Renting
Ejari in Dubai 2026: How to Register, Renew and Cancel (Fees and Documents)
By Dhananjay Arora · CEO & Founder, Al Ranim Properties
Published 4 October 2026 · 9 min read
The benefits of registering through Ejari are clear but the great news is that registration can be relatively low cost and fast once you follow the correct process. In this article we will cover how to register through Ejari, the cost in 2026, required documents and how to cancel and renew your registration when your tenancy changes.
Key takeaways
- Every tenancy contract in Dubai must be registered with Ejari under Law No. 26 of 2007.
- Online registration or renewal costs AED 177.75; a trustee centre charges AED 220.
- Cancelling Ejari online is free; a trustee centre charges AED 40 plus VAT.
- You need the Ejari number to connect DEWA and to sponsor family visas.
When you rent a property in Dubai, you only complete 50% of the process by signing a rental agreement. The other 50% is registering your rental agreement within the system used by the Dubai Land Department known as Ejari. Once registered you will then be able to apply for a DEWA account in your name, apply for family residence visas on behalf of your family and also have better standing should you ever need to attend the Rental Dispute Centre. The benefits of registering through Ejari are clear but the great news is that registration can be relatively low cost and fast once you follow the correct process. In this article we will cover how to register through Ejari, the cost in 2026, required documents and how to cancel and renew your registration when your tenancy changes.
What Is Ejari?
Ejari is a Dubai online system operated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) which has been set up to register all rental agreements in all types of property across Dubai. Registration is compulsory. Under Law No. 26 of 2007 as revised by Law No. 33 of 2008 all rental agreements and modifications to rental agreements are required to be registered with RERA. Upon registration of a rental agreement a unique Ejari number is assigned. This number can be utilised by other authorities as proof of an individual's rental address.
Why Every Tenancy Contract in Dubai Needs Ejari
Ejari is used as the starting point for all other aspects of the tenancy.
- DEWA: When DEWA provides water and electrical supply to tenants they require a valid Ejari number from the tenant. Upon production of the Ejari the tenant's data is automatically transferred to DEWA and the only payment required is the deposit.
- Family visas: For tenants who wish to sponsor children or a spouse a registered rental agreement through Ejari or proof of home ownership is required.
- Disputes: If a dispute arises between a tenant and their landlord regarding repair, notice to quit or rent a registered rental agreement will be the first point referenced by the Rental Dispute Centre.
Who Is Responsible for Ejari Registration?
For a DLD lease the landlord (through a property management company, where one is used) is generally responsible for registration.
- The rule: The DLD tenancy guide states that the landlord agrees to register every tenancy and every subsequent extension to the tenancy.
- In practice: However in practice many tenancies are registered by the tenant. This is particularly likely when renting from a non-resident or busily employed private landlord.
- Tenant route: Registration is possible for a tenant as they can register using the signed lease, their ID and the property information from the title.
- Check it: Whatever route taken it is important to ensure the information on the registration certificate corresponds to that on the signed agreement once registration takes place.
Documents Required for Ejari
It depends on the process you take. If you apply via the Dubai REST app less documentation is required as the Emirates ID and owner information is held within the app. Trustee centres will need to see the original documents onsite.
| Route | What to have ready |
|---|---|
| Dubai REST app or Ejari website | A copy of the unified tenancy contract. Landlord and tenant must both be individuals, with the owner's data up to date. |
| Real Estate Services Trustee Centre | The original unified tenancy contract, the applicant's Emirates ID, and an official power of attorney if someone is applying for you. |
| Tenant registering without the landlord | The original contract or a copy, passport or Emirates ID, the title deed or land map details, and a trade licence if the tenant is a company. |
How to Register Ejari Online on the Dubai REST App
The Dubai REST app used by the Dubai Land Department is the most common method of signing up Ejari. This can only be completed if the landlord and tenant are individuals and the landlord information within the system is current.
- Download the Dubai REST app and sign in with UAE PASS.
