Knowing how to make Ejari in Dubai is something every tenant and landlord in the city needs to understand. Ejari is not optional. It is a legal requirement under RERA, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency, and without a registered Ejari certificate your tenancy contract is not officially recognised by the Dubai Land Department. That means no DEWA connection, no visa processing, no ability to raise or defend a rental dispute, and no legal standing if anything goes wrong during your tenancy.
The good news is that in 2026, making Ejari in Dubai is faster and more digital than it has ever been. This complete guide walks you through every step, every document, and every fee so you can get your Ejari certificate without delays or confusion.
What Is Ejari and Why Does It Matter?
Ejari means “My Rent” in Arabic. It is the official online system introduced by RERA to register all rental contracts in Dubai with the Dubai Land Department. Every residential, commercial, and industrial tenancy in Dubai must be registered through Ejari to be legally valid.
Here is why Ejari matters for both tenants and landlords:
For tenants, your Ejari certificate is required to connect DEWA electricity and water services, activate internet and telecommunications accounts, process or renew your UAE residence visa, and file a case at the Rental Disputes Settlement Centre if any issue arises with your landlord.
For landlords, a registered Ejari feeds your property data into the RERA Rental Index, which is the official benchmark that determines how much you can legally increase the rent at renewal. Without Ejari, your lease is unenforceable and your ability to protect your property income is significantly weakened.
Who Is Responsible for Making Ejari in Dubai?
Legally, the responsibility to register Ejari sits with the landlord. However, RERA allows landlords to delegate this responsibility to their real estate broker, their property management company, or the tenant directly.
In practice, it is very common for tenants to handle the Ejari registration themselves, especially when renting directly or through a self-managed landlord. Many property management companies also handle it as part of their standard leasing service. Whoever initiates the process, both parties must ensure it is completed before the tenancy becomes active.
Documents Required to Make Ejari in Dubai
Before starting the registration process, make sure all of the following documents are ready. Missing even one will delay your application.
Signed unified tenancy contract. The original tenancy agreement signed by both the landlord and the tenant.
Tenant’s Emirates ID and passport copy. Both must be valid and include the UAE visa page.
Landlord’s passport copy. An electronic copy is accepted if the landlord is signing remotely.
Title deed. The official property ownership document confirming the landlord’s ownership of the property being rented.
DEWA Premises Number. This is the 9-digit number found on the door frame of the property. It links your tenancy to the specific unit in the DEWA system.
How to Make Ejari in Dubai: 3 Methods
There are three ways to complete your Ejari registration in Dubai in 2026. Choose the method that works best for your situation.
Method 1: Dubai REST App (Online – Fastest Method)
This is the most widely used method in 2026 and the one we recommend. Download the Dubai REST app from the App Store or Google Play, log in using your UAE Pass which has been mandatory since late 2024, and navigate to Services, then Housing, then Ejari, then New Registration.
Enter your tenancy details including the contract start and end dates, rental amount, payment mode, and number of cheques. Upload all required documents, pay the fee of AED 155 excluding VAT, and receive your Ejari certificate instantly as a PDF stored in your Dubai REST account.
Visit the Dubai REST app official website to download and get started.
Method 2: Ejari Typing Centre (In-Person)
Visit any authorized Ejari typing centre across Dubai, submit your documents in person, and processing is usually completed the same day. This is the preferred method for tenants who are not comfortable with the digital process or who need a same-day certificate for an urgent utility or visa requirement. Trustee centres charge AED 219.75 including all fees and VAT.
Method 3: Through Your Real Estate Broker or Property Manager
Many real estate agents and property management companies offer Ejari registration as part of their leasing services, handling the entire process on your behalf including document submission and fee payment. If you rented through Magus Real Estate or another licensed brokerage, ask your agent whether they include this service as part of the leasing process.
Ejari Fees in Dubai 2026
| Method | Fee |
|---|---|
| Dubai REST app (online) | AED 155 (excluding VAT) |
| Ejari typing centre or trustee office | AED 219.75 (including VAT) |
The online method through the official Ejari portal or Dubai REST app is both cheaper and faster than the in-person route. Unless you have a specific reason to visit a typing centre, the app is the better option for most tenants and landlords in 2026.
How to Renew Ejari in Dubai
Ejari must be renewed every time your tenancy contract is renewed. The renewal process follows the same steps as the initial registration. Submit the updated tenancy contract and required documents online or at a Trustee Centre, pay the official fees, and receive the updated Ejari certificate confirming the new tenancy term.
