Ejari (Arabic for 'my rent') is Dubai's mandatory tenancy-contract registration system under RERA/DLD. It creates the official record of a lease, required for DEWA connection, visas, school enrolment and rental disputes.

How much does Ejari cost?

Approximately AED 155-220 depending on whether you register via the Dubai REST app, the Ejari portal or a typing centre.

Is Ejari required every year?

Yes - each renewal of the tenancy contract must be re-registered with a new Ejari.

Do property owners need Ejari?

Owner-occupiers do not - the title deed serves for DEWA and visas. Landlords must register an Ejari for every tenancy they lease out.

Ejari Explained

Q: How do I download my Ejari certificate?

Open the Dubai REST app, go to Services, RERA, Ejari, select your registered contract and download the certificate. Typing centres can also reprint it from your Ejari number.

What Ejari is, how to register and download your certificate — and what it has to do with buying your own place.

Ejari at a glance

What it isDubai's official tenancy-contract registration

Who registersLandlord or agent (often the tenant in practice)

Cost approximate; app vs typing centre~AED 155–220

WhereDubai REST app / Ejari portal / typing centres

Needed forDEWA, visas, school enrolment, disputes

What is Ejari?

Ejari (Arabic for "my rent") is Dubai's mandatory tenancy-contract registration system, run under RERA / the Dubai Land Department. Registering creates an official record of your lease — without it you can't connect DEWA, sponsor family visas, enrol children in school, or file a rental dispute. Every new lease and every renewal needs its own Ejari.

How to register Ejari

Three routes: the Dubai REST app (upload tenancy contract, Emirates ID, title deed copy and landlord's passport copy), the Ejari online portal, or an approved typing centre if you'd rather someone handles it. Fees are approximately AED 155–220 depending on the route. You receive a certificate with your Ejari number — usually within a day.

Ejari download — getting your certificate

Lost the PDF? Open Dubai REST → Services → RERA → Ejari, find your registered contract and re-download the certificate. Typing centres can also reprint it with your Ejari number or contract details.

The part nobody tells renters

If you're renewing your third or fourth Ejari, here's a number worth knowing: a AED 120K/year rent is roughly the monthly cost of a mortgage on a AED 1.6–1.8M property at current rates. Renting is right for many situations — but if you're staying in Dubai 3–5+ years, the same payment could be building your own equity. We'll run your rent-vs-buy math honestly, free: sometimes the answer really is "keep renting".

See what your rent could buy → · First-time buyer guide → · All guides →

Ejari FAQs

Is Ejari mandatory in Dubai?

Yes — every tenancy contract in Dubai must be registered, and renewals need re-registration. Without it you can't connect DEWA, process visas or use the Rental Dispute Centre.

Who pays for Ejari — landlord or tenant?

Officially the landlord/agent is responsible for registering; in practice the cost (~AED 155–220) is commonly passed to the tenant. Agree it upfront in the contract.

How do I download my Ejari certificate?

Dubai REST app → Services → RERA → Ejari → your contract → download. Any typing centre can also reprint it from your Ejari number.

Do I need Ejari if I buy my own home?

No — Ejari is for tenancies. When you own, your title deed replaces it for DEWA and visa purposes. (Landlords DO need Ejari for each tenant they rent to.)

Does my rent history help me get a mortgage?

Indirectly, yes — consistent rent payments support your bank statements, and your current rent level helps banks gauge affordability. If your rent rivals a mortgage payment, it's worth a free eligibility check.

Renewing Ejari again this year? Find out what the same monthly amount buys you as an owner — honest rent-vs-buy math, free.

Run my numbers