The Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority “Monsha’at” launched the second edition of the Estrdad initiative for refunding paid government fees, with a total of SAR 1.5 billion, to support startups in their first three years, stimulate the business environment, and strengthen their continuity and competitiveness.
The initiative embodies the keenness of the wise leadership, may Allah support it, to create a stimulating and sustainable business environment and strengthen the contribution of SMEs to building a diversified and thriving national economy, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Registration for SMEs opens on the initiative’s launch date and continues until the end of 2026, and disbursements to eligible SMEs will be made periodically from the date of their qualification until the end of 2028, with the aim of supporting their financial stability and strengthening their growth.
The initiative covers the refund of ten fees and financial charges, starting with 80% of the expatriate levy, along with the publication of the articles of incorporation, the commercial registration, the municipal license, Saudi Post and chambers of commerce subscriptions, trademark registration, and economic activity licenses, in addition to patent registration, which was added in this edition to promote innovation and invention among national enterprises, in accordance with the terms and conditions published on the initiative’s page at Estrdad.monshaat.gov.sa.
The initiative is open to registration by anyone who meets the relevant criteria: the enterprise must be classified as micro, small, or medium; no more than three years must have passed since it began its commercial activity; and its activity start date must not be before January 1, 2024, with the registration of the first employee in the enterprise counted as the start of activity. The enterprise must also meet the Saudization rate approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and no less than 60% of the company’s total ownership must be shares or stakes held by micro, small, or medium enterprises or by individuals. The enterprise must be wholly owned by Saudi persons, with the exception of enterprises whose activity falls among the activities classified under the initiative’s terms and conditions, while registration and refund applications submitted by establishments that do not practice an economic activity requiring a license will not be accepted.
The initiative provides a unified digital experience for verifying eligibility and refunding government fees efficiently and reliably, keeping pace with digital transformation and reflecting the development of government sector services in supporting entrepreneurship.
Monsha’at emphasized that the initiative is an extension of the support of the wise leadership, may Allah support it, and its continued interest in enabling startups and strengthening their active contribution to the national economy, and that it reflects the active partnership between the government and private sectors in achieving sustainable economic development.
The first edition of the initiative benefited more than 27,000 enterprises, and the beneficiary enterprises contributed to providing more than 89,000 jobs, with a survival rate of 75%, reflecting the initiative’s direct impact in supporting economic growth and generating job opportunities.