The end of the sorting journey is an independent deed for each unit, issued by the Ministry of Justice after the sorting records arrive. Alongside it, the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) offers the sorting certificate, a document that gathers the unit's sorting record data in one document that is easy to show to a buyer, tenant or financier. Many owners confuse the certificate with the deed, or do not know when they need it. This guide explains what the sorting certificate is, its conditions and steps, how it differs from the deed, and its practical benefits.
What Is the Sorting Certificate?
According to REGA, it is a document issued in the name of the property unit's owner, containing the sorting record data for the sorted unit, making it easier for the owner to dispose of the unit and obtain services.
Conditions
- The unit must be sorted with the real estate unit sorting service. Read: Unit sorting application steps.
- The unit must have an independent deed.
Steps
- Enter the real estate unit sorting online page.
- The owner or developer submits a request on the sorting platform.
- Pay the amount.
- The certificate is issued.
REGA states on the service page a duration of one working day and a fee of 100 riyals; check the official page for any update.
The Deed vs the Sorting Certificate
| Item | Independent deed | Sorting certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Ministry of Justice | Real Estate General Authority |
| Function | Proving ownership | Documenting the unit's sorting record data |
| Content | Property and owner details | The unit's data, share and plan |
| When requested | Automatically after the records arrive | On request by the owner or developer |
| Is it a requirement? | A condition for the certificate | Optional |
Benefits According to REGA
- Easier disposal of the unit in sale, purchase and leasing.
- Easier access to financing services.
- Providing the unit's design plan to the buyer or tenant.
- An official electronic document that can be obtained at any time.
When Do You Need It in Practice?
- When selling the unit and showing the buyer its data and share of the common parts. Read: A unit's share of the common parts.
- When applying for real estate financing on the unit.
- For developers when handing units over to buyers. Read: Does sorting increase property value?.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sorting certificate a substitute for the deed?
No; the independent deed is a condition for the certificate, and the certificate documents the sorting record data.
Who requests the certificate?
The owner or developer through the sorting platform.
Can it be requested for more than one unit?
It is issued for each sorted unit in its owner's name.
Does the certificate change after a sale?
It is issued in the owner's name, so the new owner requests a certificate in their name when needed.
How long does the whole sorting process take?
Read: Unit sorting duration.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office that handles the sorting journey from the survey and sorting plan to the sorting records and deeds, and helps you issue sorting certificates for your units. See our final sorting certificates 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.