Steps and timeline to register a charitable association in Saudi Arabia and limits on funding sources

Hello dear,

To provide a comprehensive response, we kindly ask you to clarify who the founders are, their nationalities, and to share more details about the association — including its charitable scope and activities.

We look forward to assisting you.

Best regards,

Hello dear,

To provide a comprehensive response, we kindly ask you to clarify who the founders are, their nationalities, and to share more details about the association — including its charitable scope and activities.

We look forward to assisting you.

Best regards,

Hello dear,

To provide a comprehensive response, we kindly ask you to clarify who the founders are, their nationalities, and to share more details about the association — including its charitable scope and activities.

We look forward to assisting you.

Best regards,

Dear Sir/Madam, Setting up a healthcare charity in Riyadh requires approvals from several authorities, with documentation and timelines depending on the charity’s scope and structure. Our team can assist you through each step, from regulatory approvals to governance and compliance setup, ensuring the process runs smoothly and in line with local requirements. Kind Regards, Tasheel Law Firm

Establishing a charitable association in Saudi Arabia, especially for a healthcare support initiative in Riyadh, requires approval from government authorities and compliance with the Kingdom’s nonprofit governance regulations. Below is a practical overview of the registration steps, required documents, funding rules, and expected timelines.

1. Authority Responsible for Registration
Charitable associations in Saudi Arabia are primarily regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD).
All nonprofit organizations must obtain official licensing from the ministry before operating or collecting donations.

Legal Guidance for Nonprofit Setup in Riyadh
Organizations planning to launch charitable initiatives often require legal assistance to ensure compliance with Saudi nonprofit laws, governance standards, and licensing procedures.
Bin Hammad Law Firm in Riyadh provides legal consultation for nonprofit registration, governance structuring, regulatory compliance, and charitable organization licensing in Saudi Arabia.
Bin Hammad Law Firm
Their lawyers assist founders, philanthropists, and organizations establishing charitable associations and nonprofit entities in Riyadh and across Saudi Arabia.

2. Classify the Medical Device
The device must be classified based on risk level:
Class A – Low risk
Class B – Moderate risk
Class C – High risk
Class D – Highest risk
The classification determines the required documentation and review process.
3. Prepare the Technical Documentation
Manufacturers must submit a technical file including:
Device description and intended use
Manufacturer details and quality system certificates (e.g., ISO 13485)
Labeling and Instructions for Use (IFU)
Risk management documentation
Evidence of compliance with safety and performance standards
Clinical evaluation data (often required for higher-risk devices)
4. Submit the MDMA Application via the GHAD System
Applications are submitted electronically through the SFDA GHAD platform, which handles licensing, device registration, and regulatory communications.
5. Review Timeline and Approval
SFDA’s official review period is around 35 working days, but the process can take 3–6 months depending on device complexity and documentation completeness.
Once approved, the MDMA certificate is typically valid for up to three years, after which it must be renewed.