Complete Guide to Obtaining a Real Estate Advertisement License Electronically 2026: Steps, Requirements, Fees, and Violation Penalties

Introduction: Why You Must Read This Guide

If you are a real estate broker or property owner wanting to advertise your property for sale or rent, you are legally required to obtain a real estate advertisement license before publishing any ad. This is not optional — it is a mandatory requirement set by the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) to regulate the real estate market and protect everyone's rights.

Many people are unaware of this requirement, and some advertise their properties without a license assuming it's not mandatory. The result? Fines that can reach up to 200,000 SAR! Yes, this figure is real and not an exaggeration.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explain everything in detail: What is a real estate advertisement license? How do you obtain it electronically in minutes? What's the difference between a Fal license and an ad license? Does the property owner need a Fal license? And what happens if you advertise without a license?

Save this article and share it with anyone working in real estate. Knowledge here is not a luxury — it's protection from violations and fines.

First: What Is a Real Estate Advertisement License?

A real estate advertisement license is an official permit issued by the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) through the Fal electronic platform, allowing you to publish an advertisement about a specific property for sale or rent through any advertising channel, whether electronic or traditional.

Why Did REGA Impose This License?

The Real Estate General Authority imposed the real estate advertisement license to achieve several important goals: regulating the real estate advertising market and preventing chaos and deception, ensuring clear and accurate information about advertised properties, protecting buyers' and tenants' rights from fake advertisements, verifying that the advertiser is a qualified and licensed person, and documenting all real estate advertisements and linking them to official brokerage contracts.

What's the Difference Between a Fal License and an Ad License?

This is a question that confuses many people. The Fal license for real estate brokerage and marketing is a general license that allows you to practice brokerage and marketing activities, issued annually for 300 SAR for individuals or 1,000 SAR for establishments. The real estate advertisement license is a specific permit for a particular advertisement about a specific property, issued separately for each ad at 50 SAR per advertisement. In other words: the Fal license is the profession license, and the ad license is the publishing permit for each advertisement. Owning a Fal license does not exempt you from the ad license — you must obtain a license for every advertisement you publish.

Who Needs a Real Estate Advertisement License?

Everyone who wants to advertise a property by any means needs this license. Whether you are an individual real estate broker, a brokerage establishment, or a property owner wanting to advertise their property. The rule is simple: no real estate advertisement without a license.

Second: Steps to Obtain a Real Estate Ad License for Brokers

If you are a real estate broker (individual or establishment) with a valid Fal license, here are the detailed steps to obtain an advertisement license:

Step One: Log Into REGA's Platform

Access the electronic services of the Real Estate General Authority through the official link rega.gov.sa. Log in via the National Single Sign-On (Nafath) using your national ID number and password.

Step Two: Select Service Type

After logging in, select your role on the platform: "Individual Broker" if you work independently, or "Establishment Broker" if you represent an office or brokerage company.

Step Three: Navigate to Real Estate Advertisements Page

From the main menu, go to the "Real Estate Advertisements" page and click on "Create New Real Estate Advertisement License."

Step Four: Select the Brokerage Contract

A list of your registered brokerage contracts will appear. Select the appropriate brokerage contract established between you and the property owner. If the contract doesn't appear, make sure you selected the "Marketing" scope when issuing the contract.

Step Five: Select the Ownership Document

If there are multiple ownership documents linked to the brokerage contract, select the appropriate document for the property to be advertised.

Step Six: Specify Advertisement Details

Determine the purpose of the advertisement (sale or rent). Choose the appropriate advertising channels where you will publish. If you are an establishment manager, assign the employee responsible for the advertisement.

Step Seven: Fill In and Review Ad Information

Complete all required advertisement data and review it carefully. Verify the accuracy of the property description, specifications, location, and price. Confirm the accuracy of the entered information then click "Confirm Create Advertisement License."

Step Eight: Pay the Fees

An invoice of 50 SAR will be issued for each advertisement license. Pay the invoice using your preferred method, and after payment, the advertisement license is issued immediately and can be used to publish your ad.

Important Note on Advertisement Packages

If you are a broker or establishment that publishes many advertisements, REGA offers advertisement license packages with discounts up to 70%. Package (A) includes 50 advertisements with 70% savings. These packages are available for establishment brokers through REGA's platform.

Third: How Can a Property Owner Obtain an Ad License?

This is a very important question that many people ask. Does a property owner have the right to advertise their property themselves? Do they need a Fal license? Let us clarify in detail:

Does the Owner Need a Fal License?

No, the owner does not need a Fal brokerage and marketing license. However, they need a real estate advertisement license for their property. So the question is: how do they get it?

Method One: Through a Licensed Real Estate Broker

The owner contracts with a real estate broker who holds a valid Fal license. A formal brokerage contract is established between them through REGA's platform. The broker obtains the advertisement license on behalf of the owner. The broker bears responsibility for the advertisement and accuracy of its information.

Method Two: Through Licensed Real Estate Platforms

REGA has enabled property owners to license their advertisements through licensed real estate platforms such as Aqar platform and others. In this case, the licensed platform obtains the advertisement license for the owner directly. This option makes it easier for the owner to advertise their property without needing to find a real estate broker.

