Dubai is one of the world’s most structured and well-regulated real estate markets. Whether you rent an apartment, villa, room, or commercial space.
there is one mandatory requirement you cannot skip: Ejari.
Ejari is more than a rental formality. It is a legally recognized system built to protect tenants, landlords, and the overall transparency of the rental market in Dubai. In this in-depth guide (updated for 2025), you will learn exactly what Ejari is, how it works, its requirements, costs, mistakes to avoid, and why it is essential for every rental contract in Dubai.
1. What Is Ejari Dubai?
Ejari is an official tenancy contract registration system regulated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), which operates under the Dubai Land Department (DLD). The word “Ejari” translates to “My Rent” in Arabic.
Its core purpose is simple: Every tenancy contract in Dubai must be registered in the Ejari system to become legally valid.
This ensures:
- Transparency in the rental market
- Protection for both tenants and landlords
- Official documentation of rental agreements
- Regulation of rental disputes
- Prevention of manipulation or unfair rental practices
The Ejari system stores all rental details—contract dates, property information, rent amount, owner details, and tenant details—in Dubai’s government database.
2. Why Is Ejari Mandatory in Dubai?
Dubai’s rental rules require every residential and commercial tenancy contract to be registered. Without an Ejari certificate, the tenancy contract is not officially recognized by the government.
You need Ejari for several essential services:
- DEWA connection (electricity & water)
- Moving into the property legally
- Visa applications and renewals
- Getting Wi-Fi/Internet installed
- Rental dispute resolution at RERA
- School admissions for dependents (in some cases)
- Proof of residence in Dubai
An unregistered tenancy contract is considered “informal” and cannot be used for any government process.
3. Who Is Responsible for Ejari Registration?
**RERA allows either the tenant or landlord to register Ejari.
However, in most cases:
- For residential properties, tenants register Ejari.
- For commercial properties, landlords or authorized agents register it.
Some property management companies automatically register Ejari and include the cost in the signing process.
4. Where Can You Register Ejari? (Updated 2025)
You can register your Ejari through any of the following official channels:
1. Dubai REST App (Recommended)
The official Dubai Land Department mobile application.
2. Approved Typing Centers such as:
- Al Manara Center
- Al Twar Center
- Barsha RTA Typing Center
- Many other DLD-authorized centers across Dubai
3. DLD Service Centers
You can visit the Dubai Land Department directly for registration.
All options are equally valid and recognized.
5. Required Documents for Ejari Registration (Accurate & Updated)
To register Ejari, you must provide:
For Tenants:
- Passport copy
- Residence visa copy
- Emirates ID
For Landlords:
- Passport copy or Emirates ID
- Copy of the property Title Deed
- DEWA Premise Number / DEWA “Contract Account Number”
Tenancy-Related Documents:
- Original signed tenancy contract
- Copies of previous Ejari (only applicable for renewals)
- Trade license copy (for commercial properties only)
All documents MUST be clear and valid.
6. Ejari Registration Fee (Official Pricing)
Ejari registration fees are standardized and regulated.
The total cost usually includes:
- Ejari registration fee: AED 155
- Typing center service fee (if applicable): AED 40–100
Typical total cost: AED 155 – AED 220
When you register via the Dubai REST app, the fees are usually lower.
7. How Long Does Ejari Take?
The registration is extremely fast:
- Dubai REST App: 10–30 minutes
- Typing Center: 10–20 minutes
Once approved, you will receive your Ejari Certificate digitally.
8. Ejari Certificate – What It Includes
The Ejari Certificate is an official PDF document that verifies your tenancy contract.
It includes the following:
- Ejari contract number
- Property details
- Landlord & tenant details
- Contract value (rent)
- Start and end dates of the tenancy
The certificate is your legal proof of residence.
9. Ejari Renewal Process
Ejari must be renewed every time you renew your tenancy contract.
Renewal Requirements:
- Updated tenancy contract
- Emirates ID & passport copy
- Previous Ejari certificate
- Landlord documents (same as initial registration)
The renewal fee is the same as new registration.
10. Ejari Cancellation Rules (Accurate Information)
Ejari must be canceled when:
- The tenant moves out
- The contract expires and is not renewed
- The landlord needs to register a new tenant
Who Cancels Ejari?
- Usually the landlord or the property management company
Why cancellation matters:
If Ejari is not canceled, the landlord cannot register a new contract. Also, the old tenant may face issues during visa or address updates.
11. What Is Not Accepted for Ejari?
To avoid rejection, ensure:
- The tenancy contract is signed by both parties
- The property details match the Title Deed
- No handwritten corrections exist on the contract
Rejected submissions will require re-upload.
12. Ejari for Shared Rooms & Partitions
Dubai does not issue Ejari for:
- Partitioned rooms
- Shared accommodations (unless licensed)
- Subletting without the owner’s approval
Ejari is issued only for approved & licensed residential units.
13. Ejari for Short-Term Rentals (Holiday Homes)
Holiday homes listed on platforms like Airbnb do not require Ejari.
However, long-term rentals (12-month contracts) must have Ejari.
**14. Ejari and Rental Disputes
**If a problem arises between tenant and landlord, Ejari is required for:
- Filing any dispute with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC)
- Proving the legal status of the tenancy
- Protecting tenant rights
Ejari is your primary legal document in case of issues.
15. Ejari for Businesses and Offices
Commercial Ejari is required for:
- Trade license issuance or renewal
- Opening additional business branches
- Changing office location
Many companies cannot renew their license without an active Ejari.
16. Ejari and DEWA (How They Are Linked)
You cannot start DEWA services unless your tenancy contract is registered in Ejari.
Once Ejari is approved:
- DEWA activation becomes automatic
- You can proceed with your electricity and water connection
17. Ejari Online vs Typing Center (Which Is Better?)
Ejari Online / Dubai REST App:
- Faster
- Cheaper
- Convenient
- Ideal for renewals
Typing Centers:
- Ideal for first-time users
- Staff handles document checks
- Helpful for commercial contracts
Both options are fully legitimate.
18. Common Ejari Mistakes to Avoid
- Providing unclear or mismatched documents
- Submitting unsigned tenancy contracts
- Incorrect DEWA premise number
- Incorrect passport numbers
- Uploading expired documents
Correct documents prevent delays.
19. Benefits of Ejari for Tenants
- Protects you from unfair rent increases
- Acts as legal proof of residence
- Ensures transparency in terms and rent amount
- Makes all rental terms officially recorded
20. Benefits of Ejari for Landlords
- Protects against non-paying tenants
- Ensures all terms are documented
- Required for legal eviction notices
- Allows proper record-keeping of rental income
Conclusion
Ejari is a fundamental part of Dubai’s real estate system. Whether you are a tenant renting a studio apartment or a company leasing a commercial office, registering your Ejari is mandatory and essential. It protects your rights, ensures legal compliance, and supports all government services linked to residency and utilities.
