Receiving your Commercial Registration is a major milestone in setting up a business in Saudi Arabia yet it is only the beginning. To legally hire staff, issue work permits, and start payroll, you must activate two essential government systems: Qiwa and GOSI.
This guide uses the latest available information to help you quickly understand what to do immediately after CR approval so your business stays compliant and fully operational from day one.
- What Is Qiwa? Why Is It Essential After CR Approval?
- How to Register Your Establishment on Qiwa
- What Is GOSI? Why Must You Register After CR?
- How to Register Your Company in GOSI
- Correct Compliance Sequence After CR Approval (2025 Update)
- Common Mistakes New Businesses Make
- Conclusion
- Call to Action
What Is Qiwa? Why Is It Essential After CR Approval?
Qiwa is a digital platform operated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). It centralizes all workforce-related services, eliminating the need for physical visits.
Qiwa Platform Overview
Key Functions of Qiwa
- Issue and manage employment contracts
- Apply for General Manager visas
- Initiate employee transfers
- Generate Saudization certificates
- Manage work permits
- Integrate with payroll platforms like WPS and Mudad
Qiwa Platform Overview
Why Qiwa Matters for New Businesses
After CR issuance, Qiwa becomes mandatory for:
- Workforce setup and hiring
- Visa and contract approvals
- Compliance with labor regulations
- Onboarding your General Manager
Foreign companies especially benefit from Qiwa as it streamlines all HR government procedures into one online system.
Qiwa Platform Overview
How to Register Your Establishment on Qiwa
Before beginning registration, ensure the following are ready:
- Active Absher account
- Valid Commercial Registration (CR)
- National ID or Iqama of the authorized representative
- Establishment contact details
Qiwa Platform Overview
Registration Steps
- Visit the Qiwa platform homepage
- Select “Business Owners”
- Enter Iqama ID and date of birth
- Authenticate login via Absher
- Verify mobile number
- Add establishment details
- Activate your establishment dashboard
Once completed, you can issue GM visas, create contracts, manage work permits, and prepare the business to hire staff.
What Is GOSI? Why Must You Register After CR?
GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance) covers both Saudi and expatriate employees under mandatory social insurance.
Qiwa Platform Overview
Every business must register in GOSI before:
- Hiring employees
- Issuing payroll
- Contributing to monthly insurance payments
Missing GOSI registration can lead to delays and penalties.
What GOSI Covers
- Social insurance contribution tracking
- Employee classification
- Contract and salary records
- Integration with Qiwa and WPS payroll systems
Important Deadline
Monthly contributions must be paid before the 15th of the following month to avoid fines.
Qiwa Platform Overview
How to Register Your Company in GOSI
You Will Need
- Commercial Registration (CR)
- Tax ID
- Establishment license
- National address
- Authorized signatory’s ID
- Employee salary & contract data (later stage)
Qiwa Platform Overview
Registration Steps
- Visit the GOSI website
- Create a corporate account
- Add establishment details
- Upload all required documents
- Receive a dedicated GOSI Establishment Number
- Set up monthly contribution payments
This activates your company for legal hiring and payroll processing.
Correct Compliance Sequence After CR Approval (2025 Update)
Following the correct order helps avoid delays and system integration issues:
1. Chamber of Commerce Registration
Required to authenticate company documents.
Qiwa Platform Overview
2. Qiwa Activation
Start workforce setup, GM onboarding, and contract issuance.
3. GOSI Registration
Essential for payroll, insurance, and employee onboarding.
4. Link Qiwa → GOSI → WPS/Mudad
Ensures synced employee data across all platforms.
Qiwa Platform Overview
5. Complete GM Onboarding Within 30 Days
Mandatory deadline for foreign entities.
Common Mistakes New Businesses Make
❌ Delaying Qiwa activation
Leads to contract issues, visa delays, and blocked GM onboarding.
❌ Incorrect salary brackets in GOSI
This results in contribution errors and penalties.
❌ Not linking Qiwa and GOSI systems
Causes mismatched employee data and payroll failures.
❌ Missing the 15th of the month payment deadline
Triggers automatic fines.
Qiwa Platform Overview
Image Alt Text Suggestions
- “Qiwa platform dashboard for workforce setup in Saudi Arabia”
- “GOSI registration steps after CR approval”
- “Saudi Arabia business compliance workflow 2025”
- “How to activate Qiwa and GOSI for new companies in KSA”
Conclusion
Your journey after receiving CR approval involves crucial compliance steps. Activating Qiwa enables your workforce management and visa services, while GOSI ensures you meet insurance and payroll regulations. Completing both early helps avoid delays, penalties, and operational issues allowing your business to begin hiring smoothly and legally in Saudi Arabia.
Call to Action
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