How to Register an Ejari Tenancy Contract in Dubai (DLD, Fees & Documents)
Ejari is the official register of tenancy contracts at the Dubai Land Department. Every tenancy in Dubai must be registered. You need the registered e-Contract Registration Certificate to connect DEWA. You also need it to sponsor family visas. And you need it to use the Rental Disputes Centre. You can register online in the Dubai REST app or on the DLD website. Or you can register in person at a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre.
At a glance
- Cost:
- AED 177.75 online / AED 220 trustee centre
- Total time:
- ~25 minutes (trustee centre) / minutes online
- Steps:
- 7 steps
- Where to apply:
- dubailand.gov.ae
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UAE sources(October 2026).
0 of 7 steps
- Before You Go At signing
Sign the Unified Tenancy Contract
The landlord and the tenant sign the standard contract. Agree in writing who files the Ejari and who pays for it. By law, the DLD makes the landlord responsible. In practice, the tenant usually files it and pays.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay Minutes AED 177.75
Register online via Dubai REST / DLD website
Log in with UAE Pass. Choose the Ejari service. Fill in the details and upload a copy of the contract. The total fee is AED 177.75. This is AED 100 for registration, AED 10 for knowledge, AED 10 for innovation, an AED 55 service-partner fee, and AED 2.75 VAT. To use the app, both the tenant and the landlord must be individuals. Their owner data must also be up to date.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay 25 min (excl. waiting) AED 220
Or register in person at a Trustee Centre
You can also register in person. Bring the original contract and your Emirates ID. If a representative applies for you, bring the power of attorney too. The staff check your documents and approve the registration in the system. The total fee is AED 220. You cannot use this route if a real-estate company manages the property. You also cannot use it if the owner has access to the Ejari system.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay At registration AED 177.75 online / AED 220 trustee centre
Pay the registration fees
You can pay by card or cash. You can also pay with a Noqodi wallet. The payment is included in the totals above.
Click to mark as done
- Receive Immediate on approval
Get the e-Contract Registration Certificate
You get the certificate by email if you registered online. If you registered at a trustee centre, you get it at the counter. In both cases, you get it as soon as your registration is approved.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up Same as registration AED 177.75 / 220
Renew annually or on change
Renew your registration when your contract renews. Also renew it when the rent, the tenant's name, or the property details change. It is the same service and the same fee.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up Minutes
Cancel when the tenancy ends
Cancel your registration through the same channels when the tenancy ends. Cancelling online is free.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays the Ejari fee — landlord or tenant?
By law, the DLD makes the landlord responsible for registration. In practice, the tenant usually files it and pays. The agreement in your tenancy contract comes first.
Do I need Ejari to connect DEWA?
Yes. DEWA needs your Ejari certificate or number before it can switch on your electricity and water.
What if my landlord refuses to register Ejari?
If your contract is not registered, you cannot use it at the Rental Disputes Centre. It also blocks your DEWA and visa processes. Raise the problem with your landlord in writing. The registration duty comes from the tenancy law, Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended.
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