Syria’s Ministry of Economy and Industry has introduced a comprehensive set of regulations to standardize corporate registry procedures across all provinces. The policy update targets bureaucratic bottlenecks, offering founders and private enterprises a clearer operational framework. By unifying commercial registry operations, the government aims to simplify business formation and strictly define commercial boundaries for both local and foreign entrepreneurs operating within the country.
Quick Facts
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Standardized corporate registry procedures across all Syrian provinces.
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Businesses can now register up to five diverse activities.
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Six-month temporary headquarters permitted for newly founded companies.
Restructuring Commercial Classifications
The updated regulations grant businesses more operational flexibility. Commercial registries for both individuals and corporate entities can now include up to five non-homogenous business activities. These activities—whether classified as primary, secondary, or supportive—must align with Syria’s unified industrial classification system.
For businesses operating within designated industrial cities, the ministry now permits the addition of commercial activities that align with their primary industrial focus. To qualify, companies must maintain an administrative office within the licensed facility and comply with regional industrial investment laws.
The ministry also mandated that any requested updates to a company’s commercial objectives must strictly follow the unified industrial classification. Founders establishing or modifying corporate entities must secure all necessary operational approvals, except for sectors already monitored by specialized authorities, such as banking, insurance, and exchange firms.
Setting Boundaries for Import-Export and Foreign Ownership
The new directive enforces strict parameters on trade and foreign business participation. Companies aiming to trade internationally must explicitly state “import and export” in their commercial registry. Furthermore, these entities are limited to importing materials across a maximum of five specified sectors. The ministry also clarified that companies cannot list “entering tenders and auctions” in their registry unless it directly correlates with their core business purpose.
For foreign nationals, the regulations introduce notable restrictions. Foreigners holding individual commercial registries are prohibited from engaging in import activities. The only exception applies to investment projects covered under the national investment law, where imports are strictly limited to necessary project equipment.
Additionally, the ministry has banned non-Syrian business owners and partners from representing foreign companies or holding Arab and international commercial agencies on their registries.
Easing Real Estate Requirements for New Entities
Addressing a common hurdle in company formation, the regulatory update offers breathing room for new corporate entities securing office space. Founders can now register a temporary headquarters for up to six months during the incorporation phase before committing to a permanent location.
To maintain regulatory oversight, modifying office locations and branch setups now requires official documentation from competent authorities. The ministry also tightened lease terms, stating that any rental, investment, or loan contracts attached to a commercial registry must be restricted to exactly one calendar year, with explicit start and end dates.
About the Syrian Ministry of Economy and Industry
The Ministry of Economy and Industry oversees Syria’s domestic and international trade policies, corporate regulations, and industrial development. It manages the commercial registry system, regulating business activities, import-export frameworks, and foreign investments to organize and stabilize the national economy.
Source: Al Arabiya
