What is Ejari
Ejari is the tenancy contract registration system in the UAE. The name derives from the Arabic word for rental. All residential tenancy agreements in Dubai must be registered through Ejari with RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency).
Why Ejari is essential
Without Ejari you cannot: connect DEWA (electricity and water). Obtain or renew a residency visa. Enrol children in school. Open accounts with certain banks. Access Dubai Municipality services. Resolve a landlord dispute through RERA.
Who registers Ejari
Usually the real estate agent or landlord. Registration cost: 195 AED (at a typing centre) or 100 AED (online via the Dubai REST app). Must be completed within 5 working days of signing the contract.
Required documents
- Signed tenancy contract
- Tenant passport copy
- Tenant Emirates ID
- Landlord title deed
- Landlord passport copy
If the landlord refuses to register Ejari
This is a violation of UAE law. Contact RERA directly — tenants can apply for registration themselves if they hold all the required documents.