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Ejari registration is a mandatory step for every tenant and landlord in Dubai. Whether you are renting a studio apartment in JVC or a villa on the Palm, your tenancy contract must be registered through the Ejari system to be legally recognized. Established under Law No. 26 of 2007, Ejari (Arabic for "my rent") provides a standardized framework that protects both parties in a rental agreement and feeds into government systems for residency, utilities, and dispute resolution.
Despite being straightforward in principle, the Ejari process trips up many tenants and landlords, especially those new to Dubai. Missing documents, incorrect DEWA premise numbers, and confusion about online versus in-person registration are common issues. This guide walks through everything - what Ejari is, why you need it, how to register, what documents are required, fees, renewal, cancellation, and the mistakes to avoid.
Ejari is Dubai's official online tenancy contract registration system, managed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) through its Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). Every residential and commercial rental contract in the emirate must be registered in this system. The purpose is threefold: to create a transparent record of all rental agreements, to protect tenants and landlords by establishing a legal reference point, and to provide the government with accurate data on rental market activity.
Before Ejari was introduced, rental disputes were common and difficult to resolve because there was no centralized record of contract terms. Today, the Ejari certificate serves as the definitive proof of a tenancy agreement, and it is referenced by virtually every government service in Dubai.
The Ejari certificate is not optional - it is a prerequisite for several essential services.
The fastest and cheapest way to register Ejari is through the Dubai REST app, available on iOS and Android. Here is the step-by-step process.
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Create an account using your Emirates ID or UAE Pass. If you are new to the UAE and do not yet have an Emirates ID, you will need to register in person at a typing center instead.
Open the app and select "Ejari Services" from the main menu. Choose "New Registration" for a first-time registration, "Renewal" for an existing contract, or "Cancellation" to terminate a registration.
Fill in the tenancy contract details including the property location, unit number, annual rent amount, contract start and end dates, payment terms, and security deposit amount. All details must match the signed tenancy contract exactly.
Upload clear copies of all required documents (listed in the next section). Ensure all documents are legible and in PDF or image format. Blurry or incomplete uploads are the most common reason for rejection.
The online registration fee is AED 180, payable by credit card, debit card, or Apple Pay within the app. This is significantly cheaper than the AED 220 charged at typing centers.
Once approved (typically within 24-48 hours for online submissions), your Ejari certificate will be available for download in the app. Print a copy for your records and keep the digital version accessible - you will need it for DEWA, visa processing, and other services.
| Service | Online (Dubai REST) | In-Person (Typing Center) |
|---|---|---|
| New registration | AED 180 | AED 220 |
| Renewal | AED 180 | AED 220 |
| Cancellation | AED 110 | AED 110 |
Note that typing centers may charge an additional AED 20-50 as a service fee on top of the government fee. The online route is cheaper and faster in almost every case.
Ejari must be renewed each time your tenancy contract is renewed. The process mirrors the initial registration - log into the Dubai REST app, select "Renewal," upload the new tenancy contract, confirm the updated terms, and pay AED 180. Renewals are typically processed within 24 hours.
If you fail to renew your Ejari when your contract renews, your old registration will expire. This can cause problems with visa renewals, DEWA billing, and any interactions with government services.
When you vacate a property, the Ejari must be cancelled. Either the tenant or landlord can initiate cancellation through the Dubai REST app or at a typing center. The cancellation fee is AED 110. You will need the existing Ejari certificate number and a signed letter from both parties confirming the end of the tenancy. Cancellation is important because an active Ejari prevents the landlord from registering a new tenancy for the same unit, and it prevents the tenant from registering Ejari at a new address.
If you own a rental property in Dubai, Ejari registration is your responsibility as much as the tenant's. A registered Ejari protects your interests by establishing the legal terms of the tenancy, including rent amount, payment schedule, and security deposit. In the event of a dispute - non-payment, property damage, unauthorized subletting - the RDSC will reference the registered Ejari as the primary evidence. If your property is managed by OSAC Properties or another brokerage, the management company can handle Ejari registration on your behalf with a signed authorization.
Contact OSAC Properties for assistance with Ejari registration, renewal, cancellation, or any rental process in Dubai. Our team handles the paperwork so you can focus on what matters.
How much does Ejari registration cost?
AED 180 online through the Dubai REST app, or AED 220 at a typing center.
Is Ejari mandatory in Dubai?
Yes. All rental contracts must be registered under Law No. 26 of 2007.
