What Is Ejari in Dubai?
Ejari is the official rental contract registration system in Dubai, created and regulated by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Its main purpose is to ensure transparency in rental relationships, protect both parties, and maintain a unified legal framework for all tenancy contracts in the emirate.
It’s important to note that without registration in the Ejari system, a tenancy contract in Dubai is considered invalid.
Once the contract is uploaded to the centralized database of the Dubai Land Department, the tenant receives an Ejari certificate with a unique number that confirms the legality and validity of the tenancy agreement. The certificate includes rental dates, costs, the personal details of both parties, and other key terms.
In this guide, we explain what Ejari is, why it’s required, who must register it, how the process works, how much it costs in 2025, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Why Ejari Is Important and What Benefits It Provides
The Ejari system ensures that rental relationships in Dubai are fully transparent, legally protected, and monitored by the government. It verifies that the tenancy agreement between the owner and tenant meets the standards set by the Dubai Land Department.
Registration eliminates the possibility of renting the same property to multiple tenants, hiding contract terms, or creating disputes due to unclear or unofficial agreements. For tenants, Ejari guarantees the lawful use of a property; for landlords, it ensures that their rights and rental terms are officially recorded.
Key Advantages of Ejari
Ejari provides access to essential government services. Without a valid Ejari, tenants cannot:
Connect electricity and water through DEWA
Set up internet services
Apply for a residency visa
Obtain an Emirates ID
Register their address in government portals
File rental disputes with RERA
Because Ejari serves as the main proof of tenancy, it is indispensable for all official processes related to renting property in Dubai.
Ejari also enforces a standardized contract structure. All key terms—rental price, duration, deposit, rights and obligations of both parties—are stored in DLD’s centralized database, minimizing fraud and simplifying dispute resolution.
How the Ejari System Works
Ejari was introduced as part of Dubai’s digital transformation of the real estate market. Before Ejari, rental contracts varied widely in format, making verification and legal enforcement difficult.
Today, every rental contract must be registered in Ejari. Once the contract is uploaded:
The system records all data in DLD’s online platform.
The document receives a unique Ejari number.
A digital Ejari certificate is issued.
This data is accessible to government authorities, courts, and RERA. The system prevents fraud, ensures transparency, and makes it easy to verify any contract through DLD’s official services.
Who Is Responsible for Registering Ejari?
According to DLD regulations:
The landlord or their authorized real estate agent is responsible for registering the tenancy contract in Ejari.
Most major developers and licensed agencies complete Ejari automatically after contract signing.
However, the tenant must verify that Ejari has been completed before moving in. This can be done by checking the Ejari number through the Dubai REST or DubaiNow apps.
Without Ejari, the tenant cannot access essential government services, so verifying registration is crucial.
Documents Required for Ejari Registration
To register a tenancy contract in Ejari, the following documents are required:
Signed tenancy contract
Tenant’s passport copy
Tenant’s UAE visa copy (for residents)
Tenant’s Emirates ID (if available)
Landlord’s passport and Emirates ID
Title Deed of the property (proof of ownership)
DEWA Premise Number or previous Ejari number
For companies: trade license, corporate documents, authorization letters
Submitting a complete and accurate document set ensures quick registration and prevents delays.
How to Register Ejari: Step-by-Step Guide
Registering Ejari is mandatory for all landlords and tenants in Dubai. The process is straightforward if documents are prepared in advance.
1. Gather all required documents
Include: signed contract, IDs, Title Deed, DEWA Premise Number, etc.
2. Choose your registration method
Online: Dubai REST, DubaiNow
Offline: RERA Registration Centres, DLD service centres
Through an agency: full service handled by professionals
3. Submit the application
Upload the documents in the app or provide them at the service center.
Complete the form with property, tenant, landlord, and contract details.
4. Pay the official fee
The standard fee is 220–250 AED (depending on the method of submission).
5. Receive the Ejari certificate
A digital certificate is sent to your email. Some centers may issue a printed copy.
Even small errors in names or passport details can delay the process, so verifying all information is essential.
Ejari Registration Methods: Pros and Cons
Method | Where | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
Online | Dubai REST, DubaiNow | Fast, convenient, no visit needed | Requires digital copies of documents |
Offline | RERA & DLD centers | Expert assistance available | Requires travel and queue time |
Through an agency | Licensed brokers | Complete “done-for-you” service | Service fee applies |
Ejari Registration Cost in 2025
The official fee for registering Ejari in 2025 is 220–250 AED. This includes document verification, contract entry into the system, and issuance of the certificate.
Online registrations typically cost around 220 AED.
In-person registrations may include additional service fees.
Agencies may charge extra for handling paperwork.
The fee is the same for both residential and commercial tenancies.
How to Verify Your Ejari
You can easily check if your Ejari is registered:
1. Through the Dubai REST app
Use the Verify Ejari feature by entering the certificate number or contract details.
2. Through DubaiNow
A similar verification tool is available in the real estate section.
3. Through your broker or the DLD portal
If the system cannot find your contract, contact your landlord or agent immediately.
Renewing and Updating Ejari
Ejari must be renewed every time a new tenancy contract is signed. Rental renewals in Dubai are not automatic — even if the terms remain unchanged, Ejari must be reissued.
The renewal process repeats the original steps:
Prepare the updated contract
Submit through Dubai REST, DubaiNow, or RERA
Pay the fee
Receive the new certificate
The previous Ejari record becomes inactive.
Common Mistakes When Registering Ejari
Many delays and rejections occur due to avoidable errors:
1. Incomplete documentation
Missing Emirates ID, Title Deed, or contract will cause rejection.
2. Mistakes in personal or contract details
Errors in names, passport numbers, or dates lead to mismatches in DLD’s system.
3. Wrong DEWA Premise Number
The system will not accept a contract that cannot be linked to a valid property number.
4. Using unofficial service providers
This often leads to invalid certificates.
5. Delayed renewal
If the contract is renewed but Ejari is not, the tenant loses access to government services.
Professional agencies, such as Mayak Real Estate, handle all complications and ensure accurate, timely registration.
Ejari FAQ
What is Ejari and why is it required? Ejari is Dubai’s official rental registration system ensuring legal protection and access to government services.
Who must register Ejari? The landlord or their agent, but the tenant must verify its completion.
Is Ejari required every year? Yes. Each new tenancy period requires a new Ejari registration.
How long does registration take? Online: minutes to a few hours. Service centers: typically same day.
Can I verify Ejari? Yes, through Dubai REST or DubaiNow.
What if Ejari is rejected? Correct the errors listed in DLD’s notice or consult specialists.
Can I register Ejari from abroad? Yes, if you have all required documents.
Is Ejari required for commercial rentals? Yes, for all types of leased property.
Conclusion
Ejari registration is fundamental for establishing the legality and transparency of rental relationships in Dubai. It protects both landlords and tenants, prevents disputes, and enables access to essential government services.
With accurate registration, you avoid common issues such as missing data, incorrect contract details, or administrative delays. For investors and tenants who value efficiency and reliability, working with a professional agency like Mayak Real Estate ensures that Ejari is completed correctly and on time.
If you want a smooth, error-free registration process, Mayak Real Estate is ready to assist you at every step — from document preparation to final approval.
