Restaurant licences in Saudi Arabia: the right order
The licences depend on each other: each one relies on the one before. Follow this order:
- Commercial registration with the Ministry of Commerce. (Companies need their articles of association first.)
- Technical report once the restaurant is fitted out: fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, gas leak detectors.
- Waste container contract with a municipality-approved company.
- Municipal licence on the Balady platform: the green light to start trading.
- Civil defence licence on the Salama platform.
- Health certificates for all staff: a medical check and a health education programme.
Have these documents ready
- The lease or title deed.
- The CCTV installation certificate.
- The waste and cleaning contract.
Tip
Write a checklist of every requirement, and don't open until it is complete.
Procedures can change; always check the official platforms before you start.