Verifying a company’s legal status is a crucial step before doing business in Saudi Arabia. Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or just doing research, checking a company’s Commercial Registration (CR) helps you confirm that it’s officially registered with the Ministry of Commerce.
Thanks to Saudi Arabia’s push for digital transformation, the entire process is now quick, easy, and accessible online. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check company registration in Saudi Arabia, what platforms to use, and what information to look for to make informed, secure business decisions.
Why Verify a Company’s Registration?
Before you do business with any company in Saudi Arabia, you should always confirm that the company:
- Is officially registered with the Ministry of Commerce (MOC)
- Holds a valid Commercial Registration (CR)
- Is currently active and compliant with Saudi business laws
- Is operating in the correct sector (e.g., real estate, trading, IT, etc.)
Verifying a company’s registration helps you:
- Avoid scams and fraudulent businesses
- Ensure your contracts and agreements are legally valid
- Make informed business or investment decisions
- Check company ownership and legal status
- Confirm registration expiration and renewal dates
Main Tool: Ministry of Commerce (MOC)
The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) is the primary government authority overseeing company registration in Saudi Arabia. They provide a convenient online portal to check a company’s Commercial Registration (CR) status.
Step-by-Step Guide to Check Company Registration via MOC
Follow these steps to search for a company’s registration:
1. Go to the Official MOC Website
Visit the Ministry of Commerce portal:
https://mc.gov.sa
2. Switch to English (Optional)
If you’re not comfortable in Arabic, change the language to English at the top right corner.
3. Access ‘E-Services’
Hover over or click on “E-Services” in the menu. Select “Commercial Registration Inquiry” (الاستعلام عن السجل التجاري).
4. Enter Company Name or CR Number
You can search using:
- The Commercial Registration number (CR No.)
- The company name (in Arabic or English)
5. Complete CAPTCHA and Submit
Fill in the CAPTCHA and click the “Search” or “Inquiry” button.
6. View Results
The system will display key details such as:
- Company Name
- CR Number
- Status (Active / Expired)
- Type of Company (LLC, Joint Stock, etc.)
- Registered Activities
- Start and Expiry Dates of Registration
- City or Region of Registration
Additional Platforms to Verify Company Registration in Saudi Arabia
Besides the MOC, here are a few other official platforms that provide reliable business information
1. Qiwa Platform
Qiwa, under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, provides detailed data on companies’ labor compliance, Saudization status, and workforce size.
2. Wathiq (وثّق)
Wathiq, operated by the MOC, offers certified company reports for more detailed verification. It’s a paid service but useful for legal or investment decisions.
3. Chamber of Commerce Websites
Local chambers such as the Riyadh Chamber or Jeddah Chamber often maintain online directories where you can search for registered companies in their regions.
Understanding the Commercial Registration (CR)
A Commercial Registration (CR) is a legal certificate that proves a business is officially registered in Saudi Arabia. It contains important details like:
- CR Number (رقم السجل التجاري)
- Company Type (LLC, Sole Proprietorship, etc.)
- Owner or Partners
- Registered Activities
- Location and Branch Info
- Status (Active, Suspended, Expired)
Every legitimate company must have a valid CR to operate legally in the Kingdom.
What If a Company Doesn’t Show Up?
If a company does not appear in the MOC search results, it may indicate:
- The company is not registered or is operating illegally
- You entered the wrong CR number or misspelled the name
- The company is registered under a different trade name
- The CR is expired or suspended
In such cases, it’s best to request the correct CR number directly from the company or consult a legal advisor before proceeding.
FAQs
Can I verify a company in Saudi Arabia without a CR number?
Yes. You can search using the company’s trade name on the MOC website. However, the CR number gives more accurate and direct results.
Is the service free?
Yes. Basic company registration search via the Ministry of Commerce website is completely free. For certified documents or detailed reports, Wathiq charges a small fee.
Can I verify a foreign company operating in KSA?
If the foreign company has a branch officially registered in Saudi Arabia, it will have a local CR and appear in the MOC records.
Expert Tips for Company Verification
- Always ask for the CR number before signing any contract or agreement.
- Use the CR Expiry Date to confirm the company is still legally active.
- If you’re investing, request a Wathiq report to ensure full transparency.
- Don’t rely solely on website or social media presence — always verify through official government portals.
As Saudi Arabia continues to attract entrepreneurs and investors, make sure you’re doing business the legal way. We hope you’ve found this blog helpful in understanding how to check company registration in Saudi Arabia. If we’ve missed anything or if you need further clarification, feel free to reach out! At Arab Dreams, we’re committed to helping businesses navigate the Saudi commercial landscape—whether you’re verifying a company’s legitimacy or setting up your own. We’re here to guide you every step of the w
