What Are the Steps to Obtain an Environmental Permit in Saudi Arabia?

One of the most important requirements for obtaining an environmental permit in Saudi Arabia is submitting a certified environmental study prepared by a licensed environmental consultancy. This study must be uploaded to the Environmental Permitting Platform of the National Center

for Environmental Compliance (NCEC).

A common question we often receive from clients is:

"What are the exact steps we need to follow to prepare an approved environmental study?"
"Is there anything we should do before reaching out to an environmental consultant?"

In this post, we’ll walk you through a practical, step-by-step guide covering all the phases of preparing a compliant environmental study — from assessing your needs all the way to post-submission obligations. Whether you’re representing an industrial, agricultural, tourism, healthcare, or service project, the following breakdown applies:

Phase 1: Before Preparing the Study

1. Define the Nature and Location of the Activity

• Identify the project’s type (industrial, medical, agricultural, etc.).

• Pinpoint the exact location on the map.

• Determine if the facility is existing or new.

2. Classify the Project Environmentally

• Is the project Category 1 (Low Impact), Category 2 (Moderate Impact), or Category 3 (High Impact)?

• Initial classification is made through a consultant, and final approval comes from NCEC.

3. Prepare the Required Documents

• Land ownership deeds or lease agreements.

• Municipality license or commercial registration.

• Engineering plans or process descriptions.

• Previous permits or approvals (if available).

Phase 2: Contracting a Licensed Environmental Consultant

1. Select an Approved Consultancy

• Must be officially licensed by the NCEC.

• Ensure the consultant has experience in your project’s sector.

2. Define Scope of Work and Timeline

• Identify the appropriate type of environmental report:

  • General Environmental Commitment Form

  • Simplified Environmental Report

  • Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

• Agree on tasks, responsibilities, and timeline.

Phase 3: Conducting the Environmental Study

1. Site Visits and Data Collection

• Field visits to observe and record environmental conditions.

• Measure air, water, noise, and soil quality depending on the project type.

2. Environmental Impact Analysis

• Identify pollution sources and assess potential impacts.

• Evaluate risks and effects on surrounding ecosystems.

3. Develop the Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

Including:

• Pollution prevention and mitigation measures.

• Emergency response planning.

• Environmental monitoring programs.

Phase 4: Submission to the Environmental Permitting Platform

1. Create an Account on the Platform

2. Submit the Permit Application

• Input project details, location, and consultant information.

• Upload supporting documents.

3. Upload the Environmental Study

• Submit the final study file.

• NCEC conducts technical review.

• If there are comments, revise and re-upload the study.

Phase 5: After the Environmental Permit is Issued

1. Comply with the Environmental Management Plan

• Fully implement the approved measures.

• Keep records of compliance and monitoring.

2. Submit Periodic Environmental Reports

• NCEC usually requires quarterly or semi-annual reports.

• Submit via the platform.

3. Renew the Permit on Time

• Apply for renewal before the permit expires to ensure continued compliance.

Conclusion

Preparing an environmental study is far more than a formality — it is a strategic foundation for ensuring a project’s long-term sustainability and environmental compliance.

By following the correct sequence of steps and working with a licensed consultant, you can significantly reduce delays and streamline the process of obtaining the necessary environmental permits.

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