12 April

Investor's Guide to Syria: Official Requirements for Obtaining an Investment License According to the Syrian Investment Authority

 In light of the ongoing economic transformations and the gradual return of investment activity in Syria, entering the market now requires a clear understanding of official procedures and the criteria used by authorities to evaluate projects. 

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements for obtaining an investment license or benefiting from the Investment Law, helping you prepare your investment file in a professional manner that increases your chances of approval.  

First: What is the Private Investment Track?

The private investment track is best suited for investors who:
 

•  Own land or have usufruct rights 
•  Finance the project through their own resources 
•  Do not seek partnership or revenue-sharing with the government 

This track enables investors to:

•  Obtain an investment license 
•  Or benefit from the incentives and exemptions provided under the Investment Law 

Second: Why is an Investment Study Required?

The evaluation process goes beyond formal procedures and aims to achieve several key objectives:

•  Verifying the seriousness and feasibility of the project 
•  Ensuring the investor’s financial and technical readiness 
•  Guaranteeing proper utilization of investment incentives 
•  Accelerating procedures within a structured governance framework 

It is important to note that submitting the file does not constitute preliminary or final approval; rather, it marks the beginning of the official evaluation process.

Third: Legal Requirements

Investors are required to submit a set of essential legal documents, including:

•  Company registration certificate or proof of legal status 
•  Articles of incorporation and bylaws (if applicable) 
•  Identification documents of owners or partners 
•  Legal authorization or power of attorney (if applicable) 
•  Proof of land ownership or usufruct rights 
•  Declaration confirming the absence of major disputes on the land 
•  Required licenses for the project 

These documents form the legal foundation of the investment file.

Fourth: Financial Requirements

Financial capability is a key factor in project evaluation and must be demonstrated through:

•  Statement of available capital 
•  Proof of sufficient liquidity 
•  Estimated total project cost 
•  Cost distribution across implementation phases 
•  Identification of funding sources 

All financial data must be issued by accredited financial institutions and be verifiable by the relevant authorities to ensure credibility.

Fifth: Technical Requirements

The technical file must present a clear and structured overview of the project, including:

•  Detailed description of the project and its components 
•  Project location 
•  Implementation timeline 
•  Proposed execution phases 
•  Technical readiness 

If the investor lacks sufficient experience, they must demonstrate engagement with specialized entities to support project execution.

Sixth: Investment Feasibility Study

The feasibility study is the most critical component of the application and plays a decisive role in the approval process.
It must include:

•  Detailed investment cost 
•  Projected revenues supported by clear assumptions 
•  Operating costs 
•  Expected cash flows 
•  Financial indicators such as:
   (ROI, IRR, NPV, Payback Period, Profit Margin) 
•  Financial sustainability analysis 

The more accurate and realistic the feasibility study, the higher the chances of approval.

Seventh: Economic and Environmental Impact

Project evaluation also considers its broader impact, including:

•  Expected job creation 
•  Contribution to the local economy 
•  Environmental impact 

Eighth: What Happens After Submission?

Once the complete file is submitted, the evaluation process begins and typically takes between 10 to 20 working days. It includes:

•  Verification of document completeness 
•  Technical, financial, and regulatory assessment 
•  Submission of recommendations to the relevant authority 

Based on this, one of the following decisions will be made:

•  Approval of the investment license 
•  Conditional approval 
•  Rejection 

 
The success of an investment application does not depend solely on having a strong business idea. It is directly linked to the quality, clarity, and professionalism of the investment file.
 
In many cases, the difference between approval and rejection lies in the details.

How ScopeOut Supports You

At ScopeOut, we enable investors to enter the Syrian market with confidence by providing:

•  Professional feasibility studies aligned with investment standards 
•  Fully structured and compliant investment files 
•  Support in establishing and opening foreign company branches in Syria 
•  End-to-end guidance from concept to execution 

If you are planning to launch a new investment or expand into the Syrian market, the right starting point is a well-prepared and strategic investment file.
 
 Contact us today, and let us help you turn your vision into a successful investment.