Do not let your Ejari lapse between the end of one contract period and the start of a new one. Without a valid Ejari renewal, tenants may face difficulties updating or maintaining utility accounts such as DEWA, internet, and telecommunications.
How to Cancel Ejari in Dubai
When you vacate a property at the end of your tenancy, your Ejari must be cancelled. This is important because an uncancelled Ejari blocks the landlord from registering a new tenancy contract for the same property, which can delay the next tenant’s move-in and create legal complications.
Ejari cancellation can be completed through the Dubai REST app under the Ejari section or in person at any authorized typing centre. Both the landlord and the tenant should ensure the cancellation is processed on or before the final day of the tenancy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Ejari in Dubai
Starting the process without all documents ready. Incomplete document submissions are the most common reason for Ejari rejection and delays. Prepare every item on the document checklist before you begin the registration.
Not registering before connecting DEWA. DEWA requires an active Ejari certificate before it will activate electricity and water services for a new tenant. Register your Ejari first, then proceed with your DEWA application.
Letting Ejari expire without renewal. An expired Ejari creates practical problems with utilities and visas and leaves both parties in a legally grey area. Renew it at the same time you renew your tenancy contract.
Not cancelling Ejari on vacating. Failing to cancel Ejari when you leave a property can block the landlord from registering the next tenant and may create a dispute that takes time and effort to resolve.
For more guidance on the documents involved in Dubai property transactions, read our complete guide on documents you need to sell property in Dubai and browse our Dubai rental properties to find your next home.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
What is Ejari in Dubai?
Ejari is the official rental contract registration system managed by RERA and the Dubai Land Department. The word means “My Rent” in Arabic. It makes your tenancy agreement legally recognised and is required for connecting utilities, processing visas, and resolving rental disputes.
Is Ejari mandatory in Dubai?
Yes. Ejari registration is a legal requirement for all rental contracts in Dubai, whether residential, commercial, or industrial. Without a registered Ejari certificate, your tenancy is not officially recognised by the Dubai Land Department and you cannot connect DEWA services or process visa applications.
How much does Ejari cost in Dubai in 2026?
Ejari registration through the Dubai REST app costs AED 155 excluding VAT. Registration at an authorized typing centre or trustee office costs AED 219.75 including VAT. The online method is cheaper and faster for most tenants.
Who pays for Ejari in Dubai, the tenant or the landlord?
Legally the landlord is responsible for Ejari registration. However, in practice many landlords delegate the process and the cost to the tenant. This is a matter of agreement between the two parties and should be clarified before signing the tenancy contract.
How long does Ejari registration take in Dubai?
Online registration through the Dubai REST app generates the certificate instantly once payment is confirmed and documents are verified. In-person registration at a typing centre is typically completed the same day.
Can I register Ejari without UAE Pass?
UAE Pass has been mandatory for the Dubai REST app login since late 2024. If you do not have a UAE Pass, you can register Ejari in person at an authorized typing centre or trustee office using your Emirates ID and residency visa.
What happens if I do not register Ejari in Dubai?
Without a registered Ejari certificate you cannot connect DEWA electricity and water services, activate internet or telecom accounts, process or renew your UAE residence visa, or file a case at the Rental Disputes Settlement Centre. Your tenancy agreement has no legal standing with the Dubai Land Department.
Do I need to renew Ejari every year?
Yes. Ejari must be renewed each time your tenancy contract is renewed. You use the same documents and the same process as the initial registration and the same fees apply.
How do I cancel Ejari when I move out of a property?
Ejari cancellation can be completed through the Dubai REST app under the Ejari section or at any authorized typing centre. It should be processed on or before the final day of your tenancy to allow the landlord to register a new contract for the next tenant.
Can a real estate agent register Ejari on my behalf?
Yes. Licensed real estate brokers and property management companies can register Ejari on behalf of landlords or tenants if they have been authorized to do so. Many brokerage firms include Ejari registration as part of their standard leasing service.
Let Magus Real Estate Handle Your Ejari and Tenancy Process
At Magus Real Estate, we make renting in Dubai as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Our team guides every tenant and landlord through the Ejari registration process and can handle the entire process on your behalf as part of our full leasing service.
Whether you are renting a property for the first time in Dubai or managing a portfolio of rental units and need a reliable partner to handle your compliance documentation, we are here to help.
Speak to a Magus Real Estate advisor today for a free consultation on renting, leasing, or property management in Dubai.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Ejari fees and processes are subject to change by the Dubai Land Department. Always verify current requirements directly with the official Ejari portal or a licensed real estate professional.
