Guides
Ejari, explained: registering your Dubai tenancy contract
What Ejari is, what it costs, and why you'll need it for everything from setting up DEWA to proving your address.
2 min read
In short: Ejari is the Dubai Land Department's tenancy registration system. Registering costs AED 177.75 online or AED 220 in person (as of September 2026), takes a day or two, and you'll need the certificate for DEWA and often for schools, visas, and banks.
If you're renting in Dubai, you'll hear the word Ejari early and often. Here's what it actually is and why it matters.
What Ejari is
Ejari, meaning "my rent" in Arabic, is the Dubai Land Department's system for registering tenancy contracts. Registering gives your tenancy an official record and is generally expected for a valid rental arrangement in Dubai, though the exact legal consequences of registering, or not, depend on the specifics of a case; it doesn't itself decide every question about a tenancy's rights.
Why it matters day to day
A registered Ejari certificate is typically needed to set up your DEWA (electricity and water) account, and is commonly used to register children for school, apply for certain visas, or open some bank accounts, though requirements vary by provider, so it's worth checking with the specific organisation.
How registration works
- Sign the tenancy contract with your landlord
- Gather the documents listed below
- Submit through the Dubai REST app, or at a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre
- Pay the fee
- Receive the Ejari certificate, usually within one to two working days
What it costs
As of September 2026, registering online through the Dubai REST app costs AED 177.75 all in. Registering in person at a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre costs AED 220. Required documents differ slightly by channel; we'll confirm exactly what you need for the route you use.
What you'll typically need
The tenancy contract itself, a copy of the title deed, your passport and Emirates ID, and the DEWA premise number for the property. Approval is usually quick, within a day or two once everything is submitted correctly.
We help with Ejari registration as part of the tenancies we arrange.
Reviewed 7 September 2026, against the Dubai Land Department's Ejari registration service. Fees can change; confirm the current amount before paying.
Still have a question?
More from the guide
How rent increases actually work in Dubai
Dubai caps rent increases against a published rental index. Here is how the cap is calculated, and what to do if a landlord asks for more.
Can my landlord ask me to leave? Eviction rules in Dubai
The rules that protect tenants at renewal time, including the 12 month notice landlords must give to sell or move back in.
Can foreigners really own property in Dubai?
What freehold ownership actually means, which areas it covers, and how to confirm before you commit to a purchase.