How to Register Your Tenancy Contract with Ejari in Dubai

This article was last modified on September 18th, 2023

If you’re a tenant or landlord in Dubai, you have likely heard of Ejari! In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about Ejari registration in Dubai. To cut a long story short, we will walk you through the system step by step to make sure all your questions are answered. Keep reading for more clarity about one of the main tenancy systems in Dubai.

1. What Is Ejari?

The word Ejari is an Arabic word that means “my rent”. However, in this context, it is an online registration system that registers tenancy contracts in Dubai. It was introduced by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) in 2007 to regulate the leasing process and to protect the rights of both tenants and landlords.

It is also a legal requirement for all rental agreements to be registered with Ejari. The system provides a platform for tenants and landlords to register their rental contracts and renewals online.

2. Is Registering for Ejari Mandatory in Dubai?

Yes, Ejari registration is mandatory for all rental properties, including commercial and residential properties.

3. What Is Ejari’s Goal and Why Is it Important?

This system aims to ensure all private rental contracts are drafted into legally binding documents and structured in a government-approved format.

Ejari is important because it protects and organizes all your information and preserves those records at the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). After registering, you get an Ejari certificate to enjoy the other services of the emirate.

In addition, another useful aspect of the Ejari Certificate is that it secures your right to go to court whenever you have any issues with your landlord so the court can look into your case.

Consequently, if you are not registered with Ejari, the court will automatically dismiss your case.

If you want to learn more about how you can guarantee your rights as a tenant, check out our podcast episode about it!

4. Who Can Register for Ejari in Dubai? 

The landlords, tenants (and/or their representatives), and property management companies are the ones authorized to apply for Ejari in Dubai.

In addition, registering the tenancy contract with Ejari is the responsibility of the landlord. Typically, the landlord will assign this to the real estate agent; however, in practice, the tenant will complete the process and pay the required fees.

You must be sure that all deposits, contract duration, and rent amounts are clearly stated in your Ejari. In addition, you can register at Ejari trustee centers in Dubai or via the Ejari app as well.

5. How Can You Register for Ejari? 

You can easily register for Ejari in Dubai either through its online platforms or offline centers; both options are available.

Offline

There are typing centers at which you can submit the required documents and pay the charges for the Ejari service.

Besides, you will need to fill out a registration form when you arrive, so make sure you have your new address and tenancy contract number with you, along with copies of the required documents mentioned below.

Online

Registering Through the Website 

If you need a quick and hassle-free option, then applying through the website is the best. You can enjoy this service through Dubai Land Department’s website, which is Ejari’s system.

Registering Through Mobile App 

Alternatively, you can register your tenancy contract and upload your documentation using one of these apps: Dubai REST App or Dubai Now App.

Besides, you should follow these steps to complete the process:

  • Download the app and register with your Emirates ID, passport, and visa copy
  • Upload all the needed documents for registration.

Finally, to use this method, your landlord needs to be registered on the Ejari app as well. Once they approve the documents on the app, an Ejari certificate will be issued in approximately two working days.

The official Ejari contract will include a unique Ejari ID number. This number is used to register for your DEWA account, which you can now conveniently complete online.

After registering, you will get an Ejari number and a unique barcode. You will need to submit an Ejari certificate while applying for the following purposes as it’s considered the attestation of the Ejari tenancy contract in Dubai:

In addition, you can download and print it through the official website whenever you want it.

6. What Are the Required Documents to Register for Ejari?

There are a number of needed documents that you should prepare while registering for Ejari. Check them through the following list:

  • Original signed tenancy contract
  • Security deposit receipt
  • Tenant’s Emirates ID
  • Copy of the landlord’s passport (if an individual)
  • Tenant’s passport (non-GCC nationals)
  • Copy of a valid power of attorney document (if the contract has been signed by a PoA); Power of Attorney documents must be renewed every year to remain valid
  • Tenant’s UAE Visa (non-GCC nationals)
  • Copy of title deed of the rented property
  • Trade license (in the case of commercial properties).

Moreover, if you’re renewing your Ejari, you need to provide a DEWA bill and the previous Ejari in addition to the above documents.

