If you own a property and are considering investing in the tourism sector, obtaining a private tourist facility license is the first and essential step to turning this ambition into a legal and profitable reality. This type of license allows you to officially operate a facility offering hospitality or entertainment services, in accordance with clear controls and specific standards set by the competent authorities in the Kingdom, making it easier for you to work efficiently within the growing tourism sector.

In this article, we'll walk you through the process of issuing a private tourist facility license in Saudi Arabia, clarifying all important details such as the fees for a private tourist facility license and the necessary requirements to start the activity, as well as the role of Saudi commercial real estate as one of the most important pillars of this type of investment, to ensure a correct and system-compliant launch.

What Does a Private Tourist Facility License Mean?

A private tourist facility license

is the official permit granted by the Ministry of Tourism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, allowing the practice of private tourist hospitality activities for tourists within clear and approved controls. This permit is issued according to specific procedures, including obtaining a tourism accommodation license and paying the prescribed fees.

These licenses come within the Ministry's efforts to develop and regulate the tourism sector by enhancing the work environment and creating new investment opportunities in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Those wishing to obtain these licenses can apply through the Tourism Activities Licenses Portal, which provides integrated electronic services that facilitate starting a tourism activity legally and professionally.

Requirements for Operating a Private Tourist Hospitality Facility

The private tourist hospitality facility regulations include a set of requirements and obligations that anyone wishing to obtain a tourism accommodation facility license must adhere to, including:

Full commitment to applying public health standards within the private tourist hospitality facility and among all its employees.
Maintaining the cleanliness of all parts of the facility and its equipment, including providing adequate ventilation, ensuring the cleanliness and safety of furniture and equipment, and the safety of walls, ceilings, and other facilities.
Placing clear guidance signs in a prominent place, including facility usage rules such as check-in/check-out times, parking regulations, prohibited behaviors, and procedures for handling lost items.
Full commitment to credibility in marketing and advertisements by using real and accurate data and images that perfectly match the actual reality of the tourist facility.

Conditions for Obtaining Private Tourism Accommodation Facility Licenses in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has specified a set of conditions that must be met to obtain a private tourism accommodation facility license, as follows:

The applicant must be a Saudi national.
Possession of an electronic ownership deed or a valid electronic lease agreement.
If the property is under joint ownership, there must be no objection from other owners to daily rental.
A maximum of 3 permits are allowed to be issued to the authorized person within the same property.
The total number of permits issued per individual generally should not exceed 8 permits.
It is essential that the official data of the applicant and the private tourist hospitality facility are updated and correct.

Steps to License a Private Tourist Facility

To obtain a private tourist facility license, you can follow these steps through the Tourism Activities Licenses Portal:

Access the Tourism Licenses Portal through the official link.
Choose the desired license type: Private Tourist Facility.
Click on the "Request Permit" option and agree to the terms and conditions.
Log in through the National Unified Access platform.
Accurately fill in the property details and attach the lease agreement along with the required photos of the location.
Review all attached data and ensure their accuracy, then click "Submit Application".
Pay the license fees electronically through the Tourism Activities Licenses Portal.

How to Renew a Private Tourism Accommodation Facility License

To renew a private tourism accommodation facility license in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a set of official steps must be followed as specified by the Ministry of Tourism through its electronic licensing platform. Here are the detailed renewal steps:

Go to the official website of the Saudi Ministry of Tourism or the Tourism Activities Licenses Portal.
Log in using your account on the platform. If you don't have an account, you'll need to create a new one.
Select the private tourism accommodation facility license renewal service, then start filling out the electronic form.
Within the application, you must upload the following documents:
A copy of the current license.
Health and safety certificate.
Proof of fee payment.
Any additional documents requested by the Ministry.
Pay the renewal fees electronically through the payment gateway available on the platform.
The competent authorities will review the application. In some cases, a field visit may be conducted to ensure compliance with standards and requirements.
After approval, you can receive the renewed license electronically through your account on the platform.

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