What About an Owner Who Has a Fal License?

Even if the owner holds a Fal license, they cannot be both the broker and the owner for the same property. The broker must be a different party from the owner. This is a regulatory requirement to ensure transparency and protect all parties' rights.

Owner's Right to Direct Sale

The owner has the right to sell their property directly to a known buyer without the need for an advertisement, and in this case, no advertisement license is needed. The license is only required when publicly advertising the property through any advertising medium.

Fourth: Fal Platform Requirements for Issuing the License

To successfully obtain a real estate advertisement license, you must have the following requirements:

Requirements for Individual Brokers

A valid Fal license for real estate brokerage and marketing. A documented brokerage contract with the property owner through REGA's platform. The property's ownership document (title deed) linked to the brokerage contract. Completion of the three required training courses from the Saudi Real Estate Institute.

Requirements for Establishments (Offices or Companies)

A valid Fal license for the establishment. A valid commercial registration that includes real estate activities. A documented brokerage contract with the property owner. A qualified and fully eligible responsible manager.

Required Training Courses for the Fal License

Three courses from the Saudi Real Estate Institute must be passed before obtaining a Fal license: Real Estate Brokerage course lasting 2 days at 400 SAR. Real Estate Marketing course lasting 4 days at 700 SAR. Electronic Real Estate Marketing course lasting 4 days at 750 SAR. All courses are offered online remotely, and the required passing grade is 60%.

Real Estate Advertisement Content Requirements

REGA has set strict guidelines for what a real estate advertisement must include: advertiser's name and capacity (owner or authorized agent), real estate advertisement license number, broker's license number (Fal license), detailed property location (city, neighborhood, plan number), property description including type, age, and contents, property boundaries and dimensions, property price, effective contact method with the advertiser, disclosure of any mortgage or restriction preventing property disposal, and disclosure of any information that may affect the property's value.

Prohibited Content in Real Estate Advertisements

Real estate advertisements must not contain any content that violates Islamic guidelines or Saudi regulations, includes indecency, infringes intellectual property rights, or contains misleading or false information about the property.

Fifth: Fees and Duration of the Real Estate Ad License

License Fees

Single advertisement license fee: 50 SAR. Fal license for individuals: 300 SAR annually. Fal license for establishments: 1,000 SAR annually. Advertisement packages for establishments are available with discounts up to 70%.

License Validity Period

The real estate advertisement license validity falls within the brokerage contract period between the broker and the owner. The broker can set specific start and end dates during issuance, provided these dates fall within the active brokerage contract period. When the brokerage contract expires, the advertisement license automatically expires.

Canceling the Ad License

The real estate broker can cancel the advertisement license at any time through their account on the brokerage platform. It is recommended to cancel the license once the deal is completed or the advertisement is no longer needed.

Sixth: What Happens When You Violate? Fines and Penalties

The Real Estate General Authority is very serious about enforcing the system and monitoring violations. Here are the penalty details:

Penalties for Advertising Without a License

Advertising a property without a license is a direct violation of the Real Estate Brokerage System. The penalty starts with an official warning and can reach a fine of 200,000 SAR. This fine covers all types of advertisements without exception: placing advertising signs on property without a license, advertising through social media without a license, advertising through real estate platforms without a license, advertising through traditional media like newspapers and television without a license, and advertising through WhatsApp and Telegram groups without a license.

Penalties for Practicing Brokerage Without a Fal License

A fine reaching 200,000 SAR. Immediate suspension of the violating real estate activity. A ban on publishing or marketing properties electronically or on-site. Listing the violator's name in the unlicensed brokers list. Referral to the Public Prosecution in cases of suspected fraud.

Penalties for Violating Real Estate Platforms

Real estate platforms that allow publishing of violating advertisements face fines reaching one million SAR. Notable violations detected by REGA include: allowing advertisements by non-Saudi individuals, advertising by unqualified persons (not owner or authorized), not including the advertisement license number or advertiser number, and not mentioning property boundaries and dimensions.

Other Violations and Their Penalties

Disclosing real estate deal secrets: 5,000 SAR fine with possible license revocation. Failing to report material changes: fine up to 2,000 SAR, doubled upon repetition. Providing misleading information in advertisements: fine and license revocation.

How Are Violations Detected?

REGA conducts continuous inspection rounds in partnership with the Ministry of Human Resources. During 2025 alone, inspections covered visits to hundreds of real estate establishments across various regions. REGA also receives violation reports through its website rega.gov.sa.

Seventh: Cases Requiring a License

REGA has identified five main cases that require obtaining a license to practice the activity:

Case One: Advertising Through Social Media

If you want to advertise a property through Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, or any social platform, you must have a Fal license and a real estate advertisement license.

Case Two: Placing Advertising Signs on Property

Placing a "For Sale" or "For Rent" sign on the property itself requires a Fal license and an advertisement license, and the sign must include the advertisement license number.

Case Three: Advertising Through Real Estate Platforms

Publishing on licensed real estate platforms requires a valid advertisement license.

Case Four: Advertising Through Traditional Media

Advertising in newspapers, magazines, television, and radio requires the license.

