Ejari
Definition
Dubai's tenancy registration system. Ejari registration is bundled with mainland company setup because the certificate is required to issue a trade license and process visas.
Also known as
- Ejari Tenancy Contract
- Dubai Land Department Tenancy Registration
Attributes
| Jurisdiction | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|
| Governing authority | Dubai Land Department |
| Required for | Trade license issuance and visa processing |
| System type | Tenancy registration system |
| Related authority | Department of Economy and Tourism |
What it is
Ejari (Arabic for 'my rent') is the official Dubai tenancy registration platform run by the Dubai Land Department through the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). Every rental contract in Dubai — residential or commercial — must be registered on Ejari for the lease to have legal effect. The output is the Ejari Certificate, a standard PDF carrying the contract reference, parties, premises, term, and rent.
For commercial setup, the Ejari Certificate is a hard prerequisite for the Trade License — DET will not issue or renew a license without it. The same certificate is required for DEWA (electricity/water), Etisalat/du (telecom), and visa applications for the entity's manager and staff. Ejari is also the document MOHRE references when checking accommodation suitability for family visa sponsorship.
Registration is done via the Ejari online portal or an authorised Ejari typing centre, with the landlord's title deed, both parties' Emirates IDs (or trade licenses), and the signed Tenancy Contract.
Key characteristics
- Authority
- Dubai Land Department / RERA
- Mandatory for
- Every Dubai tenancy — residential and commercial
- Used by
- DET, DEWA, Etisalat, du, GDRFA, MOHRE
- Validity
- 1 year (renewable on lease renewal)
- Fee
- AED 220 standard registration
How it works
- The tenant and landlord sign a tenancy contract (MOU or standard DLD form).
- Required documents are prepared: original contract, landlord's title deed, tenant's passport and visa copies, previous Ejari cancellation (if applicable), and DEWA connection details.
- Registration is submitted through an approved Ejari typing center, the DLD REST app, or an authorized PRO service.
- The system validates property ownership, checks for outstanding disputes, and issues an Ejari certificate with a unique registration number.
- The certificate is used to complete trade license issuance or renewal, apply for establishment cards, and sponsor employee visas quotas.
Examples
A startup signs a co-working business-centre contract in Business Bay; the centre issues an Ejari certificate which the founder uses to issue the trade license and apply for an investor visa.
Why it matters
No Ejari, no trade license, no visa, no DEWA. It is the single document that gates the bottom of the Dubai operations stack. Free-zone tenancies use the equivalent zone-specific tenancy registration — different platform, same blocking effect.
Common misconceptions
Misconception
I only need an Ejari if I rent a private office.
Reality
Co-working desks, shared offices, and flexi-desks all require an Ejari (or zone-equivalent) certificate. The business-centre operator typically issues it as part of the package.
Misconception
Ejari is automatic when I sign a contract.
Reality
Registration is a separate step — most landlords do it but the tenant is responsible. Without registration, the tenancy is technically unenforceable in Dubai courts.
FAQs
- How much does Ejari registration cost?
- Standard registration is AED 220 paid to the Dubai Land Department, plus typing-centre or service-fee charges (AED 50–150 typically). Renewal is the same fee annually.
- Can I issue a trade license without Ejari?
- Not for mainland Dubai entities. DET requires the Ejari certificate at license issuance and at every annual renewal. Free-zone entities use their zone's equivalent tenancy registration — the principle is identical.
- What documents do I need to register an Ejari?
- Title deed of the property, landlord's Emirates ID (or trade license for company landlords), tenant's Emirates ID or trade license, signed tenancy contract, latest DEWA bill, and security-deposit receipt where applicable.
See also
- Mainland Company
- Trade License
- Flexi-Desk
- Office Rental(Best Solution service)
For better understanding, see also
Sources
Need help with Ejari?
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