Ejari: What It Is, How to Register, and Why It Matters in Dubai

Renting property in Dubai involves more than just signing a contract—you’ll also need to officially register your tenancy. That’s where Ejari comes in. As Dubai’s mandatory tenancy registration system, Ejari processes hundreds of thousands of rental contracts each year, protecting your legal rights and providing access to essential government services.

At ExpressPRO, we simplify this step by managing the entire registration and renewal process on your behalf. Our experienced PRO team ensures your Ejari is completed correctly and quickly, saving you valuable time and effort.

What is Ejari?

Ejari, meaning “my rent” in Arabic, is an electronic system launched by Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). Its main purpose is to officially document and authenticate rental agreements between landlords and tenants. Established by Law No. 26 of 2007, Ejari is compulsory for every rental agreement in Dubai, whether residential or commercial.

By registering your tenancy agreement through Ejari, the terms become legally binding and enforceable. This means you have clear, documented evidence of your tenancy rights, critical for resolving disputes, avoiding illegal practices like double renting, and ensuring fairness between parties.

Important: Without Ejari registration, tenants cannot pursue legal action through Dubai’s Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDC).

Ejari in Dubai vs. Other Emirates

It’s important to clarify that Ejari is specific to Dubai. Each emirate in the UAE has its own system:

• Abu Dhabi: Uses the Tawtheeq system, managed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport. Tawtheeq serves the same fundamental purpose as Ejari, legal registration and authentication of tenancy contracts.
• Sharjah: Requires a tenancy contract attestation through the Sharjah Municipality. Unlike Dubai’s Ejari, Sharjah Municipality’s attestation includes fees typically ranging between 2 and 4% of annual rent.
• Other Emirates (Ajman, Fujairah, etc.): Contracts are registered or attested through the respective local municipalities or land departments.

Always ensure you follow the specific process required by your emirate to guarantee your rental agreement is legally valid.

How to Register Ejari in Dubai

Registering your Ejari is straightforward, and Dubai offers several ways to complete it, depending on your convenience.

Option 1: Registering Ejari Online

Registering your Ejari online is usually quick. Use the official Dubai REST app or the Dubai Land Department’s Ejari portal.

Steps:

• Log in to the Dubai REST app or DLD Ejari portal.
• Choose “Register Ejari Contract” and enter tenancy details.
• Upload required documents (signed tenancy contract, passport copies, Emirates ID, property title deed).
• The landlord electronically approves your application.
• Pay the registration fee online (AED 120 [USD 33], including AED 100 registration, AED 10 Knowledge fee, AED 10 Innovation fee).
• Receive the Ejari certificate electronically, typically within a day.

Pro Tip: Want to skip these steps altogether? ExpressPRO manages online Ejari registration swiftly, typically within one working day.

Option 2: In-Person Registration (Ejari Centers & Typing Offices)

Prefer face-to-face support? Authorized Ejari centers across Dubai provide immediate registration.

Common Ejari Typing Centers include:

• Al Tabu Real Estate Trustee: 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

Working Hours:

• Sunday – Thursday: 8 am – 8 pm
• Friday: 8 am – 12 pm and 4 pm – 8 pm

Bring the original documents, including:

• Signed tenancy agreement
• Tenant’s passport, Emirates ID, and visa copies
• Landlord’s passport or ID
• Title deed copy

You’ll receive your Ejari certificate immediately after paying the fee (approx. AED 215 [USD 59], including AED 120 service fee and AED 95 typing center fee, VAT applicable).

ExpressPRO Advantage: Skip the queues and avoid the inconvenience. ExpressPRO can represent you at the Ejari centers, handling the paperwork and providing immediate registration without you needing to step outside your home or office.

Option 3: Property Management or Landlord-Managed Ejari

In some cases, landlords or property managers handle Ejari registration directly. If your tenancy is managed by a property company, confirm they register the Ejari for you. Always request a copy of the Ejari certificate to ensure your tenancy rights are documented.

Important Reminder: Even if your landlord manages Ejari, ExpressPRO independently verifies your registration, ensuring your rights and compliance.

Co-Occupant Registration on Ejari

Registering co-occupants, such as family members or roommates, on your Ejari is essential for legal compliance and ensuring smooth access to government and community services. ExpressPRO can seamlessly manage the co-occupant registration process for you.

How to Renew, Amend, or Cancel an Ejari Contract

Renewing Ejari

Ejari must be renewed each time your lease is renewed, even if the rental terms stay the same.

