If your unit sits on Dubai mainland — not inside a free zone like DDA/TECOM, DIFC, DMCC or Trakhees jurisdiction — Dubai Municipality is your governing authority. Submissions go through the Dubai Building Permits System (BPS), and only a DM-registered consultant or contractor can submit on your behalf. Small units are sometimes eligible for a lighter-touch process: standalone units up to 100 sqm and shops inside commercial centres of any size can, in many cases, proceed without a full decoration licence, subject to Dubai Civil Defence compliance.
Application procedure
- Appoint a DM-registered consultant. Only a Dubai Municipality-registered consultant or contractor can submit your application on the Building Permits System (BPS).
- Submit drawings for technical review. Architectural, MEP and fire-fighting drawings are submitted and checked against the Dubai Building Code.
- Pay applicable fees. Once drawings are technically approved, permit fees are paid before the permit is issued.
- Permit issued — start fit-out works. With the permit in hand, on-site fit-out works can begin.
- Site inspections during works. Dubai Municipality inspectors may visit the site while work is in progress to check compliance.
- Submit as-built documentation. Once works are complete, as-built drawings are submitted for final review.
- Completion Certificate issued. Dubai Municipality issues the fit-out completion certificate, the final sign-off needed before occupation.
Documents required
- Trade licence copy
- Title deed (owner) or Ejari tenancy contract (tenant), plus landlord/owner NOC
- DM-registered consultant appointment letter
- Architectural, MEP and fire-fighting drawings prepared to Dubai Building Code standard
- DEWA NOC
- Dubai Civil Defence NOC
- Affection Plan (from DM's GIS portal)
Fees & payments
Dubai Municipality does not publish one consolidated public fee table for fit-out permits. Indicative figures reported by fit-out consultants are around AED 1 per sq ft of built-up area (minimum AED 200), with higher caps for industrial units — but treat this as a starting estimate only.
Note: Confirm the exact fee for your project through the Building Permits System (BPS) at application, or ask your fit-out contractor to check on your behalf before you budget.
How SMB Design & Build helps
Our approvals team is in-house — the same people preparing your design and MEP drawings submit and follow up directly with Dubai Municipality. We manage this alongside every other authority your project touches, so nothing falls between two consultants. See the full Authority Approval overview, or read our complete approvals guide for how these authorities interact on a typical project.
Official resource: Dubai Municipality — Building Permit Procedures