Complete Ejari Guide Dubai: Online Registration via Dubai REST App, Fees, Documents & Contract Cancellation
Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, a residential or commercial tenancy contract in Dubai has no official legal standing with government utilities, visa authorities, or courts unless it is registered in the Dubai Land Department's Ejari ("My Rent") system. Registering your Ejari online via the Dubai REST App takes 10 minutes, costs ~AED 175, and automatically triggers your DEWA electricity and water activation.
Key Statutory Takeaways (2026)
Open RERA & Tenancy Law Calculator →- Ejari Registration Cost: ~AED 175.50 online via the Dubai REST App (or ~AED 219.75 at an in-person Real Estate Services Trustee center).
- Required Documents: Signed Unified Tenancy Contract, Property Title Deed, Tenant Passport + Visa/Emirates ID, and Landlord Passport/Emirates ID.
- Instant DEWA Integration: As soon as your Ejari certificate is generated, DEWA sends you an automated SMS/email link to pay your AED 2,000 security deposit and turn on power.
- Crucial Move-Out Rule: Always make sure the previous tenant's Ejari is cancelled before you apply, and cancel your own Ejari when you vacate!
In This Guide (Quick Jump)
- 1. Why Ejari Registration Is Mandatory for Every Dubai Tenant
- 2. Registering Online via Dubai REST App (AED 175) vs. Trustee Center (AED 220)
- 3. Exact Documents Required for Residential & Commercial Ejari
- 4. Registering Family Members & Co-Occupants on Dubai REST
- 5. How to Cancel Ejari When Moving Out (Or If the Previous Tenant Forgot)
- Statutory Comparison Table
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Ejari Registration Is Mandatory for Every Dubai Tenant
Managed by RERA and the Dubai Land Department (DLD), Ejari is the official digital registry of all leases in Dubai. You cannot live legally in a leased Dubai apartment without an active Ejari because it is strictly required for:
- Automatic DEWA & Chiller Activation: DEWA will not connect electricity and water without a valid Ejari number (see our DEWA & Hidden Move-In Costs Guide).
- Sponsoring Spouse, Children & Parents: GDRFA/ICP requires a valid Ejari certificate to issue or renew family residency visas.
- RERA Rent Hike Protection: Locking in your legal protection under Decree No. 43 of 2013 and the RERA Rent Increase Calculator.
2. Registering Online via Dubai REST App (AED 175) vs. Trustee Center (AED 220)
There are two official channels to register or renew your Ejari:
- Online via the Dubai REST App (~AED 175.50): Log in with UAE Pass as the Tenant, select "Register Ejari Contract", enter the Title Deed details and contract terms, and upload the signed Unified Tenancy Contract. Your landlord receives an instant notification inside their own Dubai REST App to click "Approve", after which you pay AED 175.50 via Apple Pay/card and download the Ejari PDF immediately.
- In-Person at a DLD Real Estate Services Trustee Center (~AED 219.75): Ideal if your landlord resides abroad, is elderly, or doesn't use the Dubai REST App, or if a Power of Attorney (POA) is involved.
3. Exact Documents Required for Residential & Commercial Ejari
- Original signed Unified Tenancy Contract (all pages signed by both landlord and tenant).
- Copy of the Landlord's Title Deed (issued by DLD) and Landlord's Passport/Emirates ID.
- Tenant's Passport, UAE Residency Visa, and Emirates ID.
- 9-Digit DEWA Premises Number (or previous DEWA bill).
- For Commercial Office/Shop Ejari: Valid DED/Free Zone Trade License and Initial Approval.
4. Registering Family Members & Co-Occupants on Dubai REST
Under DLD circulars, the primary tenant must register all family members and co-occupants residing in the apartment inside the Dubai REST App ("Manage Co-Occupants") by entering their Emirates ID numbers. Once added, your spouse or adult children can also use the Ejari certificate as Official Proof of Address for UAE bank accounts and driving licenses!
5. How to Cancel Ejari When Moving Out (Or If the Previous Tenant Forgot)
The DLD system only allows one active Ejari per property at any time. If you try to register your new apartment and receive the error "Property already has an active Ejari contract", it means the previous tenant/landlord forgot to cancel the old Ejari. The landlord can cancel the expired/vacated Ejari in 60 seconds for 0 AED inside the Dubai REST App, or you can take the signed NOC/Final DEWA bill to any Trustee center (~AED 42 fee) to cancel the old record and issue yours on the spot.
Official Dubai Ejari Fees & Channels Compared (2026)
| Service Type | Dubai REST App (Online) | DLD Trustee Center (In-Person) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Ejari Registration | 175.50 AED (incl. Knowledge/Innovation fees) | 219.75 AED (incl. Trustee service fee + VAT) | Instant (once landlord approves in REST) |
| Annual Ejari Renewal | 175.50 AED | 219.75 AED | Instant |
| Ejari Cancellation | 0 AED (Free via Dubai REST App) | 42.00 AED (Trustee fee + VAT) | Instant |
| Adding Co-Occupants | 0 AED (Free via Dubai REST App) | Not required in person | Instant |
Renewing Your Ejari? Check Your Maximum Legal Rent Increase First
Before signing your renewal Unified Tenancy Contract, verify the legal rent cap under Decree 43.