The retail shop is the establishment that most often applies for a Civil Defense license, which it needs to issue and renew its municipal license. This is a practical guide to Civil Defense requirements for retail shops.
How to Find Your Activity's Requirements on the Salamah Portal
Civil Defense licenses are issued through the Salamah portal. The application track is determined by the establishment's data: the request type, the main activity and the activity's floor area. Civil Defense guidance documents describe two tracks: an instant track completed online by attaching the requirement (an invoice or safety equipment certificate, or a technical report from an engineering office accredited on the portal, depending on the case), and a non-instant track that includes a site inspection. Read: Instant and non-instant activities on Salamah and When is a technical report required, and when is a safety equipment certificate enough?
Shop Classification
The Civil Defense regulations place commercial buildings and public markets in a separate group in the facility classification, and the requirements depend on the area, the type of goods and the shop's location. In mixed-use buildings, the section dedicated to each purpose is considered a fire compartment.
Essential Requirements
- Fire extinguishers of the right number and type, with a valid maintenance tag.
- Smoke detectors or an alarm system according to the area.
- Emergency lighting and exit signs.
- A safe exit not blocked by goods.
- A sound distribution board with suitable breakers, and no makeshift connections.
- Organised storage away from lighting and heat sources, without blocking aisles.
Documents and Requirements by Track
- In the instant track: an invoice or safety equipment certificate from a company accredited on the portal, or a technical report from an accredited engineering office, as specified by the portal.
- In the non-instant track: completing the application, followed by a site inspection.
Mistakes That Delay a Shop's License
- Selecting an activity or area on the portal that does not match reality.
- Expired or unsuitable extinguishers.
- An exit that is locked or used as a store.
- Not paying the fees, which delays the print option. Read: Printing the Civil Defense license.
For the full list of causes: Reasons a Civil Defense license is rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Civil Defense license need renewing?
Yes, it is renewed through the Salamah portal according to its validity and the activity's requirements.
Is a shop in a mall different from a standalone shop?
Yes, a shop inside a mall also depends on the building's overall systems and compartments.
Are the requirements the same for all establishments with the same activity?
No, they vary with floor area, number of occupants, classification and the building the establishment is in, and the actual requirements appear in the investor journey on the Salamah portal.
Who is responsible for maintaining fire systems?
The Ministry of Municipalities' requirements for warehouses and workshops, for example, state that the owner is responsible for installing and maintaining firefighting systems, with regular maintenance and calibration according to Civil Defense instructions.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that provides safety and fire protection services: designing and approving safety drawings, technical reports, compliance reports and following up licensing through the Salamah portal. Learn about our Civil Defense license service, or Learn more about our Car Shade Structure Permits service. contact us to identify your facility's requirements.
Start with the complete guide: Salamah portal: the complete guide to Civil Defense licensing.
Information is based on the regulations and requirements of the General Directorate of Civil Defense (998.gov.sa) and the Saudi Fire Code; Civil Defense guidance documents do not replace the code. Requirements vary by activity, area and classification, so always refer to the investor journey on the Salamah portal. Last reviewed: October 2026.