When applying for a civil defense licence on the Salamah portal, your request will follow one of two routes: instant or non-instant. The difference is not cosmetic; it determines whether your licence is issued electronically within a short time once the requirements are complete, or waits for a civil defense site inspection that may raise comments and delay issue. Knowing the route early helps you plan the facility's opening and prepare it correctly. This guide explains what determines the route, the requirements of each, and how to prepare for the site inspection.
What Determines the Route?
The route does not depend on the activity name alone, but on the facility data entered in the investor journey: request type, main activity and its code, and activity area. The building's classification and occupancy group also affect the requirements. So two activities with the same name may follow different routes because of area or location.
Comparing the Two Routes
| Item | Instant route | Non-instant route |
|---|---|---|
| Issue | Electronic after attachments and payment | After a site inspection |
| Core requirement | Safety equipment certificate or technical report | Route requirements plus passing the inspection |
| Duration | Usually shorter | Longer because of the inspection date |
| Risks | Rejection of non-compliant attachments | Site inspection comments |
The Instant Route
According to the civil defense guidance manuals, the facility registers on the Salamah portal and attaches the specified requirement, which depending on the case is:
- A safety invoice/certificate from a safety company registered on the portal, or
- A technical report from one of the technical engineering offices accredited on the portal.
The licence is then issued electronically after payment. Read: When is a technical report required and when is a safety equipment certificate enough?.
The Non-Instant Route
The request is submitted, then civil defense carries out a site inspection of the facility before issue. The guidance manuals include a chapter on inspection explaining what is checked. Some facilities need approved drawings for protection systems. Read: Fire system drawings.
How to Prepare for the Site Inspection
- Make sure the alarm system works and extinguisher maintenance is valid.
- Open emergency exits and remove obstructions.
- Check that emergency lighting and signage work. Read: Evacuation signs and escape routes.
- Have the approved drawings, maintenance contracts and reports ready.
- Review electrical panels and wiring.
- Train staff on using extinguishers and the evacuation plan. Read: The evacuation drill.
For mistakes that appear at inspection: Reasons a civil defense licence is rejected or delayed.
After Issue
The licence requires maintaining the facility's condition: periodic maintenance, not changing the activity without reviewing the requirements, and renewing before expiry. Read: Changing a shop's activity and safety requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a request be moved from non-instant to instant?
The route is set by data and classification, not by choice; but entering correct data ensures the correct route.
Does an instant licence mean no oversight?
No, the instant licence is based on a certificate or report from an accredited party, and the facility remains subject to oversight.
Who issues the technical report on the instant route?
An engineering office accredited on the Salamah portal.
What if comments appear at the inspection?
The comments are addressed, then a re-inspection or completion of the request is requested as the portal specifies.
How do I print the licence after issue?
Read: Looking up and printing the licence.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office that prepares technical reports for the instant route, gets facilities ready for site inspection on the non-instant route, and follows the request until issue. See our technical safety reports 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.