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Ejari GuideOctober 2026 · 4 min read
What Is Ejari? Ejari vs Tenancy Contract (and Is There a Fine for Late Registration?)
Last updated 25 October 2026
'Send me your Ejari' — every Dubai tenant hears it. Here's what Ejari actually is and how it relates to your tenancy contract.
Contract vs registration
Tenancy contract: the signed DLD Unified Tenancy Contract between landlord and tenant.
Ejari: the Dubai Land Department system where that contract is registered.
Ejari certificate: the PDF proving registration, with a contract number.
Why registration is required
Article 4 of Law 26 of 2007, as amended by Law 33 of 2008, requires all tenancy contracts and any amendments to be registered with RERA.
Read Article 4. Ejari is what lets you connect DEWA, apply for family visas and enrol children in school.
Official cost
Through Dubai Now: AED 100 registration, AED 55 service fee, AED 10 knowledge fee, AED 10 innovation fee and AED 2.75 VAT — AED 177.75 in total, per the DLD service page. Typing centres add their own charge.
Late registration
We could not find an official published fine for late registration by tenants, and online guides contradict each other. What is certain is the practical cost: without a valid Ejari, DEWA, visas, schools, banks and dispute filings are blocked or delayed. Register as soon as the contract is signed.
What is the difference between a tenancy contract and Ejari?
The tenancy contract is the signed agreement between landlord and tenant (the DLD Unified Tenancy Contract). Ejari is the registration of that contract with the Dubai Land Department; the Ejari certificate is the proof.
Is Ejari mandatory in Dubai?
Yes. Article 4 of Law 26 of 2007 (as amended) requires all tenancy contracts, and any amendments, to be registered with RERA.
How much does Ejari cost?
AED 177.75 through Dubai Now per the DLD service page: AED 100 registration + AED 55 service + AED 10 knowledge + AED 10 innovation + AED 2.75 VAT. Typing centres charge extra service fees.
Is there a fine for late Ejari registration?
We could not find an official DLD or RERA fine schedule for late tenant registration, and published guides disagree. The practical penalties are immediate: no DEWA connection, problems with visas, school admission and bank accounts, and difficulty filing a dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a tenancy contract and Ejari?+
The tenancy contract is the signed agreement between landlord and tenant (the DLD Unified Tenancy Contract). Ejari is the registration of that contract with the Dubai Land Department; the Ejari certificate is the proof.
Is Ejari mandatory in Dubai?+
Yes. Article 4 of Law 26 of 2007 (as amended) requires all tenancy contracts, and any amendments, to be registered with RERA.
How much does Ejari cost?+
AED 177.75 through Dubai Now per the DLD service page: AED 100 registration + AED 55 service + AED 10 knowledge + AED 10 innovation + AED 2.75 VAT. Typing centres charge extra service fees.
Is there a fine for late Ejari registration?+
We could not find an official DLD or RERA fine schedule for late tenant registration, and published guides disagree. The practical penalties are immediate: no DEWA connection, problems with visas, school admission and bank accounts, and difficulty filing a dispute.