- Choose the tenancy contract registration service.
- Enter or confirm the property, landlord, tenant and contract details, and upload the signed contract.
- Pay the fee of AED 177.75.
- Download the Ejari certificate once the registration is approved.
How to Register Ejari at a Trustee Centre
A Real Estate Services Trustee Centre can also register a contract if the property is held by a company or the owner's records are out of date or you prefer to give the assignment to another person. Processing time is approximately 25 minutes (excluding waiting time) according to DLD.
- Visit a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre.
- Hand over the original contract and your Emirates ID for checking.
- The centre enters and approves the contract in the Ejari system.
- Pay AED 220 and collect your receipt and Ejari certificate.
Al Ranim Properties Note: Based upon our experience with landlords and tenants we have found it beneficial to register and renew Ejari at a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre instead of through the Dubai REST app.
- Renewals: There have been cases where renewals appeared to have been completed through the Dubai REST platform but were not actually completed.
- Cancellations: There have also been instances where a cancellation has been carried out but not reflected within the system due to issues with the online platform.
- Found out late: Issues are only discovered when either the following tenant, immigration, DEWA or another party encounters the issue.
- At the centre: At a Trustee Centre the transaction can be carried out in the presence of the applicant whilst the applicant’s documents are verified. A certificate is provided and the transaction is completed.
- Worth it: This option costs approximately AED 42 more than the Dubai REST app however provides a level of assurance that the transaction has been completed correctly.
Ejari Fees in Dubai (2026)
The fees for Ejari in 2026 are issued by Dubai Land Department and are largely based on the method of application. Renewal or registration via the Dubai REST app costs AED 177.75 total. If the same transaction is carried out at a trustee centre the service partner charge is greater and therefore costs AED 220. Online cancellation is free.
| Service | Dubai REST app or website | Trustee centre |
|---|---|---|
| Register or renew Ejari | AED 177.75 (AED 100 registration, AED 10 knowledge fee, AED 10 innovation fee, AED 55 service partner fee, AED 2.75 VAT) | AED 220 (includes a AED 95 service partner fee and VAT) |
| Cancel Ejari | Free | AED 40 plus VAT |
Ejari Renewal: How to Renew Ejari Online
Ejari only covers the term of a tenancy and does not auto-renew.
- Pay again: When renewing a tenancy a new agreement must be registered and the charge must be paid again (online AED 177.75 or AED 220 at a trustee centre).
- Who does it: In reality however the landlord will not renew the contract. A renewal agreement is prepared by the real estate agent, signed by the landlord and given to the lessee. The lessee then renews their Ejari, preferably at one of the Real Estate Services Trustee Centre locations rather than via the Dubai REST app.
- Do not wait: It is important to do this as an expired Ejari can affect an application to the DEWA or a visa extension at a critical time.
How to Cancel Ejari
Ejari cancellation is one of the most commonly missed steps.
- When it applies: The DLD service is used for an ended or terminated contract on a vacant property.
- Active contract: For an existing contract, the trustee centre will request a letter from the landlord cancelling the contract.
- Order matters: Closure of the old contract must occur before a new Ejari can be issued to the new tenant. Closure requires production of final DEWA bill and settlement with the previous tenant.
- What to expect: For this reason a landlord may request cancellation after you vacate and a request may be made for cancellation of the existing Ejari before a new Ejari can be issued to you.
Ejari for Landlords: What Owners Need to Know
Ejari is part of the responsible rental process and not something a tenant can tick off a box.
- Register every lease: The DLD tenancy guidelines state that the landlord or managing agent must register all tenancies and renewals and only one tenancy agreement per property.
- Close the old one: When a new tenant takes tenancy over, the previous Ejari must be closed before they take up residence. This requires completion of final DEWA bill and settlement with the outgoing tenant.
