Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in media, both to grow its domestic industry and to bring more production activity into the country.
The sector was valued at $4.6 billion in 2024, with growth driven by streaming, production services, content creation, and digital advertising. For media companies, that means growing demand, government support, and space in the market for specialist skills and services.
With a clear regulatory framework now in place, this article explains how to set up a media or content creation company in the kingdom, what licences are required, and how the process works in practice.
Start with a MISA licence
The first step is to apply for a licence from the Ministry of Investment (MISA). This is what allows foreign-owned companies to operate legally in the kingdom and trade in the local market.
Most media businesses register as limited liability companies (LLCs), though opening a branch is also possible if you intend to expand an existing foreign company without creating a new legal entity. Either way, the application must be made through MISA, and must include notarised articles of association, shareholder IDs, proof of capital, and a legalised copy of the parent company’s documents if applicable.
Once approved, the MISA licence confirms that your business is authorised to operate and invest in Saudi Arabia. It also serves as the base for securing other sector-specific permits, including the one needed to carry out media activities.
Register the business locally
Once you have the MISA licence, you’ll need to register the company with the Ministry of Commerce. This involves reserving a trade name and applying for a Commercial Registration (CR), which confirms your business is officially recognised.
At the same time, you’ll need a national address and a Chamber of Commerce certificate. Once these are in place, you can begin the employment setup and immigration steps, including the General Manager’s visa and opening a Saudi bank account.
This is also the point where Saudisation requirements start to apply. The percentage of Saudi hires depends on your business activity and size, so it’s important to factor this in when planning your team.
Choose the right media licence
To operate legally in the country’s media sector, your business must hold the correct licence from the General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM). This has to match the exact activity you’re offering. GCAM offers separate permits for services such as video production, influencer marketing, live streaming, podcasting, digital publishing and public relations.
All applications are submitted through GCAM’s online portal. Processing times vary, but this is where many companies experience delays, often due to mismatched activity descriptions or incomplete documents. It helps to be precise about what the company does and ensure the chosen licence reflects that.
Each media licence is valid for three years and must be clearly displayed at your physical office. Firms are also required to keep a copy of any transmitted or published content for at least 90 days. This rule applies across formats, including video, audio, and live broadcasts.
Compliance and content standards
Once your licence is in place, your content must meet national standards. That includes respecting religious and cultural values and avoiding copyright issues. Ads and influencer posts need approval before they go live.
If you run a streaming service or video app, you must show how content is rated and moderated. These processes should be written down and ready to share if requested.
GCAM checks both local and foreign-based platforms. If your content reaches users in Saudi Arabia, the rules still apply. Non-compliance can lead to fines or suspension.
You may also be asked to submit reports on your media activity. Keeping clear records will help.
The key is to treat compliance as part of daily operations, not a one-off task.
Media zones with practical support
A number of dedicated media zones are now in place, offering companies a base to produce, collaborate and scale.
NEOM Media Village is one of the most developed. It offers soundstages, production and post-production facilities, plus access to equipment and crew. Productions based there can also qualify for generous rebates.
Riyadh Media City is another option. It brings together studios, agencies, and service firms, making it easier for content businesses to get up and running with the right local support.
There is also IGNITE which is a national funding programme backing content creation, game development, podcasting, and digital media. It provides grants, training, and hands-on help for companies looking to build in the sector.
These zones are designed to remove friction and help content creators produce from day one.
