Official Guidance
Dubai Land Department:
Complete Guide 2026
Registration fees, title deeds, Oqood, Ejari, RERA and everything else you need to know about Dubai's property authority.
Speak to a RERA-Certified AgentWhat is the Dubai Land Department?
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) is the governmental authority that registers and regulates all real estate transactions in the Emirate of Dubai. Founded in 1960, DLD operates under the Dubai Real Estate Law and oversees a market that recorded over AED 761 billion in transactions in 2024 — one of the world's most active property markets.
The DLD's primary responsibilities include registering property transfers, issuing title deeds, licensing real estate brokers and developers through its regulatory arm RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority), managing the Ejari rental registration system, and maintaining the Dubai Real Estate Market Observatory for data and transparency.
Every property purchase, sale, off-plan registration, mortgage, and tenancy agreement in Dubai must pass through DLD systems. Understanding how DLD works — and what fees are involved — is essential before transacting in the Dubai market.
DLD Key Services
The services most relevant to property buyers, sellers, investors, and tenants in Dubai.
Property Registration
Transfer title deeds for ready properties at any DLD trustee office. Same-day processing.
Oqood (Off-Plan)
Register your off-plan SPA to legally protect your purchase before project completion.
Ejari (Rental)
Mandatory registration of all tenancy contracts. Required for utilities and visa renewals.
RERA Rental Index
The official rental benchmark used to determine legal rent increase limits for Dubai properties.
Mortgage Registration
Register home loans and mortgage releases through the DLD Mortgages section.
Real Estate Broker Licensing
RERA licenses all agents. Verify any agent's RERA card on the DLD website before transacting.
DLD Fees — 2026 Reference
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DLD Transfer Fee | 4% of price | Paid at title deed transfer. Admin fee AED 540 extra. |
| Oqood Registration | 4% of price | For off-plan SPA registration. |
| Mortgage Registration | 0.25% of loan | Plus AED 290 admin fee. |
| Ejari Registration | ~AED 195–220 | Annual rental contract registration. |
| Title Deed Re-issue | AED 250 | For lost or damaged title deeds. |
| No Objection Certificate | AED 100–500 | Required for some transactions. |
Fees correct as of 2026. Always verify with DLD directly as regulations may change.
Oqood: Off-Plan Property Protection
Oqood (Arabic for "contracts") is the DLD's mandatory registration system for off-plan property sales in Dubai. When you purchase an off-plan unit directly from a developer, your Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) must be registered on the Oqood platform within 60 days of signing.
Oqood registration protects buyers by legally recording their ownership interest before the property is physically complete. Without Oqood registration, the buyer has no legal standing if a dispute arises. The Oqood fee is 4% of the property purchase price, typically paid by the developer on the buyer's behalf and factored into the transaction.
Once the building is completed and handed over, the Oqood registration converts into a full title deed (property deed) issued in the buyer's name. For Astraterra clients purchasing off-plan units, we handle the documentation and coordinate with the developer to ensure timely Oqood registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dubai Land Department (DLD)?
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) is the government authority responsible for registering and regulating all real estate transactions in Dubai. Established in 1960, it oversees property registration, title deed issuance, landlord-tenant relations through RERA, and the Ejari rental contract system.
What is the DLD registration fee in Dubai?
The DLD registration fee is 4% of the property purchase price, paid at the time of transferring the title deed. This is split equally between buyer and seller by custom (2% each), though by law the buyer pays the full 4%. Additional admin fees of AED 540 (apartments/offices) or AED 430 (land) also apply.
What is Oqood in Dubai property?
Oqood is the DLD's off-plan property registration system. When you buy an off-plan unit from a developer, the sale-purchase agreement (SPA) is registered on Oqood to protect the buyer's rights before the property is completed and a title deed issued. The Oqood registration fee is 4% of the property price.
How do I get a title deed in Dubai?
Title deeds are issued by the DLD upon completion of a property transfer. For ready properties, both buyer and seller attend a DLD trustee office with valid IDs, the sale agreement, and payment of the 4% transfer fee. The title deed (or e-title deed) is issued the same day. For off-plan properties, the title deed is issued upon project completion and final payment.
What is RERA and how does it relate to DLD?
RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) is the regulatory arm of the Dubai Land Department. RERA licenses real estate brokers, regulates developer escrow accounts for off-plan projects, sets the RERA Rental Index, and governs the landlord-tenant relationship. All Astraterra agents are RERA-certified.
What is Ejari and is it mandatory?
Ejari is the DLD's mandatory rental contract registration system. All tenancy agreements in Dubai must be registered on Ejari. It's required to connect utilities (DEWA, du, Etisalat), renew residency visas, and file Rental Disputes Centre cases. Ejari is typically registered by the landlord or real estate agent and costs around AED 195–220.
Need Help with DLD Registration?
Our RERA-certified agents handle title deed transfers, Oqood registration, and Ejari contracts — saving you time and reducing errors.