Water & Home Services in Saudi Arabia: How to Connect

Setting up a new home in Saudi Arabia means getting the essentials running first: water, wastewater drainage, and electricity. The good news is that most of the process is now handled online, with clear fee schedules and defined timelines. This Saudi Living guide walks you through how to connect water and home services, what to expect in terms of cost, and the steps that actually matter for an ordinary residential property.

Where to apply for water and wastewater

Water and wastewater connections are requested through the National Water Company (NWC) electronic channels. For development-project applications, you can also submit through the Etmam platform. One key point that catches many first-time applicants: water and wastewater applications must generally be submitted together, and the wastewater outlet must be prepared before water can be activated.

For standard residential connections, you don't need to go through Absher, Muqeem, Qiwa, Najiz, Nafath, Tawakkalna, or any other linked government service — unless your specific property or development project requires identity verification or a connected procedure.

How long it takes

The updated service guide sets the water-connection completion period at 30 business days. Planning around this window is wise, especially if you are moving into a newly built property where the connection has not yet been established.

How fees are calculated

Fees are based on the property's actual built-up area, not the total land area — so a large plot with a modest building is charged on the building footprint. The exact amount appears on the issued invoice. Here is what the published residential schedules indicate:

• Water connection: SAR 3,000 for a standard connection up to 675 m² of built-up area.
• Wastewater connection: SAR 5,000 for a standard connection up to 675 m² of built-up area.
• Additional residential units: add SAR 1,000 per additional unit for each service (water and wastewater).
• Developer-installed connection: if the developer installs the connection inside the property boundary during development and coordinates in advance, the beneficiary charge is SAR 1,000

Properties that exceed the applicable area thresholds may be charged on a larger scale. Sewer-connection charges in particular depend on the property classification, the built-up area, and the connection diameter.

Multiple units and shared buildings

If you own or manage a building with several units, you do not need a separate title deed for every unit. Fees can be calculated from the building permit's total built-up area and then allocated across the approved units. This makes the process simpler for apartment buildings and multi-unit villas.

Activating your water service

Once your application is approved, the activation sequence is straightforward:

• Pay the issued invoice. Sewer charges are paid after the full invoice is issued, or through an approved instalment arrangement.
• Complete the required wastewater connection, ensuring the outlet is prepared.
• Arrange meter installation or registration through NWC.

After these steps, your water service becomes active and billing begins under your account.

Connecting electricity

Permanent and temporary electricity connections are requested online through the Saudi Electricity Company's government service channel. The electronic application service itself is listed as free. However, connection and construction charges depend on the approved quotation you receive, which reflects your property's requirements. Submit early so the quotation and any construction work can be completed before you move in.

If something goes wrong

If you face a delay or dispute and need to escalate, the updated authority guide sets the authority-level complaint-escalation resolution period at 5 business days. Keep your application reference and invoice numbers handy, as they speed up any follow-up.

Quick checklist before you apply

• Confirm your property's actual built-up area — it drives the fees.
• Prepare the wastewater outlet before expecting water activation.
• Submit water and wastewater applications together.
• Budget for both the connection fees and any electricity construction quotation.
• Always confirm current figures and steps on the relevant official Saudi government portal before paying.

With the applications submitted correctly and the fees understood in advance, connecting your home's essential services is a manageable process. Give yourself the 30-business-day window, keep your paperwork organised, and you'll be settled in without surprises.

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