Everything you need to know about the building completion certificate: Learn about it, its benefits, and the steps for issuing it.

In the modern world of construction, official documents and licenses are no longer merely routine procedures in the Saudi Council of Engineers. 

They have become an integral part of basic property requirements, no less important than infrastructure or engineering design. 

Documenting a project and completing its regulatory procedures is an essential step in ensuring the legality of construction and ensuring optimal utilization. 

One of the most prominent of these documents is the building completion certificate.

What is a building completion certificate?

A building completion certificate is an official document issued by the competent authority in the relevant municipality or secretariat, stating that construction has been completed according to the approved engineering plans and in compliance with the technical regulations, safety requirements, and construction codes in force in the country .

This certificate serves as legal evidence of the building’s suitability for use or occupancy, whether residential or commercial. Without this certificate, basic utilities such as electricity, water, and gas cannot be connected.

The building completion certificate is granted after a series of technical and field inspections by specialized engineers to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Everything you want to know about the Saudi Building Code.

What is the benefit of a building completion certificate?

A building completion certificate is an extremely important official document, due to its pivotal role on both the legal and technical levels, as well as its direct commercial implications. 

The following are the most prominent benefits and advantages of a building completion certificate:

• A building completion certificate proves that the project was completed in accordance with the issued licenses and the country’s approved requirements and regulations. This provides the owner or investor with legal protection in the event of any future disputes.
• Electricity, water, and telecommunications services cannot be connected to the property until a building completion certificate is issued, as these are essential requirements for service providers.
• In some countries, a building completion certificate is a prerequisite for obtaining an occupancy certificate, which allows the building to be used for residential, commercial, or other purposes.
• Properties with a building completion certificate are more reliable for buyers and investors, increasing their market value.
• Banks do not accept financing or mortgages without a building completion certificate. They are also required when registering, leasing, or even selling the property.
• A building completion certificate confirms that the building was constructed according to sound engineering plans and safety standards, reducing the risk of poor or irregular construction.

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How do I get a building completion certificate?

To obtain a building completion certificate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a set of regulatory procedures must be adhered to, supervised by the relevant municipalities or secretariats, according to the following steps:

• Construction Completion: Ensure all construction phases are fully completed and comply with the engineering plans approved by the municipality, while adhering to the Saudi Building Code and all relevant technical and regulatory requirements.
• Submitting the Application: Submit a request to issue a building completion certificate through the Baladi platform of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing.
• Attaching Documents: Upload all required documents proving property ownership and building details.
• Field Inspection: A technical committee from the competent authority will visit the site to conduct a field inspection and ensure that the building complies with the permit.
• Paying Fees: Pay the fees prescribed by the competent authority to complete the certificate issuance procedures.
• Issuing the Certificate: After completing all steps and receiving final approval, the building completion certificate will be issued electronically via the platform.

Documents and papers required to obtain a building completion certificate:

To obtain a building completion certificate, a package of official documents and papers must be submitted that prove the project’s compliance with technical and regulatory requirements, including the following:

• A copy of the building permit issued by the competent authority.
• A certified technical report from a licensed engineering office demonstrating the safety of the building and its compliance with specifications.
• A copy of the property owner’s national ID.
• A land title deed or a document proving ownership rights.
• A copy of the approved engineering plans for the building.
• Recent photographs of the building’s exterior and interior.
• A certificate from the electricity company stating that thermal insulation has been installed in accordance with approved specifications.
• A receipt for payment of the building completion certificate fee.
• A receipt for payment of the field inspection fee.
• A detailed statement of the building’s location, including its exact address and surrounding landmarks.
• A sketch of the site showing the precise geographic location details.

What is the difference between a building completion certificate and an occupancy certificate?

The difference between a building completion certificate and a occupancy certificate lies in their primary purpose, the stage at which they are granted, and the legal and technical aspects and powers associated with them.

The following provides a detailed explanation of each certificate to clearly and professionally demonstrate the differences between them.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How much is the building completion certificate fee?

The building completion certificate fee in Saudi Arabia is a fee that may vary over time and is not fixed. 

However, as currently in effect at the time of writing, the cost of issuing a building completion certificate is 200 Saudi riyals, in addition to 20 Saudi riyals for a technical inspection of the site.

Is a building completion certificate mandatory?

Yes, a building completion certificate is mandatory in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

The competent authorities require obtaining it after the completion of construction work to ensure that the property conforms to approved technical and architectural specifications. 

Any negligence in obtaining this certificate may expose the property owner to legal accountability, including the imposition of fines, the suspension of services, or the refusal to connect electricity. 

This makes obtaining it an essential step that cannot be ignored to ensure the integrity of legal and regulatory building procedures.

in conclusion

Dear client, whether you are in the planning phase of establishing your real estate project—residential, commercial, industrial, or service—or you have already taken the first steps and are looking for an experienced, competent, and professional engineering team, Bassem Engineering Consulting is fully prepared to support you and provide solutions that accurately and distinctively realize your vision. 

At Bassem Engineering Consulting, we offer you our accumulated experience and our specialized team of engineers and designers who work to the highest standards of quality and precision, helping you transform your ideas into reality. 

We offer comprehensive services, including the preparation of engineering plans, architectural designs, and implementation supervision, in addition to providing technical consultations that ensure the success of your project at all stages.