Documents Required for Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings in Dubai

Dubai's Law No. (3) of 2026 on Quality and Safety of Buildings mandates that existing buildings completed at least 20 years ago must obtain a Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings. This certificate confirms that a building meets structural, fire safety, and security standards. To apply, you must submit a specific set of documents, which we outline below, based on the official requirements.

The required documents are designed to verify the building's integrity and compliance. They include a technical report, proof of ownership, and laboratory test results, among others. Understanding these requirements is crucial for building owners, especially those approaching the 20-year threshold. For expert assistance, consider our Dubai Building Quality and Safety Certificate service.

The core document is the Quality and Safety Certificate Technical Report, prepared by a DM-registered engineering firm. This report covers structural integrity, exterior cladding, electrical and mechanical installations, windows, doors, security barriers, Civil Defence compliance, and CCTV/SIRA compliance. The engineering firm must have the appropriate classification matching your building's height category.

Document Checklist

For more detail, see our guide on How to Get a Building Safety Certificate in Dubai (Step-by-Step).

The Technical Report is the most critical document in your application. It must be prepared by a Dubai Municipality (DM)-registered engineering firm and includes a detailed assessment of the building's systems. The report must verify that the building meets all safety and quality standards set by Law No. (3) of 2026.

1. Contact a DM-registered engineering firm and provide your building's details.
2. The firm conducts a thorough inspection covering structural, electrical, mechanical, and fire safety systems.
3. The firm prepares the Technical Report, including any laboratory test results from an EIAC-accredited lab.
4. Submit the report along with other required documents to the Dubai Municipality or via the Dubai Legislation Portal (dlp.dubai.gov.ae).

For more detail, see our guide on Building Safety Certificate Compliance Checklist in Dubai.

Beyond the technical report, you must provide proof of ownership or legal possession. This can be a title deed, a tenancy contract, or authorization from the Jointly Owned Property Management Entity. If your building is older than 40 years, the certificate validity is shorter, so ensure your documents are up to date.

Laboratory test results are required when the engineering firm deems testing necessary. These tests must be conducted by a UAE-licensed laboratory accredited by EIAC. The results are included in the Technical Report, so ensure your firm coordinates with an accredited lab. For related drawing approvals, see our as-built drawing approval page.

Once you have all documents, the submission process is straightforward. The law requires that the Technical Report be submitted within 6 months of initial approval, with an extension possible up to 2 years if needed. After approval, occupants have 3 months to vacate if the report indicates issues.

1. Gather all required documents as per the checklist.
2. Submit the application and documents to the Dubai Municipality via the official portal.
3. The authority reviews and may request additional information.
4. Once approved, the Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings is issued with a validity of 10 years (under 40 years old) or 5 years (40 years or more).

Failure to obtain the Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings within the compliance period can result in fines ranging from AED 100 to AED 1,000,000 per violation. Repeat violations within 2 years double the fine, capped at AED 2,000,000. The exact amounts are pending an Executive Council Chairman resolution.

If you choose to demolish the building instead of certifying, a refundable security deposit of AED 50,000 is required, and the demolition must be completed within a grace period of up to 1 year. The certificate fees themselves are set by Executive Council Chairman resolution, so they are not fixed in the law.

Wasleen Approvals specializes in navigating Dubai's approval processes. We can help you compile the correct documents, engage with Dubai Municipality, and ensure your application meets all requirements under Law No. (3) of 2026. Our team ensures a smooth process, saving you time and avoiding penalties.

Every effort has been made to produce an accurate and complete English version of this legislation. However, for the purpose of its interpretation and application, reference must be made to the original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text will prevail.