Are you looking to understand the process of property ownership in Dubai? Whether you’re an expat, an investor, or a first-time buyer, knowing how to register your property is essential for securing your investment.
Here, we’ll break down the registration process into easy-to-follow steps, providing you with practical tips and important information you won’t want to miss.
You’ll learn how to avoid hidden fees, gather the necessary documents, and use Dubai’s new online system to make everything easier. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel ready and confident to take the important step toward owning your ideal property in Dubai. Let’s get started!
Understanding Property Registration: Key Concepts & Authorities
Buying or selling property in Dubai can be confusing. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the key steps and important players in the process.
Dubai Land Department (DLD) & RERA
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) is the backbone of Dubai’s real estate market. They create the rules and ensure everything is done right. RERA, or the Real Estate Regulatory Agency, works with DLD to keep things clear and fair. Starting in 2025, DLD plans to make the registration process fully digital. This means less paperwork and a smoother experience for everyone.
What’s a Registration Trustee - and Why You Need One
To register a property sale in Dubai, you need a Registration Trustee. These are approved companies that help check your documents and handle payments. They work directly with DLD, making sure everything is legal and correct. Think of them as your trusted partner in the sale. Their job is to ensure that everything goes smoothly for you.
Remote & Fully Digital Property Transfer (2025 Update)
Big changes are coming in 2025! You will be able to register your property online. This means no more trips to the office. You can upload documents and verify your identity through video calls. Your money will also be safe in an escrow account during the process. This update makes it quicker and simpler for everyone involved.
Step-by-Step Guide to Registering Your Dubai Property
Are you excited about buying a property in Dubai? Let’s walk through the steps together.
1. Create Your Account & Get Your E-NOC
First, download the Dubai REST App or visit the DLD (Dubai Land Department) website. You'll need to set up an account using UAE PASS. This is a new requirement since January 2024. If you’re buying in a freehold area, make sure to request your No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your developer through the Dubai REST system.
2. Find a DLD-Approved Trustee
Next, you’ll need to work with a licensed registration trustee. These professionals will help you by:
- Checking your documents
- Calculating the fees for escrow and the DLD transfer
- Uploading everything to the DLD system
They are essential to ensure everything is done correctly and follows the law.
3. Get Your Documents Ready
Now it's time to gather the necessary documents. You’ll need:
- Passports or Emirates IDs for both the buyer and seller
- A signed Memorandum of Understanding (Form F)
- The title deed or an Oqood certificate if you’re buying off-plan
- A Power of Attorney if someone else is handling the purchase for you
Double-check your documents. Missing or incorrect papers can slow down the process.
4. Document Verification & Payment Call
Once you’ve uploaded your documents, you'll schedule an audio-visual call. There’s no need to travel to Dubai. During this call, the DLD will confirm your identity and the details of your purchase.
At the same time, the money will go into a DLD-managed escrow account. This keeps your funds safe until everything is finalized. Usually, the seller receives the funds within three working days after everything checks out.
5. Receive Your Title Deed & Complete the Ownership Transfer
After the verification is done and the funds are secured, the DLD will transfer the ownership and issue your digital title deed. You’ll typically receive this via the Dubai REST app. Most of the time, this process wraps up within a few days after the verification call.
Breakdown of Registration Fees & Charges in Dubai
Let’s understand the fees first, so there are no surprises at the registration office.
Core Dubai Land Department (DLD) Fees
The first big fee is the 4% DLD Transfer Fee. This means you will pay 4% of the property’s purchase price to the Dubai Land Department. Sometimes, sellers might share this cost with you, but usually, it’s on the buyer.
Also, there are admin charges. For example, you might see fees like AED 1,000 for apartments and AED 2,000 for plots. If you’re buying a property worth AED 1 million, you are looking at AED 40,580 just in DLD fees.
Service Trustee Office Charges
Next, we have trustee office charges. These fees depend on your property’s value.
- If your property value is AED 1 million or less, the fee is AED 2,000 plus 5% VAT.
- For properties worth more than AED 1 million, the fee goes to AED 4,000 plus 5% VAT.
Remember, these fees are standard and must be paid when you register the property.
Mortgage Registration Costs
If you’re taking a loan to buy your home, here’s what to expect:
You will pay 0.25% of the loan amount as a mortgage registration fee. Additionally, there’s a flat admin charge, which usually ranges from AED 500 to AED 2,000. For example, if you’re borrowing AED 700,000, your mortgage registration cost would be AED 1,750 plus the admin fee.
Other Associated Costs
Don’t forget about some extra costs.
- Agent Commission: This is typically 2% of the property value plus 5% VAT.
- Valuation Fee: This fee can be between AED 2,500 and AED 3,500 plus VAT, depending on the bank.
- Ejari (for renting): Expect to pay around AED 220 for the registration.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): This is a fee you pay to the developer, ranging from AED 500 to AED 5,000.
Important Update (Effective Feb 1, 2025)
A recent change is that you can no longer add the 4% DLD fee or the 2% agent commission to your mortgage. These costs must be paid upfront, which means you’ll need to budget more money before purchasing your property.
Knowing these fees will help you plan better and avoid unexpected expenses during your property buying journey in Dubai. If you're prepared, the process can be a lot smoother.
For Example: AED 1 Million Property Purchase (With Mortgage)
| Fee Type | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| DLD Transfer (4%) | 40,000 |
| DLD Admin Fee | 580 |
| Trustee Fee (500K) | 4,000 + VAT (4,200) |
| Mortgage Registration | 2,500 + 290 = 2,790 |
| Total (approx.) | 47,570 (excluding agent fees & down payment) |
Key Changes to Property Registration in Dubai for 2025
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has introduced some major changes for 2025 that you should know about.
Fully Digital Process
The DLD has moved to a completely online system. You can use the Dubai REST app to handle registrations from anywhere, making the process quicker and easier.
Remote Transactions & Escrow Security
Expats and international investors can now register properties remotely. New escrow rules ensure your payments are safe, with developers required to use secure government-monitored accounts.
Property Tokenisation
You can now buy shares in high-value properties. With the help of the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), you can invest in property fractions securely and transparently.
Data-Driven Rental and Sales Regulations
The Smart Rent Index is improving, providing real-time rental data to help you make better decisions whether you’re buying or leasing.
These changes give you more control and clarity in your property transactions.
Final Thoughts: Is Property Registration in Dubai Worth It?
Registering property in Dubai is a smart move. The process is now easier with digital tools, and the Dubai Land Department (DLD) ensures everything is clear and transparent. Whether you're buying your first home or adding to your investment portfolio, knowing the steps helps you feel more in control.
If you’re unsure about the registration details, don’t worry. SSG7 Properties is here to help. Our team knows all the current laws and DLD updates, so you won't have to stress about any of it.
Ready to get started? Let’s make your investment a reality!