Understanding Ejari Registration
5 min read • Updated December 2025
Ejari ("My Rent" in Arabic) is Dubai's official tenancy registration system. It's legally required for all rentals and you'll need it for DEWA, visas, internet, and more. Here's everything you need to know.
Ejari in 30 Seconds
Ejari is mandatory registration of your tenancy contract with Dubai Land Department. It costs AED 175-220, takes 24-48 hours online, and you'll need it for DEWA, internet, visas, and more. Register via the Dubai REST app or at a typing center.
What is Ejari?
Ejari is the official tenancy registration system created by Dubai Land Department (DLD) and regulated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). Introduced in 2010, it standardizes rental agreements across Dubai.
For Tenants
- • Official proof of your tenancy
- • Legal protection in disputes
- • Required for government services
- • Enables DEWA, internet, visa applications
For Landlords
- • Legal documentation of rental
- • Protection in disputes
- • Official rent amount on record
- • Compliance with Dubai law
Why You Need Ejari
Without Ejari, you can't access essential services in Dubai.
DEWA Connection
You cannot connect electricity and water without Ejari. DEWA requires your Ejari certificate number during application.
Internet Connection
du and Etisalat require Ejari to set up home internet service. You'll need to provide your Ejari certificate or number.
Family Visa Sponsorship
To sponsor your spouse or children for residence visas, immigration requires proof of accommodation via Ejari.
School Enrollment
Many schools require Ejari as proof of residence when enrolling children.
Legal Protection
Ejari registration allows you to file complaints with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre and enables RERA rent cap protection.
Some tenants skip Ejari to save money or because their landlord doesn't cooperate. This is a mistake. Without Ejari, you have no legal standing in disputes and can't access essential services. Insist on registration.
Required Documents
Gather these documents before starting the registration process.
From Tenant
- ✓Original signed tenancy contract
- ✓Valid passport copy
- ✓Emirates ID (both sides)
- ✓Valid residence visa
From Landlord
- ✓Title deed copy (essential)
- ✓Landlord's passport copy
- ✓Landlord's Emirates ID
- ○Power of Attorney (if representative)
For Company Rentals
If a company is renting (tenant or landlord), you'll also need the company trade license and authorized signatory's Emirates ID.
Document Tips
- • All scans must be clear, color copies
- • Black and white or blurry copies will be rejected
- • Ensure all signatures are visible
- • Contract pages must be complete
How to Register Ejari
Two options: online (recommended) or in-person at a typing center.
Option 1: Online via Dubai REST App (Recommended)
The fastest and most convenient method. Most applications processed within 24-48 hours.
Download Dubai REST App
Available on iOS and Android
Login with UAE Pass
Create UAE Pass account if you don't have one
Select RERA Services → Register Ejari Contract
Navigate to Services section
Enter Contract Details
Property info, rent amount, dates, parties
Upload Documents
Contract, IDs, title deed
Pay Fee & Submit
~AED 175 + VAT via card
Receive Ejari Certificate
Usually within 24-48 hours, often same day
Option 2: In-Person at Typing Center
Good for complex cases or if you prefer assistance. Same-day processing.
Visit an authorized Ejari typing center (Real Estate Trust centers, DLD offices)
Bring all original documents
Agent processes your application
Pay fee (AED 220 + typing fee ~AED 50-100)
Receive certificate immediately
Ejari Costs (2025)
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Government Registration Fee | AED 100 | Base fee |
| Knowledge Fee | AED 10 | Added to all transactions |
| Innovation Fee | AED 10 | Added to all transactions |
| Service Partner Fee | AED 55 | Processing fee |
| VAT on Service Fee | AED 2.75 | 5% VAT |
| Total (Online) | AED 177.75 | Via Dubai REST app |
| Typing Center Fee | AED 50-100 | Additional if in-person |
| Total (In-Person) | AED 220-280 | At typing center |
Renewal Costs
Common Issues & Solutions
Landlord won't provide title deed
This is the most common issue. The title deed is legally required for Ejari.
Solution: Remind landlord it's legally required. If they refuse, you can verify ownership through DLD and file a complaint with RERA.
Previous tenant's Ejari not cancelled
You can't register new Ejari if the old one is still active.
Solution: The landlord (not previous tenant) must cancel the old Ejari. Contact DLD if the landlord is unresponsive.
Contract details don't match title deed
Property details in contract must match the title deed exactly.
Solution: Verify property details with DLD. May need to amend the contract to match official records.
Online registration failing
Technical issues or document rejections can cause failures.
Solution: Visit a typing center in person. They can often resolve issues that fail online.
Renewal & Cancellation
Ejari Renewal
- • Required when renewing tenancy contract
- • Same process as new registration
- • Same documents needed
- • Same cost (AED 175-220)
- • Renew within 14 days of new lease start
- • Late renewal may cause service disruptions
Ejari Cancellation
- • Required when leaving property
- • Usually handled by landlord
- • Needed for final DEWA bill
- • Required before deposit return
- • Documents: Passport, Emirates ID, request form
- • Can be done online or in-person
Renew your Ejari within 14 days of your new contract start date. Failing to do so can result in complications with DEWA billing and visa applications.
Ejari and Rent Increases
Your Ejari registration is linked to RERA's rent increase regulations.
How It Protects You
- • RERA Rent Calculator uses Ejari data to determine fair rent
- • Rent increases are capped based on market comparisons
- • Landlord must give 90 days written notice for increases
- • You can challenge excessive increases with Rental Dispute Centre
| If Rent is Below Market By | Max Allowed Increase |
|---|---|
| Less than 10% | No increase allowed |
| 11-20% | Up to 5% |
| 21-30% | Up to 10% |
| 31-40% | Up to 15% |
| More than 40% | Up to 20% |
Check Proposed Increases
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ejari registration.
Online registration via the Dubai REST app is typically processed within 24-48 hours, often same-day. In-person registration at a typing center is usually completed immediately while you wait.
Yes. You don't need the landlord to be physically present. You just need their documents: a copy of the title deed, their passport/Emirates ID copy, and for the contract to be signed by both parties. If the landlord has a property manager or uses a real estate company, they may have Power of Attorney to handle Ejari.
Ejari registration is a legal requirement in Dubai. If your landlord refuses to provide necessary documents (especially the title deed), remind them that failure to register Ejari can result in fines and legal issues. If they still refuse, you can file a complaint with RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) through Dubai Land Department.
No, you can only have one active Ejari registration at a time as a tenant. If you're moving to a new property, your old Ejari must be cancelled before the new one can be registered. However, a landlord can have multiple Ejari registrations for different properties they own.
Ejari is required for tenancy contracts of 1 year or more. Short-term rentals (holiday homes, monthly rentals) are governed by different regulations under Dubai Tourism. These properties need a holiday home permit instead of Ejari.
Without Ejari, you cannot: connect DEWA (electricity/water), get a home internet connection, sponsor family visas, enroll children in many schools, or resolve disputes through the Rental Dispute Centre. It also means your tenancy isn't officially recognized, leaving you vulnerable in disputes.
Yes. You can verify your Ejari status through the Dubai REST app or the Dubai Land Department website. Enter your Ejari number to check its validity and expiry date.
Typically the tenant pays for Ejari registration as it's primarily for the tenant's benefit (DEWA, visa, etc.). However, this can be negotiated. Some landlords or agencies include it in their services. The fee is relatively small (AED 175-220) so it's rarely a point of contention.
Ready to Register?
Download the Dubai REST app and register your Ejari online in minutes.