In Dubai, completing a building project involves more than just finishing construction. Before a new building can be occupied or connected to essential services like electricity and water, it must meet all the legal standards set by the local authorities. This process ensures that the structure is safe for use and complies with the approved plans.
To confirm this, a building completion certificate in Dubai must be obtained. This document officially marks the end of construction, allowing the building to be fully functional. Let’s take a look at this permit procedure and how to apply for a service connection in Dubai.
Process for Applying for a building completion certificate from Dubai Municipality
Just like a new building permit in Dubai, Dubai Municipality provides a permit on a property’s completion. This document confirms all construction work on a building has been finished according to the approved plans and engineering standards. It is necessary to get this certificate to officially get a utility connection after construction in Dubai.
Before you can receive the certificate, all rules and conditions set by the local authorities must be met. In simple terms, it’s like a final check to make sure the building is safe and everything is done correctly before people can move in and start using it. Once the certificate is issued, services like getting an electricity connection in Dubai are accessible. Moreover, building contractors can avail this service.
Here are the steps to apply for a completion certificate in Dubai.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Here are the documents required for the completion and services connection process in Dubai.
- The Consultant Approval Form is required for permits that involve a consultant.
- Submit documents listed in the Directorate General of Dubai Civil Defence inspection checklist, if applicable, as part of the completion application.
- The Consultant Approval Form and more details are available on the Dubai Building Permit System (BPS).
- For specific buildings (as per Circular No. 170 of 2009 and Circular No. 204 of 2016), you must get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Security Industries Regulatory Agency (SIRA). This approval will be automatically visible in the electronic system, so no need to attach it manually.
- The building can be operated and used after the required approval is obtained.
PROCESS STEPS
The process time for getting a building completion certificate in Dubai is 3 working days, including site inspections. Let’s take a look at the steps to obtain a completion certificate in Dubai.
- Access the Dubai Municipality website or Dubai Building Permit System (Dubai BPS).
- Log in and choose the type of completion transaction: new building, decor, modifications, decor completion or maintenance.
- Upload the necessary documents.
- Submit fees for the inspection application.
- You will receive confirmation from Dubai Municipality, (approved with a site inspection date or returned without a visit) via the system, SMS and email.
- Meet the inspection team at the project site.
- If approved without any issues, you will receive a notification via SMS. Pay the remaining fees and download the completion certificate in Dubai.
Note
- The contracting engineer must be present during the inspection. The consulting engineer doesn’t need to attend.
- Applications submitted before midnight receive a response the next day, with site visits on the same day.
Moreover, this service is the third stage of the procedure and is associated with other services by the Municipality. Here’s a simplified breakdown.
- First Stage:
- Permit for a New Building: Apply for this to begin construction.
- Optional Services:
- Self Permit for Decorative Works: For internal or external decor.
- Permit for Modifications/Additions: For any structural changes.
- Second Stage:
- Request Site Structural Inspection: Ensure the structure meets safety standards.
- Third Stage:
- Issue Building Completion Certificate: Final approval to complete the project and connect utilities.
FEES
The next step is fee submission to proceed with the completion certificate in Dubai. The fee structure for completion permit and services connection application is as follows:
Inspection Request
- The total fee is AED 120
- Inspection fee: AED 100
- Knowledge and Innovation fee: AED 20
Final Survey Certificate Issuance (if required)
- The total fee is AED 125.
- Certificate fee: AED 100
- Local fees: AED 5
- Knowledge and Innovation fee: AED 20
Directorate General of Dubai Civil Defence Fees (if required)
- AED 0.5 per square metre is required for the first application
- Knowledge and Innovation fee: AED 20
Re-submitted Application for Dubai Civil Defence
- AED 500 is required per returned application
- Knowledge and Innovation fee: AED 20
PAYMENT CHANNELS
To make a payment, you can use various channels. These include smart applications like the Dubai Municipality App and DubaiNow App. You can also access the Dubai Smart Government Portal for online payments, or visit Al Ansari Exchange. Here, you can pay using cash or a due-date cheque (made out to Al Ansari Exchange).
For payment methods, you have several options: Noqodi, direct debit, credit card, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. These flexible payment solutions make it convenient to settle your fees efficiently.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The following terms and conditions must be fulfilled to apply for a completion certificate in Dubai.
- Approval of the application allows you to obtain a building completion certificate, a civil defence completion certificate and a Final survey certificate. It also offers approvals from all relevant departments
- Check the application status through the Dubai Municipality website or Dubai BPS.
- The owner can request a copy of the completion certificate anytime by emailing CCS@dm.gov.ae.
- Completion applications cannot be cancelled after paying the fees.
- Inspections for new buildings are conducted by a unified inspection committee. It includes the Dubai Municipality Building Activities Control Department, Survey Department, Directorate General of Dubai Civil Defence, RTA Dubai, Etisalat and Du.
- Inspection for modification or addition of a building in Dubai is conducted by the Dubai Municipality Building Activities Control Department. If Civil Defence requirements apply, a unified team of the Building Activities Control Department and Civil Defence will inspect.
- For enquiries, log in to Dubai BPS and use the ‘general message’ option in quick links.
FAQs
How long does it take to obtain a Completion Certificate?
The process takes three working days.
What is a certificate of completion for a project?
A certificate of completion in Dubai is an official document that confirms a construction project has been finished according to approved plans and regulations. It allows the building to be occupied and connected to DEWA services.
How can I get a Dubai Municipality completion certificate?
You can apply for a completion certificate via the Dubai Municipality website or the Dubai Building Permit System (Dubai BPS).
A completion certificate in Dubai is necessary for a project to go functional. That said, the contractors and property developers in Dubai must attain it after the construction phase is completed. This permit then helps get utility connections.
Moreover, those who are planning to move to the megacity can consider these accommodation options:
To learn more about real estate trends and services in Dubai, keep reading dubizzle’s property blog.