Renewal Steps:

• Gather the necessary documents, including the newly signed tenancy contract, tenant and landlord IDs, and the most recent DEWA bill.
• Register renewal through the Dubai REST app, the Ejari portal, or in person at typing centers.
• Pay the renewal fee (around AED 120 [USD 33]).
• Receive an updated Ejari certificate immediately online or at the typing center.

Renewing Ejari can often slip through the cracks, especially during busy periods. ExpressPRO proactively manages renewals to ensure continuous access to utilities, visa renewals, and other essential services.

Amending Ejari Details

Amendments are necessary if tenancy details change mid-contract, such as rent adjustments or tenant details. Contact Ejari support or visit a center with relevant documents. Major changes might require canceling the existing Ejari and registering a new one.

Canceling Ejari

Ejari cancellation is necessary when your tenancy ends to enable new tenants to register. Cancellation typically requires landlord action, though tenants can prompt this if necessary. A minimal cancellation fee of around AED 30–50 (USD 8–14) applies.

How Ejari Connects to Other Essential Dubai Government Services

Ejari is integral to accessing essential government services:

• DEWA Connections: You cannot activate utility services without a valid Ejari certificate.
• Residence Visas & Dependent Sponsorship: Ejari serves as proof of residence required for family and dependent visas.
• Business Licensing: Ejari validates your office or commercial space, critical for trade license applications or renewals. Ejari can even apply to virtual offices and flexi-desks.
• General Proof of Address: Ejari is increasingly requested by banks, telecom providers, and schools as official proof of address.
• RERA Rental Index Calculator: Your Ejari number allows you to check allowable rent increases and dispute unjustified rent hikes.

Ejari affects many critical government services, from DEWA connections to residency visas. Our team can also coordinate these related processes, ensuring smooth transitions for your utilities, visa applications, and business licensing needs.

How ExpressPRO Makes Your Ejari Process Seamless

ExpressPRO is your trusted partner in managing every aspect of your Ejari registration, ensuring a smooth, error-free, and timely completion. Our experienced PRO team handles all details, from initial documentation to delivering your finalized Ejari certificate promptly. We specialize in providing:

• Rapid Turnaround: Avoid long queues and technical delays. ExpressPRO registers your Ejari swiftly, often within the same day, significantly faster than traditional methods.
• Proactive Compliance: We stay updated on the latest RERA regulations, ensuring your Ejari documents remain fully compliant with Dubai laws.
• Customized Solutions: Whether you’re a foreign investor, a busy entrepreneur, or a resident tenant, we provide personalized Ejari registration and renewal tailored specifically to your needs.
• Convenience & Complete Management: Our experts handle all paperwork, coordinate directly with landlords, and deliver your Ejari certificate—saving you significant time and effort.
• Hassle-Free Issue Resolution: Common Ejari problems like missing documents, overlapping tenancy dates, technical glitches, or delayed registration can be frustrating. With ExpressPRO, you won’t face these hassles. We proactively manage every step, swiftly resolve issues, and ensure your registration is completed accurately, preventing delays to utilities, visa applications, or business activities.
• Ongoing Comprehensive Support: From initial registrations and renewals to amendments or cancellations, ExpressPRO manages your Ejari proactively, avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring compliance at every stage.

Simplify Your Ejari Registration with ExpressPRO

Ejari registration is crucial for legally compliant tenancy agreements in Dubai, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. With ExpressPRO’s expert services, you can skip the queues, avoid tedious paperwork, and stop worrying about compliance. Our professional team ensures your Ejari registration is handled swiftly, accurately, and entirely stress-free.

Ready to make your Ejari process effortless? Contact ExpressPRO today and get your Ejari registered in as little as one day—seamlessly and professionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I download my Ejari certificate online?

Log in to the Dubai REST app or DLD portal, go to Ejari services, and choose “Download Certificate.”

Can I register Ejari if I’m renting a virtual office or co-working space?

Yes, virtual office or flexi-desk Ejari registration is possible. ExpressPRO regularly handles these registrations for entrepreneurs.

What documents do I need to renew Ejari online?

You’ll need your renewed tenancy agreement, Emirates ID, passport copies, recent DEWA bill, and landlord’s identification documents.

How quickly can ExpressPRO register Ejari for me?

ExpressPRO typically completes Ejari registration within one working day or faster in urgent cases.

Is Ejari necessary for visa renewal or new visa applications?

Yes, Ejari is mandatory proof of residency for family visas, dependent sponsorships, and certain visa renewals.

What is an Ejari number, and where do I find it?

The Ejari number is a unique identification code found on your Ejari certificate, used for utilities, visas, and official documentation.