Saudi Arabia issues 38,000 occupancy certificates in H1 2026, up 55%

The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing announced it issued more than 38,000 occupancy certificates for buildings and facilities across various regions of the Kingdom during the first half of 2026. This compares to around 25,000 certificates during the same period last year, marking an increase of over 13,000 certificates and a growth rate of 55%.

The ministry explained that the occupancy certificate is a key stage in the construction and urban development process. It is issued after verifying that a building or facility has met all technical, regulatory, and municipal requirements, and is ready for use and operation in accordance with applicable regulations.

The ministry stated that the rise in issued certificates coincided with the development of municipal services, improved procedural efficiency, and the expansion of digital services for beneficiaries. These measures have helped accelerate application processing and enhance the user experience.

The ministry added that the occupancy certificate reinforces compliance with municipal requirements and the Saudi Building Code, supports building safety and readiness, and helps reduce visual pollution and ensure sites are free of construction debris. The certificate is issued after construction and finishing works are completed and all approved requirements are met.

Obtaining an occupancy certificate begins by selecting the building permit via the "Balady" platform, choosing an approved engineering office to complete technical requirements and submit the engineering report, followed by a municipal field inspection of the building. The certificate is then approved and issued electronically after payment of the required fees.