You’ve found the flat. You’ve signed the contract and handed over the cheques. You’re ready to move in.
Then someone asks: “Have you done your Ejari?”
If you’re new to Dubai, Ejari can sound confusing. It’s actually simple, and these days you can do it on your phone in minutes. Here’s everything you need to know.
Quick answer: Ejari is the official system for registering tenancy contracts in Dubai. It costs AED 177.75 online through the Dubai REST app or Dubai Land Department website, or about AED 220 at a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre. The landlord is legally responsible for registration, but tenants often do it themselves. You need Ejari to connect DEWA, apply for family visas and protect your rights in a rental dispute.
What Is Ejari?
Ejari, which means “my rent” in Arabic, is the Dubai Land Department’s system for registering every tenancy contract in the emirate. It’s run by RERA, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency.
Once your contract is registered, you get an Ejari certificate with a unique number. That number is the official proof that your tenancy exists.
Why Ejari Matters
Ejari isn’t just paperwork. You’ll need it for:
- Connecting DEWA electricity and water in your name. See our DEWA guide for what comes next.
- Sponsoring your family’s visas, alongside meeting the minimum salary rules.
- Filing a case at the Rental Disputes Centre. Without Ejari, a rental dispute is much harder.
- Proving your address for some government and bank services.
It also protects you. A registered contract makes it harder for anyone to rent out the same property twice, or change the terms without your agreement.
Ejari Fees in 2026
| Method | Total fee |
| Dubai REST app or DLD website | AED 177.75 |
| Real Estate Services Trustee Centre | About AED 220 |
Online, the AED 177.75 is made up of a AED 100 registration fee, small knowledge and innovation fees, a service partner fee and VAT. The exact total is always shown before you pay. Renewal costs the same as a new registration.
Who pays? In practice, the tenant usually pays, even though the landlord is legally responsible for making sure the contract is registered. Agree on this before you sign.
Documents You’ll Need
- The signed Unified Tenancy Contract
- Tenant’s Emirates ID, or passport and visa
- Landlord’s Emirates ID or passport
- The property’s title deed
- The DEWA premises number, found on a previous DEWA bill
- For company tenants: a trade licence. If an agent is acting for the landlord: a power of attorney
Tip: if your landlord is slow to share the title deed, ask the agent. You can also request a copy through the Dubai REST app for a small fee.
How to Register Ejari Online (Step by Step)
- Download the Dubai REST app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Log in with your UAE Pass.
- Choose the service to register a tenancy contract (Ejari).
- Enter the tenancy details and upload the signed contract and documents.
- Submit the request. If you’re the tenant, the landlord must approve it in the app.
- Pay the fee once it’s approved.
- Download your Ejari certificate. It’s usually issued right away in the app, or emailed to you.
Prefer help in person? Visit a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre with your original documents. Staff will register it for you for a slightly higher fee.
How Long Does It Take?
If your documents are complete and the landlord approves quickly, online registration can be done the same day. Delays usually happen when the landlord doesn’t approve in time, or a document is missing. Follow up with your agent if it’s taking more than a few days.
Renewing Your Ejari
Your Ejari must be renewed each time your tenancy contract is renewed. The process is the same: log in to Dubai REST, choose the renewal option, upload the new contract and pay. Don’t let it lapse. An expired Ejari can cause problems with DEWA, visa renewals and any dispute.
Sharing a Flat?
Ejari is usually registered for the main tenant. If you’re renting a room from someone else, ask whether the flat’s tenancy is registered, and whether subletting is allowed. Dubai’s shared housing rules now set clear standards, and unregistered or unauthorised sublets can leave you without protection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Moving in without Ejari, then finding you can’t connect DEWA.
- Using an unofficial “agent” who charges a big fee for a simple online process.
- Spelling names differently from your Emirates ID or passport.
- Forgetting to renew when your contract renews.
- Paying extra charges that weren’t agreed in the contract.
Ejari and Your Budget
Ejari is a small cost compared to rent, deposits and agency fees, but it’s one of several move-in costs. Our cost of living guide lists the others, including the 5% housing fee that’s added to your DEWA bill.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Word: Do It Before You Unpack
Ejari takes minutes, costs less than a family dinner out, and protects your home. Register it as soon as your contract is signed, keep the certificate safe, and set a reminder to renew it next year.
Official source: Dubai Land Department.
This guide is for general information. Fees and procedures are set by the Dubai Land Department and may change, so check the official service page before registering. Last updated: 12 November 2026.
