Strategic Guide to Amending the MISA Investment License 2026: How to Scale Your Business in KSA with "Motaded"
In a dynamic economic environment like Saudi Arabia, expansion and change are integral parts of an investor's success. Whether you intend to add a new business activity, change your ownership structure, or adjust your capital, Amending the MISA (Ministry of Investment) License is the essential legal procedure. In this guide, Motaded provides the comprehensive roadmap for successfully and efficiently navigating investment license amendments.
Part 1: When Do You Need to Amend Your MISA License?
Amending a license is not merely a formal requirement; it involves strategic shifts necessitated by market demands or company growth:
Modifying Economic Activities: Adding new activities (e.g., adding "Wholesale Trade" to a "Service" license).
Ownership Structure Changes: Adding new partners, exiting current partners, or redistributing share percentages.
Capital Adjustments: Increasing capital to support expansion or decreasing it for legal restructuring.
Legal Entity Conversion: Converting from a "Limited Liability Company (LLC)" to a "Simplified Joint Stock Company."
General Manager Amendment: Updating senior management data linked to the license and Commercial Registration (CR).
Part 2: Types of License Amendments via the Saudi Business Center (SBC)
Through the Saudi Business Center (SBC), the Ministry of Investment offers flexible amendment options categorized into two tiers:
1. Administrative and Technical Amendments
These include changing the facility’s trade name, updating contact information, or changing the geographic location (National Address).
2. Structural and Substantial Amendments
These affect the core legal entity, such as activities, capital, and partners. These require meticulous review by MISA investment analysts.
Part 3: The 9 Stages of the Amendment Process (The Motaded Methodology)
Based on our expertise at Motaded , we have developed an integrated system to link license amendments with the rest of the government ecosystem to ensure business continuity without interruption:
Table (1): License Amendment Stages and Linked Entities (2026 Update)
| Stage | Procedure | Entity | Motaded's Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Partners' Resolution | Internal / Notary | Drafting and legalizing the resolution |
| 2 | Digital Amendment Request | MISA | Accurate submission via the MISA platform |
| 3 | Document Audit | MISA | Following up until approval is granted |
| 4 | Amending Articles of Association | Ministry of Commerce | Electronic notarization of the amendment |
| 5 | Updating the CR | Saudi Business Center | Issuing the updated Commercial Registration |
| 6 | Updating ZATCA Data | ZATCA | Ensuring tax certificate compliance |
| 7 | Updating Labor Files | Qiwa Platform | Modifying facility data in Human Resources |
| 8 | Updating Social Insurance | GOSI | Matching subscriber data with the amended entity |
| 9 | Updating Bank Records | Commercial Banks | Unfreezing accounts and linking the new CR |
Part 4: Data, Statistics, and Amendment Costs
According to 2025 investment statistics, 35% of foreign companies amended their licenses to add "Technology" and "Logistics" activities.
Table (2): Expected Timelines and Estimated Fees for Amendments
| Type of Amendment | Expected Duration | Government Fees (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Adding a New Activity | 3 - 5 Working Days | 2,000 |
| Changing/Adding a Partner | 5 - 10 Working Days | 2,000 + Publication Fees |
| Increasing Capital | 3 - 5 Working Days | Varies by Value |
| Changing General Manager | 1 - 2 Working Days | Nominal Fees |
Part 5: Why Choose Motaded to Manage Your Amendments?
Amending a license is not just an electronic request; it is a reshaping of your company's legal future. At Motaded, we offer:
Proactive Activity Assessment: Before adding a activity, we ensure you meet the requirements (Capital, solvency, secondary licenses).
Professional Contract Drafting: We guarantee the drafting of Annexes to the Articles of Association in a way that protects the rights of both existing and new partners.
Speed and Technical Integration: Once the amended license is issued, we update all platforms (Qiwa, ZATCA, Subul) in record time.
Overcoming Obstacles: Should MISA provide feedback or observations, the Motaded legal team handles the resolution immediately.
Part 6: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - 15 Questions
1. Can I add an "Industrial" activity to a "Service" license?
Yes, activities can be merged, but this requires technical approval from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources before the final amendment.
2. Does the SBC require audited financials when changing partners?
Yes, in cases of entering new partners or increasing capital, the MISA system requires updated financial statements to ensure the health of the entity.
3. What are the MISA amendment fees in 2026?
The base fee is SAR 2,000, in addition to fees for updating the CR and publishing the amended Articles of Association.
4. Can I change the company name during a renewal process?
Yes, amendment and renewal requests can be merged into a single process to save time, a process we specialize in at Motaded.
5. Does a partner's exit affect employee visas?
It does not directly affect them, but facility data must be updated on the "Qiwa" platform to ensure service continuity.
6. How is the National Address updated after a license amendment?
It is done through the "Subul" platform, and the new address must match what was entered in the MISA amendment request.
7. Does adding a new foreign partner require document legalization from abroad?
Yes, the new partner's documents must be legalized (Apostille) and attested by the Saudi Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
8. What is Motaded's role in capital adjustment?
We prepare all legal documents, coordinate with certified auditors, and ensure the acceptance of financials on the "Qawaim" platform.
9. Can the General Manager be changed via the SBC only?
Yes, the change starts with the license, then the CR, followed by updating "Absher Business" and "Muqeem" data.
10. Does amending a license require a physical visit to the Ministry?
In 2026, all amendment procedures are 100% electronic via the Saudi Business Center.
11. What is the "Restricted Activities List" during an amendment?
These are activities that a foreign investor cannot practice or that require a specific percentage of Saudi partnership. The Motaded team provides you with an updated list.
12. How long does it take to update the bank account after an amendment?
It usually takes 2 to 5 working days and requires submitting the new CR and amended Articles of Association to the bank.
13. Can capital be reduced?
Yes, but it is a process that requires special approvals and legal announcements to creditors; we at Motaded manage this process meticulously.
14. Do amendments appear immediately in the ZATCA certificate?
No, a request to update taxpayer data must be submitted via the ZATCA portal after the amended CR is issued.
15. Why is Motaded the best choice for amendments?
Because we possess cumulative experience in handling over 500 amendment requests and know the fine details that prevent application rejections.
Part 7: Gold Tips Before Starting Your License Amendment
Legal Matching: Ensure partner resolutions are written in a legal format that does not conflict with the new Companies Law.
Document Preparation: Any deficiency in legalizing external documents (Apostille) will lead to rejection at the first stage.
Procedural Synchronization: Do not stop once the CR is issued; proceed to update bank and insurance data immediately.
Conclusion: Business Growth Requires Legal Flexibility
Amending your investment license is your means to keep pace with the evolving Saudi market. With Motaded, we guarantee a smooth legal transition from your current status to broader investment horizons, while adhering to all Saudi Business Center standards.
Are you thinking of expanding your activities or changing your company structure?
Contact the Motaded team today, and let us handle the complexities so you can focus on growing your business.