup
We register the office with the Ministry of Commerce, issue the national address and municipal (Balady) requirements, and set up the office to operate legally.
Compliance and annual reporting
We keep you compliant with the non-trading conditions, prepare and file the annual activity summary to MISA, and manage timely license renewals.
Requirements
A certified copy of the foreign parent company's commercial registration (or equivalent), attested by the Saudi embassy in the country of origin.
A copy of the authorized agency or distribution agreement with the Saudi agent or accredited distributor.
Recent audited financial statements of the parent company demonstrating an established, financially sound entity.
A commitment to operate as a non-trading office and to submit an annual activity summary to MISA.
Cost & timeline
Government costs are modest compared with a trading license: the MISA license fee is typically around 2,000 SAR per year (issued for up to five years), alongside an investor-relations services subscription that is commonly around 10,000 SAR for the first year and noticeably higher in subsequent years. These are government charges paid at cost and should be confirmed by your consultant, as they change. With documents attested and in order, MISA approval for most cases is now issued within roughly a couple of business days, and we typically complete the full office setup in a matter of weeks.
Frequently asked questions
No. The office is strictly non-trading. It is prohibited from executing contracts or carrying out any direct or indirect commercial or investment activity in the Kingdom. Its role is purely technical and informational support for your agents, distributors and clients. If you want to trade, you would need a commercial license instead, which we can also arrange.
Yes. This license is specifically for foreign companies that already have an authorized Saudi agent or accredited distributor, and a copy of that agency or distribution agreement is a core document in the application. We review the agreement first to make sure it meets MISA's requirements.
Yes. Because the office does not trade, MISA allows it to be fully owned by the foreign parent company - there is no requirement for a Saudi partner in the office itself. The Saudi relationship is the separate agency or distribution arrangement that qualifies you for the license.
The license is issued for up to five years and renewed periodically. The main ongoing obligation is submitting an annual activity summary to MISA and staying within the non-trading conditions, including not charging fees for training Saudi technicians. We handle the renewals and annual reporting for you so nothing lapses.