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Home / Design & Approvals / Building Permits
DESIGN & APPROVALS

Building Permits

The permit process nobody explains clearly — until now.

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Before You Start

Common Permit Mistakes That Cost Dubai Homeowners Time and Money

Building permits in Dubai are not optional, and the penalties for working without one are severe — stop-work orders, fines, mandatory demolition of unauthorised work, and in some cases, legal proceedings against the property owner. Yet a surprising number of homeowners begin construction without the proper permits, either because their contractor assured them "it's fine" or because they simply did not know permits were required for their scope of work. The risk is not worth it.

Even when homeowners do apply for permits, the most common mistake is submitting an incomplete application. Dubai's permit system requires a specific set of documents for each project type — approved drawings, engineering certificates, NOCs from utility providers, contractor registration documents, insurance certificates and more. Missing a single item sends the entire application back to the bottom of the queue. We have seen permit applications bounce back three or four times because each resubmission revealed another missing document, turning what should have been a six-week process into a six-month ordeal.

The second most common mistake is applying for the wrong type of permit. Dubai has different permit categories for new construction, additions, alterations, demolition and fit-out work. Applying under the wrong category triggers an immediate rejection. Understanding which permit type applies to your specific project requires knowledge of the regulations that most homeowners simply do not have — and should not be expected to have.

  • Working without a permit risks stop-work orders and fines
  • Incomplete applications are the top cause of permit delays
  • Each resubmission adds 2-4 weeks to your timeline
  • Wrong permit category triggers immediate rejection
  • Proper preparation reduces permit processing by up to 50%
building permits, Dubai
How We Do It Differently

Permit Processing Without the Headaches

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Application Processing

We prepare and submit your building permit application through the correct channels — whether that is Dubai Municipality's online portal, Trakhees or DDA. Every form is completed correctly, every box ticked, every requirement met.

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Document Preparation

We compile the complete documentation package required for your permit type — approved drawings, engineering certificates, NOCs, insurance documents, contractor registrations and all supporting materials. Nothing is left to chance.

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Liaison with Authorities

We maintain direct relationships with reviewers and processing officers across all Dubai authorities. When queries arise, we respond immediately. When meetings are needed, we attend on your behalf.

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Inspection Coordination

Building permits often require site inspections at various stages of construction. We coordinate all inspection visits, prepare the site and documentation, and manage the inspector relationship throughout the build.

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Renewal Services

Building permits expire — typically after one year. If your construction is ongoing, we handle the renewal process proactively, ensuring you never face a lapsed permit situation that could result in a stop-work order.

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Status Tracking

We track your permit application status daily and provide regular updates. You always know where your application stands, what the next step is, and when to expect a decision. No chasing, no uncertainty.

Investment Guide

Building Permit Pricing

Residential Permit

AED 10,000 - 20,000
  • Villa renovation or alteration permits
  • Complete document preparation
  • Authority submission and follow-up
  • Revision management included
  • Inspection coordination
  • 4-8 week processing
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Commercial Permit

AED 20,000 - 40,000
  • Office, retail and commercial fit-out
  • Change of use applications
  • Civil Defence coordination
  • Multiple NOC management
  • Full inspection support
  • 6-12 week processing
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Special Projects

AED 40,000+
  • New construction permits
  • Major additions and extensions
  • Multi-authority coordination
  • Environmental assessments
  • Developer liaison
  • Timeline varies by complexity
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Every quote is fully itemised. No hidden costs. No surprises.

Your Journey

How It Works

1

Assessment

We review your project scope, identify the correct permit type and determine every document, NOC and approval needed before submission.

2

Preparation

We compile and verify every required document, ensure all drawings carry the correct stamps, and prepare the complete submission package to authority standards.

3

Submission & Tracking

We submit your application, track its progress daily and respond to any authority queries or revision requests immediately to keep the process moving.

4

Permit Issued

Once approved, we collect your building permit and hand it over with all associated documentation. Construction can begin immediately.

Common Questions

Building Permits FAQ

Do I need a building permit for renovation in Dubai?
Yes, in most cases. Any work involving structural modifications, extensions, facade changes or significant MEP alterations requires a building permit. Even some interior renovations need permits depending on the community and scope of work. We assess your project during the initial consultation and advise on the exact permit requirements — sometimes the answer is that no permit is needed, and we will tell you that honestly.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Dubai?
Standard residential permits take 4-8 weeks from submission to approval. Commercial permits can take 6-12 weeks depending on the project scale and complexity. These timelines assume complete, compliant documentation — which is exactly what our thorough preparation ensures. The most common cause of delays is incomplete submissions, which we eliminate entirely.
What are the common reasons building permits get rejected?
The most common reasons are incomplete documentation, drawings that do not meet authority standards, missing NOCs from utility providers (DEWA, Etisalat, Civil Defence), non-compliance with zoning regulations, and failure to address previous violation notices on the property. Our pre-submission review process catches all of these issues before they cause rejections.
What is the difference between a building permit and municipality approval?
Municipality approval is the design and drawing approval stage — confirming your plans comply with building codes and regulations. A building permit is the formal authorisation to begin construction work. You need municipality approval before you can apply for a building permit. We handle both stages as part of a seamless process, so you do not need to worry about the sequence.
Do you handle permit renewals and extensions?
Yes. Building permits in Dubai are typically valid for one year and must be renewed if construction is not complete. We handle renewals, extensions and any modifications to existing permits. We also track permit expiry dates proactively so you are never caught with an expired permit — which would mean a stop-work order until the renewal is processed.

Need a Building Permit in Dubai?

From document preparation to permit collection, we handle the entire process so you can focus on your project — not paperwork.

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