How to Choose Your Saudi SSIC Code: Economic Activity Selection Guide 2026

Selecting the correct Saudi SSIC (Saudi Standard Industrial Classification) 6-digit code is one of the most critical decisions when registering a business in Saudi Arabia. Your code directly determines:

• Commercial Registration (CR) approval from the Ministry of Commerce.
• MISA Foreign Investment License category and capital requirements.
• Supervisory and Licensing Authorities (e.g. Balady municipality licenses, SFDA, SAMA, CITC).
• Nitaqat Saudization Quotas and required percentage of Saudi employees.
• ZATCA Tax and VAT Treatment.

5-Step Code Selection Framework

Step 1: Identify Your Primary Revenue-Generating Activity

Determine whether your core operation is Manufacturing (Section C), Wholesale/Retail Trade (Section G), Professional/Consulting Services (Section M), or Information & Communication (Section J).

Step 2: Avoid Overly Broad or Inaccurate Classifications

Do not select general trading if you operate a specialized service. For instance, Software Publishing (SSIC 582001) carries different licensing requirements and Saudization brackets than IT Consultancy (SSIC 620201).

Step 3: Check Supervisory & Municipal Licensing Dependencies

Review whether your target activity requires secondary approvals:

• Food & Pharmaceuticals $\rightarrow$ SFDA (هيئة الغذاء والدواء)
• Financial Services & Fintech $\rightarrow$ SAMA or CMA (البنك المركزي / هيئة السوق المالية)
• Physical Stores / Restaurants $\rightarrow$ Balady Municipality License (منصة بلدي)

Regulatory Authority & Trust Note