Last reviewed: 14 November 2026. Fees are set by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and can change. Confirm the current amounts in the Dubai REST app before you pay.
Ejari is the Dubai Land Department’s system for registering tenancy contracts. The word means “my rent” in Arabic. Once a contract is registered, it becomes an official record that both tenant and landlord can rely on. Without it, a tenant in Dubai cannot complete several basic steps of setting up a home.
Key facts at a glance
| What it is | Official registration of a Dubai tenancy contract with the DLD |
|---|---|
| Online fee | AED 177.75 |
| Trustee centre fee | About AED 220 |
| Where to register | Dubai REST app, DLD website or a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre |
| Renewal | Needed each time the tenancy is renewed, at the same fee |
Why you need Ejari
- Electricity and water: DEWA asks for the Ejari number to activate an account.
- Family visas: a registered tenancy is part of sponsoring family members.
- Business licences: a mainland company renting premises needs its lease registered.
- Disputes: a registered contract is the document the rental dispute process works from.
What it costs in 2026
Registering online through Dubai REST or the DLD website costs AED 177.75:
| Registration fee | AED 100 |
| Knowledge fee | AED 10 |
| Innovation fee | AED 10 |
| Service partner fee | AED 55 |
| VAT on the service fee | AED 2.75 |
| Total | AED 177.75 |
|---|
Registering in person at a trustee centre costs about AED 220.
Documents you need
- The signed tenancy contract
- Tenant’s Emirates ID, or passport and visa for a new resident
- Landlord’s passport or Emirates ID
- Title deed of the property
- Power of attorney, if someone signs on the landlord’s behalf
- Trade licence, for a commercial lease
How to register online
- Download the Dubai REST app and sign in with UAE Pass.
- Open the Ejari service and choose to register a tenancy contract.
- Enter the property and contract details, then upload the documents.
- Pay the fee.
- Download the Ejari certificate. It is usually issued straight away.
Who registers: tenant or landlord?
Either party can do it, and so can a property manager acting for the owner. In practice the tenant often handles it because the tenant needs the certificate first. Agree who pays before you sign.
Renewing and cancelling
Ejari does not renew itself. Register the renewed contract each year. When you move out, make sure the old Ejari is cancelled. An active registration on your previous home can block the registration of your new one.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ejari mandatory?
Yes, for residential and commercial tenancies in Dubai.
Does Ejari apply outside Dubai?
No. Ejari is Dubai’s system. Abu Dhabi uses Tawtheeq, and other emirates have their own registration.
How long does it take?
Online registration is normally completed within minutes once the documents are accepted.
How Osmium Properties helps
If you are a landlord, we can prepare the tenancy contract and handle registration for you. If you are buying to let, we explain the rental rules before you commit. See our Ejari service page or contact us.
This article is general information, not legal advice.
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