How to Register Your Tenancy Contract in Dubai

Step 1: Sign a proper tenancy contract

Ejari registration starts with a written tenancy contract between you and the landlord (or the landlord's managing agent), stating the property, rent, term and both parties' details. If you're renting through a broker, ask them to provide the standard Dubai tenancy contract format, this is what gets uploaded to Ejari.

Step 2: Gather your documents

Before registering, have these ready:

• The signed tenancy contract
• A copy of the property's title deed (your landlord or agent can provide this)
• Your Emirates ID or passport as the tenant
• Your DEWA premises number, if the property already has one

See our fuller list in documents needed for Ejari registration if any of these are missing.

Step 3: Submit for registration

1. Send us your documents: upload securely or share on WhatsApp.
2. We check everything's complete: missing a title deed copy or DEWA number is the most common holdup, so we flag gaps early.
3. We register the contract on Ejari: through the Dubai Land Department's system.
4. Your certificate is issued: usually the same day, delivered straight to you.

What it costs

Our all-in fee is AED 349, which already covers the government registration fee, there's nothing extra to pay separately. For comparison, going directly through a typing centre usually means paying the government fee (roughly AED 120–230) plus a separate service charge of AED 100–300, so the total ends up similar either way, the difference is we handle it end to end.

Common reasons registration gets delayed

• The tenancy contract isn't signed by both parties, or dates don't match the lease term
• No copy of the title deed provided
• Tenant's name on the contract doesn't match their Emirates ID exactly
• DEWA account details don't match the property

We check for these before submitting, which is usually what keeps registration to a same-day turnaround.

After you're registered

Keep your Ejari certificate somewhere accessible, you'll likely need it again for DEWA, visa renewals, school admissions or if you ever need to prove your address. Remember it also needs renewing whenever your lease is renewed; see our Ejari renewal guide for that process.

Key takeaways:
• You need a signed tenancy contract, title deed copy, Emirates ID/passport and DEWA number.
• Registration is usually completed the same day once documents are complete.
• Our all-in fee of AED 349 already includes the government registration fee.
• Mismatched names or missing documents are the most common cause of delay.

A note on scope: DocuGulf is a documentation facilitation service. All kinds of work is performed by licensed notaries, translators and approved typing centres. Reach us at info@docugulf.com or +971 58 569 3628.