7. How is the Ejari Renewal Process completed?

Ejari registration is valid for one year, and it must be renewed annually. Here are the steps to renew Ejari online:

  • Visit the Ejari website (www.ejari.ae) and log in to your account.
  • Select the contract you want to renew and upload the required documents (updated tenancy contract and DEWA bill)
  • Pay the Ejari renewal fee online.

Once the payment is made, a new registration number will be issued, and the Ejari certificate will be available for download.

8. How Much Is the Cost of Ejari’s Registration?

In Dubai, the cost of registering your tenancy contract with Ejari differs according to the process of applying whether it’s online or offline. Have a look below at the detailed information about Ejari Fees.

Online Registration

The cost of registering an Ejari contract online is AED 155 excluding VAT, with additional fees:

  • AED 10 Knowledge fee
  • AED 10 Innovation fee

Offline Registration

The cost of registering an Ejari contract through the real estate services trustees centres is AED 219.75 including VAT.

9. Where Are Ejari Typing Centers Located in Dubai? 

There are various Ejari typing centers across many areas of the emirate; they are also known as Trustee Centres. So if you prefer offline registration, visit one of the approved Ejari Trustees centers with the required documents.

Here is the list of the typing centers of Ejari service in Dubai:

  • Al Tabu Real Estate Trustee Services: Al Nahda Road, Al Qusais 2
  • Al Taresh Real Estate Services Trustee: Dubai Municipality, Al Kifaf Center
  • Takhlees Government Services: Creek Tower, Baniyas Road, Deira
  • Al Manara Real Estate Registration Trustee: Al Manara Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Safa

Moreover, the availability of more than one location for Ejari registration in Dubai allows you to pick the nearest and most convenient spot to you.

10. How Can You Find Ejari Offices Nearby?

If you are always wondering and asking yourself the “Ejari office near me” kind of questions, feel free to visit the Ejari website or call the Ejari contact number.

11. What Are the Working Hours of Ejari Trustees Centers in Dubai?

They are open all days of the week except Saturdays. You can head to the nearest typing/trustees center to effortlessly register your Ejari. Have a look at their timings below:

  • Sundays – Thursdays: 8 am – 8 pm
  • Fridays: 8 am – 12 pm, 4 pm – 8 pm

However, always double-check your preferred location’s business hours.

12. How Long Does It Take to Get an Ejari Certificate?

It takes from 1 to 2 days once the documents are completed and approved.

13. When Should You Renew Ejari?

Tenants should renew their Ejari when they are about to change the property they are renting or the period of leasing is over. For landlords, when they are about to get a new tenant.

In addition, you can do this step online by logging in through the app and submitting Ejari renewal documents in addition to the above-mentioned documents for Ejari registration.

The fee for your Ejari tenancy contract renewal in Dubai is the same as the registration cost. Moreover, they also give you the option of Ejari renewal through the trustees’ centers in Dubai, not just online. This guarantees you all the flexibility to choose the suitable option for you

However, if your previous Ejari contracts are not submitted to the system before, you won’t be able to renew your current one. In this case, you should register your earlier tenancy contract first as per RERA regulations.

Keep in mind that if you intend to renew your contract for the same place next year, you must complete the Ejari registration for the new contract. We recommend that you become familiar with the system, as it is used for all rental transactions, including renewals, cancellations, transfers, and terminations.

14. How Can You Cancel Your Ejari? 

You can cancel your Ejari contract, whether you are a tenant or landlord, through the trustees’ centers or app. The termination can happen early before the tenancy period ends or at its expiry date according to your preference.

Besides, the required documents for cancellation through the centers are different from the ones you need for the online platforms. Have a look below at the needed papers for each.

Offline

  • Emirates ID for the landlord and tenant
  • Ejari certificate
  • A letter of termination from the property owner
  • The tenant’s passport
  • Original copy of the unified tenancy contract
  • Last DEWA bill
  • No Objection Certificate by the property owner

Online

Original copy of the unified tenancy contract

In addition, you should make sure the previous Ejari is canceled. This is because Ejari certificates must be canceled by either the former tenant, the landlord, the real estate agency, or the property management company.

They do not cancel automatically upon the expiration of the tenancy period. If this has not been done, it will prevent and delay your new registration and certificate for the new property.