What Is Ejari and How to Obtain It?
Have you recently moved to Dubai or are you in the process of relocating? If you’re planning to rent a property in Dubai, you’ll soon encounter the term Ejari - a key step in making your tenancy official in the Emirate.
If you're looking for a concise yet complete guide on what Ejari is, how it works, and how to register, read on for all the essential details.
What Is Ejari?
Ejari is an Arabic word meaning “my rent”. It’s the official online system introduced by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), under the Dubai Land Department (DLD), to register all tenancy contracts in Dubai.
The system ensures that rental agreements are legally binding and transparent, offering protections to both landlords and tenants. Since its implementation, Ejari has been key in structuring Dubai’s rental market, reducing disputes and streamlining the governance of rental transactions.
Why is Ejari mandatory?
Ejari registration is required by law and must be completed whenever a new tenancy contract is signed, renewed, or amended. It provides a legal framework for rental agreements, enabling both landlords and tenants to safeguard their rights.
More importantly, it is a prerequisite for accessing many essential services in Dubai - including utilities such as DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority), visa renewals, and even school admissions.
Through this centralised registration, the government monitors rental activity across the Emirate, ensuring transparency and reducing the likelihood of fraud or tenancy-related disputes.
How to Register for Ejari
You can register for Ejari either online or offline, depending on your preference:
- Online Registration: Available through the Dubai REST app and the DLD's official portal.
- Offline Registration: Visit any approved Real Estate Services Trustee Centre across Dubai.
Required Documents:
The documents required for Ejari registration typically include:
- Original signed tenancy contract
- Tenant’s Emirates ID
- Tenant’s passport and UAE residence visa
- Landlord’s passport copy
- Title deed of the rented property
- Trade license (for commercial properties)
- Power of Attorney (if applicable)
Note: A DEWA bill is not usually required for Ejari registration but is needed when activating DEWA services.
Ejari Registration Fees
The cost of Ejari registration varies depending on the method:
Online:
- AED 100 for registration
- AED 10 Knowledge fee
- AED 10 Innovation fee
- Total: AED 120
Offline via Trustee Centres:
- AED 120 service fee
- AED 95 typing fee + VAT
- AED 10 Knowledge fee
- AED 10 Innovation fee
- Total: Approximately AED 215
Processing times also vary: online applications are typically approved almost instantly, while offline submissions may take up to 1–2 working days.
How to Renew Ejari
You’ll need to renew your Ejari when extending your lease or signing a new agreement with a different landlord. This process can also be done online via the Dubai REST app or in person at Trustee Centers.
Documents required for renewal typically include:
- Renewed tenancy contract
- Tenant’s Emirates ID
- Landlord’s passport copy
- Title deed of the rented property
A DEWA bill is only necessary if you are also updating your DEWA account.
Why Is Ejari Important?
Ejari isn’t just a formality - it’s the key to fully activating your life in Dubai. Here's why it's beneficial:
- Legal Protection: Ensures your rental contract is recognized by the courts and provides grounds for legal recourse if disputes arise.
- Access to Services: Required for DEWA utility connections, internet installation, residence visa renewals, and more.
- Transparency: Allows the government to track rental transactions and prevent fraud in the property market.
Imagine living in Dubai without electricity or water - definitely not ideal. That's why Ejari is more than a regulation; it's a necessity.
Whether you're browsing apartments for rent in Dubai Marina or settling into a new villa in Jumeirah, ensure your tenancy is legally compliant by registering with Ejari. It’s quick, essential, and your gateway to a stress-free tenancy in Dubai.
This blog was originally published on 6 September 2021 and updated on 23 May 2025
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