This is an independent guide by realestatelawyerdubai.com. It is not the official Dubai Land Department or RERA website and is not affiliated with either body.
This is an independent guide by realestatelawyerdubai.com. For official services, visit dubailand.gov.ae.
What does the Dubai Land Department do?
- Registers ownership — Sales, transfers, gifts and inheritances, and issues title deeds.
- Registers off-plan sales — Through the Oqood system. Oqood →
- Registers mortgages — And releases them when they are paid off.
- Registers tenancies — Through Ejari. Ejari →
- Regulates the market — Through RERA, its regulatory arm. RERA →
- Resolves rental disputes — Through the Rental Dispute Center. Rental disputes →
- Publishes data — Transaction records and the Smart Rental Index.
Common DLD fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Property transfer (ready) | 4% of the price + admin fees |
| Off-plan registration (Oqood) | 4% of the price + admin fees |
| Mortgage registration | 0.25% of the loan + admin fee |
| Ejari registration (online) | About AED 178 in total |
| Rental dispute filing | 3.5% of annual rent (min AED 500, max AED 20,000) |
Fees change; always check the current schedule with DLD. (Oliva, Henry Club, Gulf News)
How to access DLD services
- Dubai REST app — Most owner and tenant services, including title deeds, Ejari and the rental index.
- DLD website — Online services, fee calculators and verification tools.
- Real estate trustee offices — Licensed centres where property transfers are completed.
- DLD headquarters — For services that need an in-person visit.
DLD contact details
| Address | Dubai Land Department, Baniyas Road, Deira, Dubai (P.O. Box 1166) |
|---|---|
| Phone | 800 4488 |
| Customer service hours | Mon–Thu 7:30am–3:30pm; Fri 7:30am–12:00pm |
| Website | dubailand.gov.ae |
Source: DLD contact page
When to involve a lawyer
DLD processes transactions; it doesn't advise you on your rights. Speak to a lawyer if:
- A transfer is blocked by a mortgage, caveat or ownership dispute
- A developer hasn't registered your off-plan purchase
- You're dealing with an inheritance or co-owner disagreement
- A rental dispute is heading to the Rental Dispute Center
Frequently asked questions
Is the DLD the same as RERA?
No. RERA is the DLD's regulatory arm. It licenses brokers and developers and regulates the market.
Can I complete DLD transactions online?
Many services are online through the Dubai REST app. Property transfers are completed through trustee offices.
Need help with a DLD matter? Call +971 50 423 1108 or email info@kadenboriss.com.