Civil Defense Permit (920009644) – Al-Safi Safety

Civil Defense permits are essential documents that must be obtained before operating any facility—industrial, commercial, residential, or even educational. The permit ensures that buildings and facilities comply with fire safety, protection, and prevention standards in accordance with Civil Defense regulations. It is issued after verifying the installation of alarm systems and fire-fighting systems and confirming the facility matches approved safety plans.

In this article, we’ll explain how to obtain a Civil Defense permit and its cost, and we’ll also outline how Al-Safi can help you obtain the permit quickly and easily—your complete step-by-step guide.

How is the Civil Defense permit obtained?

You can obtain a Civil Defense permit by following these steps:

• Register on the Salamah portal, enter the facility’s details, attach the required documents, and submit the application.
• The Civil Defense reviews the application and grants an initial approval.
• The system sends a verification code for the beneficiary facility to provide to the engineering consultancy office it wishes to contract with.
• The safety & security company retrieves the application using the application number and verification code provided by the beneficiary facility and enters all required data.
• The engineering consultancy office visits, prepares, and approves the site.
• The Civil Defense then schedules the inspection through the system.
• Final approval is issued, and the beneficiary facility is notified to print it electronically.

What documents and requirements are needed for the Civil Defense license?

To obtain a Civil Defense license in Saudi Arabia, you must provide a set of essential documents that ensure the facility meets safety and prevention standards.

These requirements include:

1. A copy of the commercial registration or municipal license.
2. Approved engineering drawings showing alarm and suppression systems.
3. Inspection and maintenance reports for safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and automatic sprinklers.
4. A safety certificate issued by an approved body.
5. A periodic maintenance contract with a specialized safety company may also be required.

Meeting these documents and requirements is the fundamental step to obtain the license and legally and safely commence operations.

Civil Defense requirements

Facilities must comply with Civil Defense requirements to protect lives and property—whether commercial, residential, or industrial. These requirements are designed to reduce fire risks and accidents, and include:

• Early warning systems for fire detection.
• Availability of suitable fire-fighting means such as extinguishers or automatic sprinkler systems.
• Clear signage indicating escape routes and emergency exits.
• Adequate number of accessible emergency exits.
• Periodic maintenance for all safety systems and equipment.
• No random storage of flammable materials.
• Emergency lighting along routes and exits.
• Training staff on proper emergency response.
• Having a maintenance contract with a company licensed by Civil Defense.

How much does the Civil Defense license cost?

The cost of a Civil Defense license varies based on several factors, including:

• Facility size: larger facilities generally pay higher fees.
• Facility type: industrial and commercial facilities often incur higher fees than small or residential ones.
• Required services: extra charges may apply for installing certain systems such as early-warning alarms and fire suppression.

You can contact us at Al-Safi to get answers to all your questions and learn the exact license cost.

Technical conditions to pass the Salamah license inspection

Below are the technical conditions required to pass the Salamah license inspection:

• Provide dedicated access routes to facilitate the arrival of rescue and fire trucks during emergencies.
• Equip all building areas with fire alarm and safety equipment.
• Install modern, automatic smoke and heat detection systems.
• Ensure all systems conform to standards and specifications approved by Saudi authorities.

Civil Defense license requirements for shops

Safety is not optional—it protects you and everyone entering your business. Civil Defense has set clear requirements you must comply with. Key requirements for retail shops include:

• Location & design: Ensure the shop is in an appropriate location and has a safe design that follows building and safety standards.
• Electrical installations: Use approved electrical equipment and avoid improvised wiring that can cause serious incidents.
• Fire-fighting: Maintain serviceable fire extinguishers and automatic sprinklers where required.
• Gas systems: If gas is used, ensure proper installation and regular inspections to avoid leaks.
• Emergency exits: Post clear signage for exits and keep them unobstructed.
• Staff training: Train your team on emergency procedures and how to use available safety tools.

What is the penalty for Civil Defense permit violations?

Violating Civil Defense regulations can result in significant fines depending on the type and severity of the violation. Failure to obtain a permit—or delaying it—may lead to fines starting from SAR 5,000 and up to SAR 100,000 in some cases, in addition to possible closure of the facility until compliance is achieved. Repeated violations increase penalties and may ultimately result in permanent license cancellation if they endanger lives and property.

Is there a difference between issuing and renewing the license?

How to print the Civil Defense license

After issuing or renewing the Civil Defense license via the Salamah platform, you can easily print it from your account. Simply log in to the platform and follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Salamah account.
2. Go to the Licenses / Approved Licenses page.
3. Select “Print” or “Download PDF.”
4. Save the file or print as needed.

What is the validity period of the Civil Defense license?

The Civil Defense license validity is set to ensure it remains active for a suitable period. Under Saudi Civil Defense regulations, the license is valid for one year from the date of issuance.

You should renew the Civil Defense license at least one month before it expires to avoid fines. It’s also advisable to work with an approved safety company for issuing or renewing your license—such as Al-Safi, one of the best in this field.

How to obtain Civil Defense approval

Follow these steps to obtain Civil Defense approval:

• Log in to the Balady platform and register as a license applicant via the Salamah service.
• Fill in the required fields after selecting the facility’s activity type.
• Attach the required documents based on the activity type.
• Once the beneficiary submits the license request, specialists will verify the facility’s technical and health requirements.
• The General Directorate of Civil Defense then verifies safety requirements and, if met, issues the approval.

The role of Al-Safi in simplifying the Civil Defense permit process

Al-Safi is a leading company in fire prevention and safety consulting. It offers a variety of services that help facilities comply with Civil Defense requirements to obtain the permit, including:

• Preparing engineering drawings for fire and safety systems, designed to local and international standards set by Civil Defense.
• Issuing accredited certificates to ensure the safety of mechanical and electrical installations.
• Providing consulting to ensure compliance with Civil Defense requirements and the Saudi Building Code, including inspections to verify standards in facilities and engineering systems.
• Offering specialized consulting to ensure the facility meets all technical and legal requirements to obtain the Civil Defense license.
• Expediting the licensing process by preparing required documents efficiently and providing specialized advisory support.

Don’t hesitate to make Al-Safi your ideal partner if you want to obtain a Civil Defense permit quickly and easily. Call us now.

Given the importance of obtaining the Civil Defense license, we have explained how to issue it, its cost, and how to renew it after issuance. It is a key document for any facility of any type, proving compliance with Civil Defense and safety requirements—and it must be obtained when building any facility or company.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Civil Defense Permit

What is the Civil Defense license?

The Civil Defense license is an important document to ensure community safety. It is a permit issued by the competent authorities to companies and institutions to ensure the application of defined safety procedures and standards. It’s essential to guarantee that safety procedures are followed within the facility and to prevent emergencies.

What is the fine for the Civil Defense license?

Fines for Civil Defense license violations depend on repeat offenses. For the first offense, the fine is SAR 5,000. For the second, SAR 5,000 or one month in jail, or both. For the third, SAR 5,000 plus five months in jail.

How do I cancel a Civil Defense license?

If the facility no longer needs the permit or changes its activity, you can submit an online request via the Salamah portal to cancel the license—select the cancellation service and attach the required documents and justification.

What are the fees to renew the Civil Defense license?

Renewal fees vary by facility type and activity. Generally, the base fee for renewal is SAR 86 including VAT.

What is the validity of the Civil Defense permit?

The Civil Defense permit is valid for one full year from issuance. It must be renewed at least one month before expiry to avoid fines that can reach up to SAR 60,000, and failure to pay may result in imprisonment of up to six months.