Balady — Municipal Licensing Platform · Press Release · Occupancy Certificates · 2026
Published:
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing announced the issuance of more than 38,000 occupancy certificates for buildings and facilities across the Kingdom's regions during the first half of 2026, an increase of 55 percent compared to the same period last year.
At a glance
- Issuing authority
- Balady — Municipal Licensing Platform (BALADY)
- Scope
- Ministry of Municipalities and Housing data on growth in occupancy-certificate issuance during the first half of 2026
What it requires
| Who | Obligation |
|---|---|
| Applicant for the occupancy certificate | Select the building-permit service through the "Balady" platform, and engage a licensed engineering office to complete the technical requirements and raise the technical report. |
| The municipal authority | Review the request and inspect the building on the ground, then adopt the occupancy certificate and issue it electronically after the required fees are paid. |
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How many occupancy certificates were issued during the first half of 2026?
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing issued more than 38,000 occupancy certificates for buildings and facilities across the Kingdom's regions during the first half of 2026, an increase of 55 percent compared to the same period last year.
What does the occupancy certificate represent in the building cycle?
The Ministry explained that the occupancy certificate represents one of the main stages in the building and urban development cycle, and is issued after verifying that the building or facility has completed the technical, organizational and municipal requirements, and confirming its readiness for use and operation under the applicable regulations. The certificate also reinforces compliance with municipal requirements and specifications and the Saudi Building Code, promotes the building's safety and readiness for use, and helps limit visual-pollution and confirm the clearing of construction sites.
What contributed to the growth in the number of certificates issued?
The Ministry stated that the growth in the number of certificates issued came alongside the development of the municipal services platform, raising the efficiency of procedures, and expanding the digital services network provided to beneficiaries, which helped speed up the completion of requests and improve the beneficiary's experience.
How is the occupancy certificate obtained?
Obtaining the occupancy certificate begins with selecting the building-permit service through the "Balady" platform, and the licensed engineering office identifying the completion of the technical requirements and raising the technical report; the request is then reviewed and the building inspected on the ground by the municipal side, before the certificate is adopted and issued electronically after paying the required fees.
Frequently asked questions
What was the growth rate in occupancy certificates issued compared to last year?
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing reported an increase of 55 percent, after issuing more than 38,000 occupancy certificates during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year.
When is the occupancy certificate issued?
The occupancy certificate is issued after verifying that the building or facility has completed the technical, organizational and municipal requirements, and confirming its readiness for use and operation.
What role does the licensed engineering office play in obtaining the certificate?
The licensed engineering office identifies the completion of the building's technical requirements and raises the technical report, ahead of the municipal authority's review of the request.
Issuances referenced
Related briefings
Official sources
- Ministry of Municipalities and Housing — Balady
- Balady — Municipal Licensing Platform — Issuing authority — official website
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