Ejari Dubai: What It Is and How to Register in 2026
Every rental contract in Dubai must be registered with Ejari. Without it, you cannot connect DEWA, renew your visa, or take a landlord to court. Here is everything you need to know.
Quick Summary
Ejari (Arabic for "My Rent") is the mandatory tenancy registration system in Dubai run by RERA. Registration costs AED 120 online (Dubai REST app) or AED 215+VAT at a typing centre. It takes 1-2 days online or same day in person. Required for DEWA, visas, and legal protection.
What is Ejari?
Ejari is the official tenancy registration system in Dubai, introduced by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) in 2010 and operated by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). The name means "My Rent" in Arabic.
Every residential and commercial rental contract in Dubai must be registered with Ejari. It converts your private tenancy agreement into a legally recognised document under Dubai law. Without Ejari, your tenancy contract has no legal standing in the eyes of the government.
Why is Ejari Mandatory?
You need a valid Ejari certificate to:
Who is Responsible for Ejari Registration?
Legally, the landlord is responsible for Ejari registration. However, in practice, tenants often handle it — especially for residential properties. The cost is typically borne by the tenant unless the tenancy contract specifies otherwise.
Landlords can delegate Ejari registration to their real estate agent or property management company.
Ejari Registration Costs in 2026
| Method | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai REST App (online) | AED 120 | 1-2 business days |
| DLD Website (online) | AED 120 | 1-2 business days |
| Typing Centre / Trustee Office | AED 215 + VAT | Same day |
| Property Management Company | AED 220-300 | 1-2 business days |
Documents Required for Ejari Registration
✓ Signed tenancy contract
Original contract signed by both landlord and tenant. Must be the unified RERA tenancy contract format.
✓ Tenant Emirates ID
Valid Emirates ID. If the visa is new and Emirates ID is not yet issued, the visa page and passport are accepted.
✓ Tenant passport copy
Including the UAE residence visa page.
✓ Landlord passport copy
Or Emirates ID if the landlord is a UAE national or resident.
✓ Title deed
Proof that the landlord owns the property. The agent or property manager can provide this.
✓ DEWA premises number
The 9-digit number usually found on the door frame or existing DEWA bill. Required for utility connection.
How to Register Ejari Online (Dubai REST App)
Download Dubai REST app
Available on App Store and Google Play. Log in using UAE Pass (recommended) or Emirates ID.
Select Register Ejari
From the home screen, select Ejari then Register New Contract.
Upload documents
Upload the signed tenancy contract, tenant Emirates ID, passport copy, and title deed.
Landlord approval
If the tenant initiates registration, the landlord receives a digital notification to approve. Both parties must be on the app.
Pay the fee
Pay AED 120 online via card or Noqodi.
Receive Ejari certificate
Certificate is emailed instantly once approved. Download it from the app at any time.
Ejari Renewal
Ejari does not renew automatically. Every time you renew your tenancy contract — even with the same tenant at the same rent — you must register a new Ejari. This ensures the latest rent amount is recorded in the system.
Start the renewal process at least 30 days before your contract expires to avoid delays with DEWA or visa renewals. The renewal process is identical to the initial registration.
Ejari Cancellation
When a tenant moves out, the landlord must cancel the existing Ejari before a new tenant can register. You cannot have two active Ejari registrations on the same property simultaneously.
Cancellation is done through the Dubai REST app or at a typing centre. The landlord is responsible for cancellation, though tenants can also initiate it with landlord approval.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✗ Missing documents — especially the DEWA premises number which causes most delays
✗ Assuming Ejari renews automatically — it does not
✗ Not cancelling the old Ejari before registering a new tenant
✗ Using an unlicensed typing centre that charges inflated fees
✗ Discrepancies between contract details and Emirates ID — must match exactly
Ejari for Landlords and Investors
As a landlord or property investor, Ejari registration protects your interests. A registered tenancy contract is legally enforceable — you can take a non-paying tenant to the Rental Dispute Centre. Without Ejari, your contract has no legal standing and disputes are much harder to resolve.
For overseas investors using a property management company, the management company typically handles Ejari registration and renewal as part of their service.
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