- Home
- Environmental
- NCEC permits
NCEC compliance and permitting
We take projects through Saudi Arabia's environmental permit process, from classification to the permit to operate, and keep them compliant afterwards.
Hills & Field is an independent consultancy licensed by NCEC. We are not part of NCEC.
Request a proposal Read the permit guideOur NCEC services
Each stage of the permit has its own requirements. Choose a service for what it involves, what we deliver and the guides behind it.
What NCEC does
The National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) issues environmental permits for activities in Saudi Arabia and checks that they comply with the Environmental Law and its executive regulations.
A permit to establish is needed for any of these:NCEC guide LO-1-M-005, controls section
- a new activity
- an expansion of an existing activity
- a modification
- an added activity
Studies and measurements are only accepted from service providers NCEC has licensed for that work, and providing incorrect information in any study submitted to NCEC is fined 1,000 to 100,000 riyals, with referral to the public prosecution.NCEC guide LO-1-M-005, conditions section. Permits reg. Art. 11, Table 2 (2024), row 1
Three categories, one framework
NCEC classifies every activity by its expected environmental impact, looking at its type and size, energy use, land use, nearby sensitive receptors and the nature, duration and scale of the impact.Permits reg. Art. 4(4). NCEC guide LO-1-M-005, technical requirements
Low impact
The impact stays within the site.
Environmental management plan, plus a rehabilitation plan for activities on NCEC's list. Within 500 m of sensitive areas or receptors, a detailed EIA instead.
Moderate impact
The impact is moderate and can be controlled.
Category 2 EIA study and an undertaking to implement its findings.
Significant impact
The impact is significant and may extend beyond the site.
Scoping report first, then the Category 3 EIA once NCEC approves the scope, and an undertaking to implement its findings.
From application to permit
Apply online
Submit the environmental classification form through NCEC's electronic licensing system, with the investor ID or commercial registration, the site's national address and the fee.NCEC guide LO-1-M-005, general requirements
NCEC sets the category
NCEC decides on the classification form within 10 working days.Permits reg. Art. 5(2)(b)
Prepare the study
A service provider licensed by NCEC prepares the study your category needs: an EMP, an EIA, or a scoping report followed by an EIA.NCEC guide LO-1-M-005, technical requirements and conditions
NCEC reviews
A Category 2 EIA is decided within 30 working days and a Category 3 EIA within 60. NCEC reviews only after the fee is paid, and a request for corrections starts a new review period.Permits reg. Art. 7(4)(b) and Art. 8
Permit to establish, then to operate
Once built, a new facility applies for its permit to operate. NCEC sets its validity between 3 and 6 years.Permits reg. Art. 6, Third (7)
What every application needs
- The environmental classification form
- The investor's ID, the commercial registration, or the unified number for a non-government entity without a CR
- The national address of the site
- The valid environmental permit, when applying for an expansion, modification or added activity
- Payment of the fee under the financial dues regulation
SourceNCEC guide LO-1-M-005, general requirements
NCEC then asks for the study your category needs. Exact requirements vary by project, so we prepare a document checklist for every engagement.
Review times and fees
The statutory periods NCEC works to, and the fee ceilings set by the financial dues regulation. NCEC sets the actual fees within these ceilings.
| Submission | NCEC decides within |
|---|---|
| Classification form | 10 working days |
| Category 2 EIA | 30 working days per round |
| Category 3 scoping report | 15 working days, plus up to 10 |
| Category 3 EIA | 60 working days per round |
| Objection to a permit decision | 15 working days to file, 30 for NCEC to decide |
Table sourcePermits reg. Art. 5(2) and (3), Art. 7(4), Art. 8 and Art. 10
| Item | Fee ceiling |
|---|---|
| Classification form | up to 500 riyals |
| Category 1 EMP | up to 1,000 riyals |
| Category 2 EIA | up to 10,000 riyals |
| Category 3 EIA | 13,000 to 275,000 riyals, by capital cost |
Table sourceFees reg. Appendix 1, items 1 to 7
How we support your project
Project classification
We assess your project against NCEC's criteria to set the right category, so your timeline and budget are planned from day one.
- Regulatory screening
- Category determination
- Timeline and cost planning
Environmental studies
Our scientists carry out the baseline surveys and impact assessments, and write reports that meet NCEC's requirements.
- Baseline environmental surveys
- EIA, scoping and EMP preparation
- Air, noise, ecology and water studies
Monitoring and compliance
After the permit, we run the monitoring programmes and audits that keep your project within its permit conditions.
- Environmental monitoring programmes
- Environmental audit studies
- Permit renewals
Frequently asked questions
What is NCEC and why does my project need a permit?
NCEC, the National Center for Environmental Compliance, issues environmental permits and checks that activities comply with the Environmental Law. A permit to establish is needed for a new activity, an expansion, a modification or an added activity.NCEC guide LO-1-M-005, controls section
How long does the NCEC permit process take?
NCEC decides on the classification form within 10 working days, reviews a Category 2 EIA within 30 working days and reviews a Category 3 EIA within 60 working days. A Category 3 scoping report is reviewed within 15 working days, extendable by up to 10 working days, after which it is treated as approved if NCEC stays silent. NCEC reviews each submission only after the fee is collected, and a request for corrections starts a new full review period. Adding the statutory periods alone, a Category 3 project needs at least 85 working days of NCEC review before any correction round.Executive Regulations for Environmental Permits to Establish and Operate Activities
What is the difference between the three categories?
NCEC classifies activities by their expected environmental impact, looking at the type and size of the activity, energy use, depletion of natural resources, land use, nearby sensitive receptors and the nature, degree, duration, reversibility, likelihood and scale of the impact. Category 1 stays within the site, Category 2 is moderate and controllable, Category 3 is significant and may extend beyond the site.Executive Regulations for Environmental Permits to Establish and Operate Activities
Can Hills & Field handle the whole process for us?
Yes. As an NCEC licensed consultancy we prepare the classification form, carry out the baseline surveys, write the study your category needs, manage the submission and answer NCEC's comments until the permit is issued.
What documents does an NCEC application need?
Every application includes the classification form, the investor ID or commercial registration, the site's national address and the fee. Expansions and modifications also attach the valid permit. NCEC then asks for the study your category needs.NCEC guide LO-1-M-005, general requirements
Do you support compliance after the permit is issued?
Yes. A facility needs an NCEC permit to operate before it starts operating. NCEC sets its validity between 3 and 6 years. Category 2 and 3 activities renew it with an environmental audit study every 3 years, and the annual financial dues must be paid before renewal. We run the monitoring programmes, prepare the audit studies and handle renewals.Executive Regulations for Environmental Permits to Establish and Operate Activities
Ready to start your NCEC application?
Tell us about the project. We will set the likely category and the path to your permit.