Overview
The Temporary Contract Certificate (Temporary Investment License) is issued by the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) to a foreign company that has been awarded a specific government or semi-government contract but does not hold a foreign investment license for that activity. Instead of establishing a permanent entity, the foreign firm is authorised to enter the Kingdom and execute that one contract on a time-limited basis. The certificate is tied directly to the awarded contract: its validity is linked to the contract term and it lapses when the contract is completed, so it is the fastest lawful route to begin delivering an awarded public-sector project.
This certificate is not a substitute for a standard MISA license: it does not permit you to pursue additional private-sector work, open unrelated branches, or operate beyond the scope of the named contract. It is purpose-built for execution of the awarded scope only, and it lapses at the end of the contract term rather than continuing as a standing presence. Eligibility is also more demanding than for an ordinary license, particularly for contracting tenders, where MISA typically looks at the company's track record, audited financials and revenue history. For firms that intend to keep winning Saudi work, it functions as a focused entry point, after which we can transition you to a full foreign investment license and Commercial Registration. We handle the legalisation of your corporate documents, the MISA application, and coordination with the contracting authority end to end.
Activities covered
Executing an awarded government infrastructure or construction contract (roads, utilities, facilities) for a fixed term.
Delivering a technology, systems-integration or digital-transformation project for a government or semi-government entity.
Providing specialised engineering, supervision or consultancy services tied to a specific public-sector contract.
Supplying and installing specialised equipment or systems under a defined government procurement award.
Operating or commissioning a facility (healthcare, energy, transport) under a time-bound government or semi-government agreement.
Delivering project support for a national event or programme contracted by a public authority.
Who is it for?
Foreign contractors, EPC firms and consultancies that have been awarded a Saudi government or semi-government contract and need to mobilise without forming a full entity.
Established international specialists delivering a one-off public-sector project (infrastructure, technology, defence support, healthcare or events) of fixed duration.
Companies entering the Saudi market through a single awarded contract before committing to a permanent foreign investment license and Commercial Registration.
How we issue it for you
Review your contract and confirm eligibility
We examine the award letter and contract scope, confirm the contracting party qualifies as a government or semi-government entity, and verify that a Temporary Contract Certificate is the correct route for your situation and that you meet MISA's eligibility criteria.
Prepare and legalise your documents
We assemble your home-country commercial register, board resolution and audited financials, manage the embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation, and produce certified Arabic translations to MISA standards.
Submit the MISA application
We file the temporary license application with the Ministry of Investment through its e-services portal, link it to your specific contract, respond to any queries, and follow up until issuance.
Issue the certificate and activate operations
On approval we deliver your Temporary Contract Certificate valid for the contract term, then assist with the related Commercial Registration, national address and any sector permits needed to begin work.
Support delivery and plan your exit or transition
Throughout the contract we handle compliance and renewals, and as it nears completion we either wind the certificate down cleanly or transition you to a full foreign investment license if you intend to stay.
Requirements
A copy of the awarded contract or the official award/assignment letter signed by the competent government or semi-government authority.
The foreign company's commercial register (certificate of incorporation) from its home country, attested and legalised by the Saudi Embassy and the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Audited financial statements of the foreign company, typically for the last three years; for government contracting tenders, MISA generally also requires a track record of prior comparable projects as main contractor and a substantial revenue history (commonly cited around SAR 500 million).
A board resolution appointing the company's representative and approving execution of the Saudi contract, together with copies of the representative's passport.
Cost & timeline
Costs typically include MISA government fees plus the Ministry of Investment's annual subscription, commonly cited at approximately SAR 10,000 for the first year (with higher amounts in later years), alongside document attestation, certified translation and our professional fees. MISA issuance for a temporary license is often quoted at roughly two to four working days once a complete file is submitted, though embassy legalisation of your home-country documents usually takes longer and drives the overall timeline. All figures are indicative; government fees are paid at cost, and the exact amounts and eligibility thresholds should be confirmed by a consultant against your specific contract before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Not necessarily. The Temporary Contract Certificate exists precisely for foreign companies that hold an awarded government or semi-government contract but have no foreign investment license for that activity. It lets you execute that one contract lawfully without forming a permanent entity, and it lapses when the contract ends. We confirm you meet MISA's eligibility before applying.
No. The certificate is restricted to the named awarded contract only. It does not authorise pursuing additional private-sector or unrelated public work. If you want to keep operating after this project, we transition you to a full foreign investment license and Commercial Registration.
The signed contract or the official award/assignment letter from the government or semi-government authority. The whole certificate is built around it, so MISA cannot proceed without it. Alongside it, your attested home-country commercial register and audited financials are the next essential items.
Once a complete, legalised file is submitted, MISA issuance is often quoted at roughly two to four working days, though attesting your home-country documents abroad usually takes longer. The certificate is valid for the contract term; when the contract completes we either close it out cleanly or, if you wish to stay, convert you to a permanent license.