"How much are building permit fees?" There is no single-figure answer, because fees vary with the project's type, area and use. But you can find out precisely before applying, and more importantly, you should know that municipal fees are only part of the permit's cost. This article explains how building permit fees are calculated on Balady, when they are paid, the other items in the total cost, and how to build a realistic budget that does not surprise you halfway through.
Balady's Official Fee Calculator
Balady provides an electronic fee calculator to estimate municipal service fees, including building permits. Enter your project's details in the calculator to get an estimate of the municipal fees before starting the application. The more accurate your data (areas, use, number of floors), the closer the estimate to the final invoice.
When Are Municipal Fees Paid?
According to the service description, the design office reviews and approves the permit fees at the final stage and issues the municipal fee invoice; the payment link is then sent to the office and the owner, and the permit is issued after payment. In other words, fees are not paid when the application starts but after design approval and the contracting stage. Read: The building permit journey on Balady.
Other Items in the Permit Cost
| Item | How it is set | When it is usually paid |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal fees | Per Balady's fee calculator | At the final stage before issue |
| Design office fees | Agreed between the office and the beneficiary per Balady; there are no fixed prices | In instalments per the contract |
| Supervision fees | Per the contract with the supervising office and the supervision system | Throughout construction |
| Latent defects insurance policy | Issued within the application journey | Before the permit is used |
| Technical reports | Survey decision, soil investigation, and a traffic study where needed | Before or during design |
For supervision details: The cost of periodic-visit supervision vs. a resident engineer. For the traffic study: When does the municipality require a traffic study?
The Insurance Policy: An Item Not to Forget
The payment link for the latent defects insurance policy is sent to the contractor and the beneficiary, and the permit is not valid for use until the policy is paid. So count it in the permit budget, not the construction budget, and agree in advance with the contractor on who bears it.
Payment Methods
The platform accepts payment via SADAD, mada, Visa, Mastercard and Apple Pay.
Renewal Fees
If the permit (valid for three years) expires before construction is complete, it is renewed through the building permit renewal service for a service fee. Balady notes that establishment fees are not charged in the renewal service but through the commercial licensing system. Read: Renewing a building permit.
How to Build a Realistic Permit Budget
- Get an estimate of the municipal fees from the calculator.
- Ask two or three engineering offices for offers and compare them on scope, not price. Read: Contracting an engineering office.
- Add the cost of the technical reports required for your site and project type.
- Add the insurance policy and supervision fees for the expected period.
- Leave a margin for possible design changes.
Mistakes That Raise the Cost
- Changing the design after the technical audit, meaning extra fees and more time.
- Delaying construction until the permit expires, so you pay renewal fees.
- Building differently from the permit, then paying for status rectification and fines. Read: Fines for non-compliant buildings.
- Choosing the cheapest offer that excludes disciplines, then paying the difference later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the fees include the engineering office's fee?
No, municipal fees are separate from the office's fee, which is set by agreement.
Are fees refunded if I do not start construction?
This is subject to the competent authority's procedures; check the service terms on Balady before paying.
How do I estimate my project's full cost?
Add the municipal fees from the calculator to the office offers, technical reports and insurance policy. Read: How long does a building permit take and what does it cost?
Can municipal fees be paid in instalments?
They are paid through the platform's payment channels; the office's fee can be tied to instalments in the contract.
Who pays the insurance policy?
The payment link goes to the contractor and the beneficiary; it is best to name who bears it in the contractor's contract.
Related Guides
- Building permits in Saudi Arabia: the complete guide
- Is the building permit instant?
- Why building permits are rejected
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that gives you a clear offer showing the expected municipal fees, design and supervision fees and required reports before you start. Learn about our building permit service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.
