Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)
Do I need a licence for an e-wallet in Saudi Arabia?
Content reviewed 2026-08-14 · How we check sources
Short answer
Yes, if the wallet involves regulated payment-account or electronic-money services. SAMA licenses payment service providers under the Law of Payments and Payment Services and its Implementing Regulations, including electronic-money institutions.
What this means
The licence depends on what the wallet actually does: holding electronic money, issuing a payment account, transferring funds or providing other payment services can determine the relevant permission.
A closed technical interface over a bank or licensed PSP wallet can have a different perimeter if the fintech does not itself issue or provide the regulated service.
Official sources
SAMA — Law of Payments and Payment Services ↗SAMA — Implementing Regulations of the Law of Payments and Payment Services ↗Ask with your entity, activity and regulator.
Regulatory research, not legal advice. This answer has the scope and review date shown above; your institution decides applicability.