According to the description of the "issue survey report" service on Balady, after paying the fees the survey decision is issued and can be printed from the beneficiary's account. But what if you log in and cannot find it? Or find it, but it does not appear when you apply for a building permit? This is one of the most common problems delaying owners at the start of the permit journey, and its causes are usually simple and quickly solved once you know them. This guide explains where the survey decision appears, the reasons it does not and how to fix each, how to check its validity and purpose, and tips for keeping it.
Where Does the Survey Decision Appear?
In your account on the Balady platform, under your requests. It can later be selected when applying for other services such as a building permit or merging and subdivision. Read: Building permit steps on Balady.
Reasons It Does Not Appear and Solutions
| Possible reason | Solution |
|---|---|
| The request is still with the engineering office | Follow up with the office on the survey and data entry stage |
| Fees not paid | The decision is issued after payment |
| The request was filed in another owner's name | Check the owner and applicant specified in the request |
| The decision was issued for a purpose the new service does not accept | Some services require a specific purpose, such as subdivision or merging; a new decision may be needed |
| The decision has expired | Validity is three years according to Balady; obtain a new decision |
| The deed data is not updated | Update the deed first. Read: Updating a paper deed to electronic |
How to Check the Decision Before Using It
- Purpose: does it match the transaction you need? Read: Survey, survey decision and survey report.
- Issue date: is it still within its validity period?
- Owner and deed details: do they match the current deed?
- Area and lengths: do they match the deed and the ground? Read: Deed area differs from reality.
Special Cases
- Multiple owners: the request must be in the owner's name or with a valid authorisation.
- Commercial registration: Balady states that applying with a commercial registration for merging and subdivision starts with a survey decision for updating the deed, then issuing the deed from the Ministry of Justice.
- A property in the wrong location: may need a spatial map update. Read: Property in the wrong location on the map.
A Tip
Keep a PDF copy of the decision after it is issued, and record its number and date, because you will need it in more than one transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the decision be amended after issue?
If there is an error, it is handled with the office and a new decision may be needed. Read: Survey report errors.
Is the survey decision linked to the commercial registration?
Balady states that applying with a commercial registration for merging and subdivision starts with a survey decision for updating the deed, then issuing the deed from the Ministry of Justice.
How long does issuing the decision take?
The stated service time is from one to 10 days according to Balady.
Can the office look it up on my behalf?
The office follows the request from its side, and the decision appears in the beneficiary's account after issue.
Do I need a new decision for every transaction?
Not always; it depends on the purpose, validity and what the service requires.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office classified for surveying that issues survey decisions for the correct purpose, follows up their appearance on Balady, and resolves any data or validity problem before your permit begins. See our survey report 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.