Last Updated on: 7th July 2023, 07:40 pm
How To Apply For A Social Media Influencer License in Saudi Arabia?
If you are a social media influencer in Saudi Arabia and want to make money from your online content, you need to purchase a special license. That means you need to apply for government approval before you can make money from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and more.
Not only Saudi citizens need this permission, but also influential people from other countries. Regardless of whether you are a Saudi Arabian or not, if you want to run your social media channels in Saudi Arabia and make money from it, you need a permit.
Once you have permission, you can generate revenue through advertising on various social media platforms. How to get this license:
Understand The Social Media Influencer License Requirements
Non-Saudi social media influencers must be licensed to work in Saudi Arabia as stipulated in Article 23 of Royal Decree No. M/51.
Article 23 of Royal Decree No. M/51: “No non-Saudi citizen shall be prohibited from carrying out any work or engaging in any such activity without obtaining a license.”
How To Get A Social Media Influencer License
The process is generally easier for Saudi citizens than non-Saudi citizens. To apply for the Social Media Influencer license you must fill out the form on the General Audiovisual Commission website.
With a license period of three years, a license fee of 15,000 SR also applies.
Apply For A Social Media Influencer License As A Non-Saudi
However, non-Saudi nationals applying for the Social Media Influencers License will have to face a lengthy application process as illustrated below:
- Apply for the SAGIA License: To work as a social media influencer in Saudi Arabia, you need to apply for the SAGIA license.
- Iqama Status Change for Non-Saudis: Non-Saudis planning to work as social media influencers will change their status from Iqama to Investor. This means that they can only work for themselves and not as employees.
- Fill out the form and pay the fee: Just like Saudis, non-Saudis must fill out the required form and pay a fee of SR 15,000 for a three-year license period.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Working as an influencer without the required license is a criminal offense. Non-Saudi nationals engaged in this activity without a license face a fine of 5 million SR, five years in prison, or deportation. This is in accordance with the Royal Decree of 01/01/1442 No. (M/4).
Social Media Influencer License Benefits
- Permission will help you work legally and avoid a $5 million fine or 5 years in prison.
- It allows you to work with various paid ads.
- Non-Saudi Americans pay only 20% of income tax.
Also Read: UAE Announces New Restrictions On Entry Of Foreign Vehicles
