Guide to Ejari Registration in Dubai

You’ve just found your dream apartment in Dubai with stunning Burj Khalifa views, a short walk to the metro, and even a balcony for your morning coffee. You’re ready to move in, but then your landlord says, You need to register your Ejari first.

And that’s where most tenants pause.
What exactly is Ejari? Why does it matter? And how do you get it done without wasting time in paperwork?

If you’ve ever felt confused about Ejari registration. This guide will help you step by step, so you can register your tenancy smoothly, avoid penalties, and protect your rental rights in Dubai.

What Is Ejari? Why Does It Matters More Than You Think?

The Arabic language defines the word Ejari as “my rent,” which is known as the online registration system for renting between tenants and landlords. It’s Dubai’s official tenancy registration system, launched by the Dubai Land Department under the Real Estate Regulatory Agency. In addition to building transparency in the rental market, it records the tenancy contracts and agreements in Dubai.

Ejari ensures that every rental contract between a landlord and tenant is legally registered and recognized by the government.

Why is Ejari Registration Important?

It is important due to its quality of protecting and organizing all your records, also linking the following data with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), which provides a civilized service.

Why It Is Needed:

• Legal Validity: The government will not recognize tenancy contracts that are not registered with Ejari.
• Utility Connections: You can’t connect DEWA (electricity and water) for your new home.
• Visa & Sponsorship: You can’t apply for a family visa or school admission if the lease isn’t registered.
• Tenant & Landlord Protection: Secures you from disputes that may arise regarding payments, rent increases, and eviction.
• Avoiding Penalties: Failure to register for Ejari can result in legal complications and fines.

Think of Ejari as your rental’s legal backbone.
No Ejari = no valid proof you actually live there under a contract.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Register Ejari in Dubai

Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible.

Option 1: Register Online (Easiest & Fastest)

You can register your Ejari through the Dubai REST App or the Dubai Land Department’s website.

Here’s how:

1. Download the Dubai REST App available on iOS and Android.
2. Log in with your UAE Pass that is your digital ID.
3. Select ‘RERA Services’ and then go to ‘Register Ejari Contract’.
4. Upload required documents.
5. Pay the registration fee online.
6. Receive your Ejari Certificate via email within minutes.

Option 2: Register In-Person

You can visit any Ejari typing center or Real Estate Services Trustee Center in Dubai.

Documents Required:

• Original tenancy contract signed by both parties.
• Title deed or property ownership document.
• Landlord’s Emirates ID and contact info
• Tenant’s Emirates ID and passport copy.
• DEWA premises number that can be found on previous bills or meters.
• Trade license for commercial properties.

Process:

To register offline you have to fulfill these steps:

1. Go to a nearby Ejari center.
2. Submit the required documents to the counter.
3. Pay the registration fee.
4. Receive your Ejari certificate instantly or within the same day.

Typing Center Registration: Approximately it would be around AED 220 to AED 250.
Online Registration (Dubai REST App): AED 155
Additional Service Charges: If you are using a real estate agency it may apply.
Who Pays? Usually, Ejari registration fees are paid off by the tenants, if not settled in the contract of tenancy.

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Where to Register Ejari in Dubai – Typing Centers List

You can register Ejari at multiple authorized centers, such as:

Tip: Always check Google Maps for the nearest Ejari Typing Center before visiting because timings can vary.

Ejari Renewal — What to Know When Your Lease Ends

Ejari isn’t a one-time registration. Every time your tenancy contract is renewed, you must renew your Ejari too.

When To Renew?

Usually, you can renew your tenancy contract every 12 months.

Required Documents:

• New tenancy contract.
• Tenant’s updated Emirates ID.
• Previous Ejari certificate (if available).

How to Renew: It can be done in a very simple manner with the help of the Dubai REST App (online).

How to Cancel Ejari — Don’t Skip This Step When You Move Out

You move out, and a few months later, you find out that your name is still linked to your old apartment.

This often happens when tenants forget to cancel their Ejari.

That’s why Ejari cancellation is important. It ensures your previous contract is officially closed before registering a new one, preventing duplicate records and future issues.

Why You Must Cancel:

• To ensure no new tenant registers under your old lease.
• To avoid confusion in DEWA and visa systems.
• To protect your rental history.

Ejari Cancellation Steps

1. Ask your landlord or agent to cancel Ejari via the Dubai REST app or typing center.
2. Provide your Ejari certificate number and final DEWA bill showing disconnection.
3. Pay a small fee.
4. Get confirmation of Ejari cancellation.

Cancellation Fee: AED 30–50 approximately.

Digital Transformation: Ejari Is Now Easier Than Ever

Dubai is rapidly going digital. With platforms like Dubai REST App, you can now:

• Register or renew Ejari remotely.
• View all your registered properties in one place.
• Link Ejari with DEWA and utility services automatically.

Common Ejari Problems And How to Fix Them Fast

Let’s address the common headaches tenants face and how to solve them.

Ejari and DEWA: How They’re Linked

New tenants get confused: Should I register DEWA first or Ejari first?

Here’s the correct order:

1. Register your Ejari first.
2. Then apply for DEWA activation using your Ejari certificate number.

Ejari and DEWA are now digitally linked, so once Ejari is approved, DEWA setup becomes quick and automatic.

Ejari for Shared Accommodation or Subletting

If you’re renting a room or part of a property, you still need Ejari. But the process is slightly different.

1. The main landlord must first register the entire property under Ejari.
2. Then, subtenants or roommates can register their portion under Sub-Ejari.

This protects your legal right to stay and helps you apply for services like the internet.

Ejari for Commercial Properties

Ejari isn’t just for apartments or villas. If you’re renting an office, shop, or warehouse, you must register Ejari to:

• Apply for a trade license or renewal.
• Connect DEWA and telecom services.
• Maintain a valid tenancy record for your business.

Fees and requirements are the same, but you’ll need your trade license copy instead of a visa.

FAQs

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Conclusion

Ejari is the foundation of Dubai’s rental system, it’s more than just paperwork. Registering your tenancy contract with Ejari helps you follow Dubai’s laws, protect your rights, and get easier access to key services.

Looking to Rent or Renew Without the Hassle?

Still unsure how to start your Ejari registration — or tired of chasing agents and paperwork?

Let Habico Properties make the process effortless.

At Habico, we don’t just help you find the perfect apartment or villa — we handle everything from tenancy contracts to Ejari registration.

So, contact Habico Properties today to register your Ejari and move in with complete peace of mind.