Case Five: Advertising Through Messaging Groups

Even advertising in WhatsApp and Telegram groups requires an official real estate advertisement license.

Eighth: Verifying Real Estate Ad License Authenticity

REGA has made available a service to inquire about real estate advertisement licenses to protect consumers from fake advertisements:

Inquiry Steps

Access the electronic services platform of the Real Estate General Authority. Go to the "Inquiries" section at the top of the page. Select "Real Estate Advertisement License Inquiry." You can search using the advertisement license number, brokerage contract number, or property ownership document. The license data and status will appear (active, expired, or canceled).

Advice for Buyers and Tenants

Before dealing with any real estate advertisement, verify the advertisement license number through the inquiry service. This protects you from fake advertisements and real estate fraud. If the advertisement doesn't include a license number, it is likely a violating advertisement.

Ninth: Steps to Obtain a Fal License From Scratch

If you are new to the field and want to start from scratch, here are the complete steps to obtain a Fal license and then an advertisement license:

Phase One: Qualification

Register for the three training courses through the Saudi Real Estate Institute. Pass the courses successfully (60% or higher grade). Total course duration: 10 days. Total course cost: approximately 1,850 SAR.

Phase Two: Issuing the Fal License

Access REGA's electronic services. Log in via the National Single Sign-On. Select "Individual Broker" or "Establishment Broker." Go to the "Licenses" page and click "Create New License." Select "Fal License for Brokerage and Marketing." Click "Check Eligibility" (the system will verify your course completion). Pay the fees (300 SAR for individuals or 1,000 SAR for establishments). The license is issued within 7 business days of completing the application.

Phase Three: Establishing the Brokerage Contract

After obtaining your Fal license, establish a brokerage contract with the property owner through REGA's platform. Make sure to select the "Marketing" scope when issuing the contract. Document the contract electronically for it to be certified.

Phase Four: Obtaining the Ad License

After documenting the brokerage contract, obtain the advertisement license following the steps mentioned earlier. Pay the 50 SAR fee and publish your advertisement legally.

Tenth: Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Fal License Sufficient to Publish a Real Estate Ad?

No, a Fal license alone is not sufficient. You must obtain a real estate advertisement license for every advertisement you publish from the Real Estate General Authority.

Can a Property Owner Advertise Without a Broker?

The owner can advertise their property through licensed real estate platforms that obtain the advertisement license for them. However, they cannot independently advertise through social media or signage without a license.

Can an Owner With a Fal License Advertise Their Own Property?

The owner cannot be both the broker and the owner for the same property. There must be a separate independent real estate broker to obtain the advertisement license.

How Much Does a Single Ad License Cost?

50 SAR per advertisement license. Discounted packages are available for establishments that publish many advertisements.

What Is the Ad License Validity Period?

The advertisement license is valid within the brokerage contract period established with the owner. Specific start and end dates can be set within the contract duration.

Can I Work as a Real Estate Broker Without an Office?

Yes, individuals can practice real estate brokerage without an office after obtaining a Fal brokerage and marketing license. No commercial registration or premises are required for individual brokers.

Can a Government Employee Obtain a Fal License?

The responsibility for practicing another job falls on the employee themselves. Some government agencies require written approval for any additional work. Check your employer's regulations first.

How Do I Report a Violating Real Estate Ad?

You can submit a report through REGA's official website rega.gov.sa. REGA continues to monitor and track all violations and take regulatory action.

Golden Tips

For Real Estate Brokers

Renew your Fal license before it expires to avoid activity suspension. Obtain the advertisement license before publishing any ad regardless of the medium. Keep a copy of every advertisement license and brokerage contract. Use advertisement packages if you publish many ads to save costs. Ensure the property description accuracy in the advertisement to avoid complaints and violations.

For Property Owners

Only deal with brokers who hold a valid Fal license. Ensure the brokerage contract is documented electronically through REGA's platform. Request a copy of the advertisement license before publication. Don't sign any brokerage contract before reading and understanding all its terms. You can verify any broker's license through REGA's website.

For Buyers and Tenants

Always verify the advertisement license number before contacting the advertiser. Use the license inquiry service to verify the advertisement's authenticity. Don't deal with advertisements that don't include a license number. Report any violating advertisement you encounter to protect the real estate market.

Important Links and Numbers

Real Estate General Authority: rega.gov.sa. Fal Real Estate Brokerage Platform: available through REGA's website. Saudi Real Estate Institute: for registering in training courses. National Unified Platform: my.gov.sa. National Single Sign-On: for registration and login.

Conclusion

A real estate advertisement license is not a complicated procedure — it's a simple step that protects your rights and ensures your credibility in the market. It costs only 50 SAR, but the fine for advertising without it can reach 200,000 SAR. If you're a broker: get a Fal license, document the brokerage contract, and obtain the advertisement license before publishing. If you're an owner: work with a licensed broker or use licensed real estate platforms to license your advertisement. If you're a buyer: verify the advertisement license number before any dealings.

Share this guide with everyone working in real estate or owning property. Knowledge of the system is not a luxury — it's protection from violations and a guarantee of your rights.