GM Onboarding Checklist 2026: The General Manager Onboarding Guide for Saudi Arabia

As Saudi Arabia continues its transformation under Vision 2030, global and regional companies are accelerating market entry and expanding local operations. In this evolving business environment, understanding Saudi Arabia's regulatory environment is essential, and the appointment of a General Manager (GM) has become one of the most crucial compliance events for any corporate entity operating in the Kingdom.

The General Manager is not merely a leadership figure they are the legal representative of the company Their details are recorded across interconnected national platforms including MISA, MoC, Qiwa, GOSI, Mudad, and ZATCA, forming the foundation of the company’s legal and operational identity. The Articles of Association (AoA) is a key legal document that defines ownership, management structure, liability, and compliance requirements in accordance with Saudi regulations.

A single inaccuracy, whether a mismatched Qiwa contract, outdated Commercial Registration (CR), or missing GOSI entry, can delay payroll, freeze bank operations, and trigger compliance violations. To ensure a smooth onboarding process, it is critical to collect and verify all essential documents, such as the Articles of Association and other legal documents required for registration and compliance.

This makes GM onboarding a process that demands strategic precision, legal understanding, and flawless documentation.

Why General Manager Onboarding Matters

In Saudi Arabia’s compliance-driven regulatory framework, the General Manager is the executive responsible for overseeing daily operations and ensuring compliance with local laws. The General Manager plays a pivotal role in:

• Authorising company operations: Only the registered GM can represent the business before ministries, banks, and government platforms.

• Activating corporate governance: The GM’s name and credentials must appear consistently on the Commercial Registration (CR) and other portals.

• Maintaining regulatory continuity: Key processes such as payroll setup, visa issuance, tax filing, and Saudization reporting all depend on the GM’s registration and authentication status.

• Safeguarding reputation: Non-compliance can result in penalties, inspection flags, and suspension of e-services across multiple government systems.

As the top executive, the GM is accountable for strategic management and legal representation before Saudi authorities.

Appointing and onboarding the GM correctly ensures uninterrupted operations and signals the company’s commitment to compliance excellence.

The 2026 General Manager Onboarding Checklist

The following nine milestones form the definitive compliance checklist for onboarding a General Manager in Saudi Arabia. Document readiness is critical for a smooth onboarding process and timely approvals. Each step should be completed, verified, and recorded to maintain operational integrity.

These onboarding steps are essential for both new company formation and established businesses appointing a new GM.

1. Approve the Board Resolution and Define Authority

• Pass a board or shareholder resolution appointing the GM and outlining their powers, including legal representation before government authorities, representation, contracting, banking, and administration.

• Clearly define in the resolution the GM's authority to sign contracts on behalf of the company.

• Translate and notarise the document (Arabic) if issued abroad.

Why it matters: The resolution establishes the GM’s legal authority and is required for all subsequent filings with the MoC, MISA, and banks.

2. Update the Commercial Registration (CR)

• Log in to the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) portal and amend the CR to include the GM’s details.

• Ensure the GM is registered as an authorized signatory.

• Verify that the company's trade name is correctly listed and updated on the CR.

• Verify that the Chamber of Commerce certificate and National Address are up to date.

Why it matters: The CR update officially activates the GM’s authority across Saudi e-government systems, enabling transactions and payroll setup. Updating the CR is also necessary to legally initiate or continue commercial activities in Saudi Arabia.

3. Process Work Authorisation and Iqama (for Expatriate GMs)

• Apply for a block visa under the “General Manager” occupation through Qiwa.

• Complete the work permit, medicals, and iqama issuance through Muqeem.

• Link health insurance to the iqama via the Council of Health Insurance (CHI).

Why it matters: Without an active iqama and insurance policy, the GM cannot legally operate, access payroll, or manage dependent visas.

4. Authenticate the Employment Contract on Qiwa

• Issue a bilingual (Arabic–English) employment contract following the Unified Employment Contract (2025) format.

• Authenticate digitally on Qiwa, ensuring salary, allowances, and bank data match payroll.

• Define probation terms in line with Saudi Labour Law (up to 180 days).

Why it matters: Authenticated contracts serve as legal proof of employment, forming the basis for WPS compliance and MHRSD inspections.

5. Register the GM with GOSI

• Register the GM on the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) platform within 10 working days.

• Declare accurate wage details and apply appropriate contribution rates (22% for Saudi nationals, 2% for expatriates).

• Retain proof of monthly submissions.

Why it matters: GOSI registration verifies employment, secures insurance coverage, and is essential for labour law compliance.

6. Activate Payroll via Mudad (WPS)

• Create or update the company profile under the correct CR on Mudad.

• Link payroll to the company's authorised Saudi bank accounts to ensure compliance with WPS requirements.

• Upload WPS data monthly before the MHRSD submission deadline.

Why it matters: Mudad integrates payroll data with government records. Late or inconsistent submissions can suspend company services and impact Saudization status.

7. Finalise Banking Mandates and Signatory Access

• Submit the bank mandate package consistent with the CR and resolution.

• Complete KYC procedures under SAMA guidelines.

• Verify authorised signatures and maintain specimen copies for audits.

Why it matters: Banking access is essential for salary payments, vendor transactions, and WPS compliance.

8. Configure Access to Key Government Portals

The General Manager (GM) must be granted access to key government services and portals to manage compliance and official business operations.

Grant or delegate GM access credentials for:

• Qiwa – Employment and workforce management

• GOSI – Wage declarations and insurance

• Mudad – Payroll and WPS uploads

• Muqeem / Absher – Residency and visa management

• ZATCA – Tax, VAT, and e-invoicing compliance

• Chamber of Commerce – Certificate renewals

These platforms are operated by different government authorities and government entities, each responsible for specific regulatory functions and compliance requirements.

Why it matters: Access control centralises compliance operations and ensures business continuity during audits or inspections.

9. Conduct a Post-Onboarding Compliance Audit

• Review all entries across MISA, MoC, Qiwa, GOSI, and Mudad for consistency.

• Reconcile payroll, iqama, and contract data.

• Archive digital copies of all evidence for inspection readiness.

Why it matters: A post-onboarding audit prevents discrepancies and establishes a verified compliance trail for future renewals.

Key Risks of Non-Compliance

Failing to complete onboarding steps properly can lead to significant operational and financial consequences, including:

• Blocked access to government portals due to inconsistent data across MISA, Qiwa, or GOSI

• Payroll and visa suspension for non-compliant WPS or iqama documentation

• Audit penalties and inspection notices from MHRSD or ZATCA

• Delays in banking transactions and tax filings due to incomplete signatory authority

Incomplete onboarding also exposes the company to significant legal risks, including potential disputes and regulatory penalties.

Partner with TASC for End-to-End Compliance

At TASC Corporate Services, we manage the complete GM onboarding process, from board resolutions and visa processing to Qiwa, GOSI, and Mudad integration. We also assist clients in obtaining specialized licenses such as the entrepreneur license and industrial license, ensuring your business meets all regulatory requirements.

With over 18 years of GCC experience and an on-ground Saudi GRO/PRO team, TASC ensures your leadership onboarding is precise, compliant, and audit-ready. Our compliance support enables companies to qualify for government tenders and participate in public contracts.

Partner with TASC to onboard your General Manager with full compliance confidence in 2026 and beyond contact us today