diff --git a/.github/CODEOWNERS b/.github/CODEOWNERS
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..207d515b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/CODEOWNERS
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+# CODEOWNERS file
+# This file defines code ownership for the repository
+# All PRs require approval from the engineering team
+
+
+
+# Global rule - require engineering approval for all files
+* @devcyclehq/engineering
+
+# CODEOWNERS file itself requires foundation team approval
+.github/CODEOWNERS @devcyclehq/foundation