- 90 days' notice: Any variation to the tenancy must also be accounted for. Under Dubai’s tenancy law, a landlord who wishes to vary any aspect of the tenancy on a renewal (for example the rent) must provide the tenant with a minimum of 90 days’ notice prior to the end of the current agreement.
- Your protection: Having a current Ejari also helps the landlord as it provides the evidence used by the Rental Dispute Centre should a tenant stop paying rent or refuse to leave.
Your Ejari Number and Ejari Certificate Download
Your Ejari number can be seen both on your Ejari certificate and within your tenancy information within the Dubai REST app.
- Where it is used: This number is used by DEWA when you apply to join the property and is also commonly used when applying for a visa.
- Lost certificate: If you have lost your certificate you can request a copy from the centre that issued your Ejari or you can re download your certificate from within the app.
Common Ejari Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few errors that occur frequently.
- Assuming it is done: A tenant signs a tenancy agreement, believes the landlord has registered it and then, many months later, their visa application fails.
- Names that differ: The name on the agreement, passport and certificate do not all match.
- Sublets and rooms: Sub-letting between tenant and tenant cannot be registered. Also, for a room in a villa or flat, using the normal registration procedure, also cannot be registered. This puts the new shared housing provisions into context for room rentals.
- Not cancelling: Renters also fail to cancel upon termination which prevents a new tenant and may result in an unexpected phone call from the landlord.
Al Ranim Properties Note: Make sure to ask who will register the Ejari and when before you move in and give the security deposit. It only takes a minute to get this information in writing and can greatly reduce follow-up questions.
Final thoughts
Ejari does a lot in a small amount of time. Ejari provides protection for the tenant, facilitates water and electric supply to the property and provides support for the rental agreement. By renewing the agreement with every tenancy and cancelling it upon tenancy end, both landlord and tenant are provided with up to date information. If you are looking for a rental in Dubai or if you own property and would like the rental agreement set up correctly from the start, Al Ranim Properties can guide you through the process.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Ejari is the tenancy registration system operated by the Dubai Land Department. All tenancies in Dubai must be registered on Ejari. A tenancy registered on Ejari is assigned a number (Ejari number) which is used by the Rental Dispute Centre, immigration and DEWA.
Yes. In Dubai all rental agreements (including any amendments to said agreement) must be reported to RERA via Ejari. This allows you to link DEWA in your name and also makes disputes and visas a lot easier.
Online transaction via the Dubai REST app costs overall AED 177.75 for registration or renewal. At a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre the overall cost is AED 220. Cancellation is free online and costs AED 40 plus VAT at a Trustee Centre.
For online applications you will only require the unified tenancy agreement. Information about the landlord and your Emirates ID is held within the application. When applying at a trustee centre you will require the original tenancy agreement, your Emirates ID and a power of attorney if you are not applying individually.
If all goes well then online is fast and less expensive. However, our experience has found that sometimes cancellation or renewal is not processed in the background by the app and is only detected when immigration or DEWA requests it. Trustee centres cost AED 220 rather than AED 177.75 however the transaction is completed in front of you after verification by the staff at the centre. We generally suggest these.
Yes. The contract can be registered by the tenant if the landlord fails to do so. A copy or the original contract, the title document or land map, details of the property, the tenant’s passport or Emirates ID and, if the tenant is a company, a trade licence is also required.
To cancel a tenancy contract on the Dubai REST service, you must be logged into the app, select the tenancy contract and cancel. Cancelation is free online and is meant for a contract that has ended or become expired once you have vacated the property. Prior to cancelling, make sure you pay the last DEWA bill. If the contract is in operation a letter from the owner is required by the trustee centre.
You will have an Ejari number on your Ejari certificate. This Ejari number will also be displayed next to your rental agreement in the Dubai REST app. If your certificate is lost then you can recreate a copy within the app or request the centre that registered your agreement to issue a copy.
Yes. When the lease is renewed, it is registered as a new tenancy. Therefore, the Ejari must be renewed accordingly. The charge is the same as initial registration and can be completed online.
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