Starting a business is never easy. Anyone who has tried it knows the sleepless nights, the endless paperwork, and the constant fear that the money will run out before the first sale is made. In Saudi Arabia, like everywhere else, entrepreneurs face these challenges head-on. But unlike many places, they also have a government that has decided to ease the burden with real, tangible support. One of the best examples of this is Estrdad (استرداد), a platform launched by the Small and Medium Enterprises Authority, Monsha’at, to reimburse government fees for young businesses.
Think of it as a safety net for entrepreneurs. You set up your company, you pay the unavoidable fees for registrations, licenses, and permits, and then—rather than carrying that expense on your back—you get it refunded. The Estrdad platform, available through estrdad.monshaat.gov.sa, makes that possible. And for many new businesses, it can make the difference between struggling to stay afloat and having just enough breathing space to grow.
The logic behind Estrdad is simple but powerful: the first three years of a business are the hardest. Cash flow is tight, revenues are unpredictable, and mistakes are inevitable. Every riyal matters. By reimbursing government fees, the Kingdom gives entrepreneurs back some of that precious cash. It’s not just about money—it’s about sending a message that says: “We believe in your idea, and we want you to succeed.”
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 puts small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at the heart of the future economy. The goal is for SMEs to contribute 35% of GDP by 2030. That won’t be reached unless thousands of new businesses are born and nurtured. Estrdad is one of the ways the government is making sure those businesses don’t just launch, but thrive. In its second phase, the initiative earmarked SAR 1.5 billion to support entrepreneurs across the Kingdom.
So, what exactly does Estrdad cover? The list is longer than most people expect, and it’s surprisingly practical:
- Commercial registration issuance and renewal
- One-time publication of articles of incorporation
- Converting an establishment into a company
- Chamber of Commerce membership and renewals
- Municipal licenses for business activity
- Saudi Post (SPL) subscriptions
- Trademark registration
- Issuance and renewal of economic activity licenses
- Patent registration (added in the second phase)
- Up to 80% reimbursement of expatriate worker levy (excluding dependents)
For entrepreneurs, these costs add up quickly. What looks like a few thousand riyals here and there can easily become tens of thousands, eating into precious capital. Estrdad gives that money back, letting businesses reinvest in growth, marketing, hiring, or technology.
The process of claiming reimbursements is refreshingly digital. No paperwork marathons or endless visits to government offices. Everything happens online:
- Visit estrdad.monshaat.gov.sa.
- Log in with your National Single Sign-On (NAFATH).
- Confirm that your SME is less than three years old.
- Gather invoices and proof of payment.
- Select the category (CR, Chamber, SPL, trademark, etc.).
- Upload documents and submit your application.
- Track progress online.
- Once approved, funds go directly into your business bank account.
Most applications are processed in about a month, sometimes longer depending on demand. The important part is that it works—and for many founders, it feels like a lifeline.
Estrdad is already changing the way entrepreneurship feels in Saudi Arabia. It builds confidence, reduces fear, and encourages people who are hesitant to finally take the leap. It also shows international founders and investors that the Kingdom is serious about being a global hub for business.
Estrdad is more than a refund—it’s a partnership. It tells entrepreneurs: “We’ve got your back.” For some, it might mean paying for a marketing campaign, hiring their first employee, or keeping the lights on for another month. For the Kingdom, it’s a smart investment in jobs, innovation, and long-term economic resilience.
At its heart, Estrdad is about trust. The government is trusting entrepreneurs to build something valuable, and entrepreneurs are reassured that their country believes in their potential. That kind of partnership doesn’t just build businesses—it builds the future.
FAQs
Who can apply? Any SME in Saudi Arabia within its first three years.
Which fees are reimbursed? CR issuance & renewal, incorporation publication, Chamber fees, municipal licenses, SPL, trademarks, activity licenses, patent registration, and 80% of expatriate levy.
How long does it take? Most reimbursements are processed within 4–6 weeks.
Can I apply multiple times? Yes, for different eligible fees.
What if my business is older than 3 years? Estrdad is only for new enterprises.
Does it apply to foreign-owned SMEs? Yes, if legally registered in Saudi Arabia.
Monshaat’s estrdad initiative eases startup costs up to 80 percent