Ejari Registration Guide: Online Process, Costs & Required Documents 2025

If you’re renting property in Dubai, one critical step stands between you and legal tenancy: Ejari registration. This mandatory system, managed by Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) and the Dubai Land Department (DLD), validates every rental contract in the emirate. Without it, you cannot connect utilities, renew visas, or legally enforce your tenancy agreement.

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about Ejari registration in 2025, including the complete online process, exact costs, required documents, and expert tips to ensure your registration goes smoothly.

What is Ejari and Why is it Mandatory?

Ejari is Dubai’s official online tenancy contract registration system, introduced under Law No. 26 of 2007. The system standardizes all rental agreements across Dubai, ensuring they comply with RERA regulations and provide legal protection for both landlords and tenants.

Primary functions of Ejari registration:

• Legally validates your tenancy contract with government recognition
• Records and protects the agreed rental amount from unauthorized increases
• Enables DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) connection
• Required for residence visa renewals and family sponsorship applications
• Provides legal framework for rental dispute resolution through RERA committees
• Prevents fraud and contract tampering through secure digital records

Who is Responsible for Ejari Registration?

While technically both landlord and tenant can register Ejari, responsibility typically follows this hierarchy:

Registration Party	Typical Responsibility	When Applicable
Property Management Company	Handles entire process	Properties managed by licensed companies
Real Estate Agent	Registers on behalf of landlord	Exclusive listing agreements
Landlord	Direct registration	Self-managed properties
Tenant	Can register if landlord agrees	When specifically agreed in contract

In practice, many tenants choose to register Ejari themselves to ensure it’s completed promptly, especially when they need to activate utilities or process visa documents quickly.

Complete Ejari Registration Fee Breakdown 2025

Ejari registration costs vary based on your chosen registration method. Here’s the complete fee structure as mandated by Dubai Land Department:

Method 1: Dubai REST App (Most Affordable)

Fee Component	Amount (AED)
Base Registration Fee	100
Knowledge Fee	10
Innovation Fee	10
Service Partner Fee	55
VAT (5% on service fee)	2.75
Total Cost	177.75

Method 2: Real Estate Trustee Centers

Fee Component	Amount (AED)
Base Registration Fee	100
Knowledge Fee	10
Innovation Fee	10
Trustee Service Fee	95
VAT (5% on service fee)	4.75
Total Cost	219.75

Required Documents for Ejari Registration

Proper documentation is critical for successful Ejari registration. Missing or incorrect documents are the primary cause of registration delays. Here’s the complete checklist:

For Tenants (Required Documents):

• Original signed tenancy contract – Must include signatures from both landlord and tenant on all pages
• Copy of tenant’s Emirates ID – Both sides, valid and not expired
• Copy of tenant’s passport – Photo page and visa page must be clearly visible
• Copy of tenant’s residence visa – Current and valid visa stamp or page
• DEWA premise number or municipality number – Found on property documents or previous DEWA bills

For Landlords (Required Documents):

• Copy of property title deed – Must show landlord as registered owner with DLD
• Copy of landlord’s passport – Photo page with visible signature
• Copy of landlord’s Emirates ID – If landlord is UAE resident
• DLD owner registration number – Unique identifier assigned by Dubai Land Department

Additional Documents (When Applicable):

• Power of Attorney (POA) – Required if representative is registering on behalf of owner or tenant. Must be notarized and issued in Dubai, or attested if issued elsewhere
• Company trade license – For corporate landlords or tenants, must be current and valid
• Previous Ejari certificate – Required for renewals to verify contract history
• DEWA “green bill” – Latest utility bill required for contract renewals

Step-by-Step: Online Ejari Registration via Dubai REST App

The Dubai REST app is the fastest and most convenient method for Ejari registration. Most applications are processed within 24-48 hours. Follow these detailed steps:

Step 1: Download and Install Dubai REST App

Download the official “Dubai REST” application from:

• Apple App Store for iOS devices
• Google Play Store for Android devices

Step 2: Create Account or Login

You can login using two methods:

• UAE Pass – Recommended for fastest authentication (link your Emirates ID)
• Email and Password – Create new account if first-time user

Step 3: Navigate to Ejari Services

1. Open the Dubai REST app
2. Tap on “Services” in the bottom menu
3. Select “RERA” from the service categories
4. Choose “Register Ejari Contract” (or “Renew Ejari Contract” if renewing)

Step 4: Enter Contract Information

Fill in all required fields accurately:

• Property location and complete address
• Title deed number (found on landlord’s ownership document)
• DEWA premise number or municipality number
• Annual rent amount (exactly as stated in contract)
• Contract start and end dates
• Number of payment installments (1, 2, 4, 12, etc.)
• Security deposit amount

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Upload clear, color scans of all required documents:

• Signed tenancy contract (all pages)
• Tenant identification documents
• Landlord identification and title deed
• Any additional documents if applicable

Step 6: Landlord Approval (Critical Step)

After you submit your registration request, the landlord must approve it through their Dubai REST app account. The landlord will receive a notification and must:

1. Open their Dubai REST app
2. Navigate to “Notifications” or “Pending Requests”
3. Review the submitted contract details
4. Click “Approve” to authorize the registration

Note: Registration cannot proceed without landlord approval. Ensure your landlord has downloaded the Dubai REST app and is ready to approve within 24-48 hours.

