Dubai Ejari Registration: Online Process via Dubai REST App & Trustee Centers
Step-by-step instructions on registering residential and commercial lease contracts on the Dubai Land Department (DLD) Ejari system, comparing the AED 177.75 online self-service track with in-person Trustee Centers.
Updated: 1 November 2026 — Verified against current gazetted ministerial decisions•Next Scheduled Review: 30 Jan 2027
Independent Public Guide: This guide is independently compiled from verified UAE ministerial decisions and laws. We are not a government entity. For official filings, always use the designated government portals linked below.
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Who Is This Guide For?
Dubai tenants, landlords, property managers, and real estate brokers registering annual lease agreements.
Required Documents Checklist
1. Unified Dubai Tenancy Contract signed by both landlord and tenant.
2. Tenant's Emirates ID copy and Passport/Visa copy.
3. Landlord's Passport copy and Emirates ID (or trade license for corporate owners).
4. Title Deed of the leased property issued by Dubai Land Department.
5. Nine-digit DEWA Premise Number (located on the property entrance plaque).
6. Power of Attorney (POA) if signed by an authorized representative.
Verified Official Fees & Costs
Online Self-Service Fee via Dubai REST App: AED 177.75 (AED 155 DLD Ejari fee + AED 10 Knowledge fee + AED 10 Innovation fee + 5% VAT on the service fee portion).
In-Person Real Estate Services Trustee Center Fee: AED 220 to AED 240 (includes partner typing and transaction service fee + VAT).
Mandatory Requirement: Tenancy contracts not registered in Ejari cannot be enforced before the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDC).
Key Takeaway: Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, every residential lease must be registered with Ejari. Registering self-service via the Dubai REST app costs AED 177.75, whereas in-person Trustee Centers charge AED 220-240. Ejari approval automatically triggers your DEWA move-in activation.
1. What Is Ejari and Why Is It Mandatory?
Ejari (meaning "My Rent" in Arabic) is the mandatory regulatory registration system managed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) under Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008). The system records all tenancy contracts into a unified legal ledger.
An official Ejari certificate is a strict legal prerequisite for:
Activating utility connections with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
Sponsoring family residency visas with GDRFA Dubai.
Obtaining or renewing trade licenses with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Filing any legal petition or dispute with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDC).
2. Official Fee Breakdown
Tenants and landlords can choose between self-service digital channels and walk-in trustee centers:
Channel
Base Ejari Fee
Knowledge & Innovation
Service Partner Fee
Total Payable
Dubai REST App (Online)
AED 155.00
AED 20.00
AED 2.75 (VAT)
AED 177.75
Trustee Centers (In-Person)
AED 155.00
AED 20.00
AED 45 - 65 + VAT
AED 220 - 240
3. Step-by-Step Online Registration via Dubai REST App
Step 1: Download & Log in with UAE PASS
Install the Dubai REST application (available on iOS and Android) and log in using your UAE PASS credentials. Both the landlord and tenant must have verified profiles.
Step 2: Initiate Contract Registration
Select "Services" → "Register Ejari Contract". Enter the 9-digit DEWA premise number located on the building plaque. The system retrieves property details, title deed data, and building classification.
Step 3: Enter Contract Terms & Upload Documents
Enter the lease start date, end date, annual rent amount, payment frequency (number of cheques), and security deposit amount. Upload clear PDF copies of the signed unified contract and title deed.
Step 4: Settle Official Fee & Receive Certificate
Pay AED 177.75 using credit card or debit card. Upon approval, your official Ejari Certificate with a verifiable barcode and DEWA account link is generated instantly.
Related Tools & Calculators
Calculate housing fees and rental increase permissions:
1. Paying extra fees for online registration: The official Dubai REST app fee is exactly AED 177.75; avoid third-party agency markups.
2. Omitting the 9-digit DEWA premise number: Ejari registration cannot proceed without an active meter identifier.
3. Attempting to register while previous tenant's Ejari is active: The landlord must cancel the outgoing tenant's Ejari before a new contract can be registered.
4. Relying on handwritten or non-standard contracts: Only the standard Unified Tenancy Contract format issued by RERA/DLD is accepted.
Official Government Sources & Public Portals
Verified against the following official government links on 1 Nov 2026:
What is the official government fee to register an Ejari online in Dubai?
When registered online by the tenant or landlord using the official Dubai REST app or DLD website, the total fee is AED 177.75 (including Knowledge fee, Innovation fee, and VAT). At in-person Trustee Centers, the cost is between AED 220 and AED 240.
Who is legally responsible for paying the Ejari registration fee?
Under Dubai rental practice, the tenant typically bears the Ejari registration cost unless the tenancy contract explicitly specifies that the landlord or property management company will cover it.
Does Ejari registration automatically connect electricity and water with DEWA?
Yes. Dubai operates an integrated data link between DLD and DEWA. As soon as your Ejari registration is approved, an electronic notification is automatically dispatched to DEWA, initiating your move-in file and generating your security deposit link.
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