How to Start Selling Online in Saudi Arabia

Residents and entrepreneurs looking to launch an online store in Saudi Arabia must follow a clear set of licensing and tax steps before they can legally sell to customers. The process begins with a Commercial Registration and ends with tax registration and product compliance.

The first requirement is a Commercial Registration (CR) that explicitly lists electronic commerce or online store as the licensed activity. Issued by the Ministry of Commerce through the Meras platform, a standard CR or sole proprietorship costs SAR 200 Foreign-owned businesses must first obtain a MISA investor licence before applying for the CR.

After the CR, online sellers must operate legally through either an e-commerce certificate — applied for via the Ministry of Commerce e-commerce portal — or registration on Maroof, the national online store verification platform. Maroof registration is free, linked to the store's CR number, and is a lighter option popular with small businesses and freelancers. It also gives customers a trust signal and a complaints channel.

Tax and compliance

The standard VAT rate is 15% on goods and services. Registration with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) becomes mandatory once annual taxable revenue exceeds SAR 375,000; below that threshold it is voluntary but recommended. E-invoicing through Fatoorah is mandatory, with invoices generated and stored via a certified solution.

Many physical products also require SABER/SASO conformity, including a Product Certificate of Conformity and Shipment Certificate of Conformity for regulated goods, obtained through the SABER system before import or sale.

Online stores must clearly display their CR number, VAT number (if registered), physical address and contact details, along with terms and conditions, return and refund policy, delivery information and the 15% VAT — all in Arabic. Getting these basics right protects both sellers and shoppers in the Kingdom's fast-growing e-commerce market.

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