Step 7: Pay Registration Fees

Once the landlord approves, you’ll receive a payment notification:

• Total amount: AED 177.75
• Payment methods: Credit card, debit card, or Apple Pay
• Payment is processed instantly through secure gateway

Step 8: Receive Your Ejari Certificate

After successful payment and DLD verification:

• Most applications are approved within 24-48 hours
• You’ll receive SMS and email notification when ready
• Certificate appears in “My Documents” section of the app
• Download PDF copy for your records
• Share with DEWA and other authorities as needed

Alternative: Registration Through Trustee Centers

If you prefer in-person registration or need immediate assistance, you can visit any authorized Real Estate Trustee Center in Dubai. This method is ideal for those who:

• Need same-day registration certificate
• Have complex documentation requiring verification
• Prefer face-to-face guidance through the process
• Have experienced rejection through online submission

Process at Trustee Centers:

1. Visit the center – No appointment necessary, walk-in service available during business hours (typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday to Thursday)
2. Submit documents – Bring original tenancy contract and all required documents (listed above)
3. Data entry – Center staff will enter your information into the DLD system
4. Verification – System automatically verifies title deed and DEWA numbers
5. Payment – Pay AED 219.75 via card or cash
6. Receive certificate – Printed certificate issued immediately (same-day service)

Common Ejari Registration Issues and Solutions

Understanding potential problems before they occur can save you significant time and frustration. Here are the most common issues and their solutions:

Issue	Cause	Solution
Title deed number mismatch	Incorrect entry or outdated property records	Verify exact number from landlord’s title deed; contact DLD if persistent
DEWA number not recognized	New property or number not linked to DLD system	Use municipality number instead, or contact DEWA to verify property registration
Landlord approval pending	Landlord hasn’t downloaded app or doesn’t check notifications	Contact landlord directly; offer to help them install Dubai REST app
Document rejection	Poor quality scans or missing signatures	Re-scan in color with good lighting; ensure all pages and signatures visible
Previous Ejari not cancelled	Landlord didn’t cancel prior tenant’s contract	Previous tenant or landlord must cancel through Dubai REST before new registration possible
Registration exceeds 48 hours	System delays or verification issues	Call DLD Customer Happiness Center: 800-4488 for status update

Ejari Renewal Process

Many tenants incorrectly assume that Ejari renews automatically when they sign a new tenancy contract. This is false. Ejari must be renewed separately each year, even if you’re staying in the same property with the same landlord.

When to Renew Ejari:

• Timing: Must be renewed within 14 days of new contract start date
• Late renewal penalty: Delays can result in fines and service disruptions
• DEWA connection: Cannot activate utilities without current Ejari certificate
• Visa processing: Immigration requires current Ejari for residence visa renewals

Renewal Documents Required:

• New signed tenancy contract (for the renewal period)
• Previous Ejari certificate (to verify contract history)
• Latest DEWA “green bill” (showing current utility account)
• Updated identification documents (if any have been renewed)

Renewal Fees:

Renewal costs are identical to initial registration:

• Via Dubai REST app: AED 177.75
• Via Trustee Centers: AED 219.75

The renewal process follows the same steps as initial registration through either the Dubai REST app or trustee centers.

Ejari and DEWA Connection: Essential Link

You cannot activate electricity and water services in Dubai without a valid Ejari certificate. The integration between RERA’s Ejari system and DEWA creates a seamless process for utility connection:

DEWA Activation Process After Ejari:

1. Complete Ejari registration – Receive your certificate through Dubai REST app or trustee center
2. DEWA automatic notification – DEWA system automatically detects new Ejari registration
3. Receive payment link – Email sent to registered tenant with DEWA connection details
4. Pay DEWA fees – AED 2,000 security deposit + AED 130 activation fee = AED 2,130 total
5. Utilities activated – Services connected within 24 hours of payment

Frequently Asked Questions About Ejari Registration

Expert Tips for Smooth Ejari Registration

Conclusion: Secure Your Legal Tenancy Today

Ejari registration is more than just a bureaucratic requirement—it’s your legal protection as a tenant in Dubai’s dynamic rental market. The process has become increasingly streamlined with the Dubai REST app, making registration faster and more convenient than ever before. Most tenants now complete their entire registration within 48 hours without leaving home.

Whether you’re renting your first apartment in Dubai or managing investment properties across the emirate, understanding the complete Ejari registration process ensures you maintain legal compliance, access essential services, and protect your tenancy rights under RERA regulations.

With registration fees as low as AED 177.75 through the Dubai REST app, the small investment provides comprehensive legal protection and peace of mind for your entire tenancy period.