Buying or selling property in Dubai is an exciting step, but to make it official, registration with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) is essential. Property registration not only protects your rights as a buyer or seller but also ensures transparency and legal recognition of the transaction. Whether you are an investor, a first-time buyer, or upgrading your home, understanding how registration with the DLD works is the key to a smooth and secure process.
In this blog, LEOS Developments walks you through everything you need to know about registering your property with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
What is DLD?
The Dubai Land Department, commonly known as the DLD, is the government body responsible for overseeing all real estate transactions in Dubai. Established in 1960, it plays a central role in regulating, documenting, and registering property deals to ensure they are legally valid and transparent.
Through its various services, the DLD:
- Registers property ownership and issues official title deeds.
- Oversees the buying, selling, and leasing of properties.
- Provides valuation and mortgage registration services.
- Promotes trust and security in the Dubai real estate market.
In short, the DLD acts as the backbone of Dubai’s property sector, making sure every real estate transaction is safe, compliant, and recognized by law.
Why Property Registration Matters
Registering your property with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) is a crucial step for every buyer and investor. It’s not just a formality, it safeguards your rights, ensures compliance with the law, and strengthens your property’s value in the market. Here’s why it matters:
- Legal Ownership Protection: Registration makes you the official legal owner of the property, protecting your rights.
Compliance with Dubai Laws and Regulations: Ensures your purchase is recognized and recorded under Dubai’s real estate laws.
Securing Financing or Mortgages: Banks and financial institutions require proper registration to approve loans or mortgages.
Protecting Against Fraud: Prevents disputes, double-selling, or fraudulent claims on the property.
Eligibility for Resale or Leasing: A registered property can be resold, leased, or transferred without legal complications.
Who Needs to Register with the DLD?
Property registration with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) applies to all parties involved in real estate transactions. These include:
- Buyers of Off-Plan Properties: Must register through the Oqood system, which records all off-plan sales.
Buyers of Ready Properties: Required to register completed property purchases directly with the DLD.
Sellers: Must also be part of the registration process to officially transfer ownership to the new buyer.
Developers: In certain cases, developers handle registration on behalf of buyers, particularly in off-plan projects.
Investors and Foreign Buyers: International investors are required to register their purchases to secure full legal ownership in Dubai.
Types of Property Registrations in Dubai
When buying or selling property in Dubai, the type of registration depends on the stage of the property (off-plan vs. ready) and whether a mortgage is involved. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) oversees these processes.
1. Initial Registration (Off-Plan Properties)
- Applies when purchasing a property that is still under construction.
- Registration is completed through the Oqood system, which records all off-plan sales.
- Eligibility to register an off-plan project is granted once 20% of the property price is paid.
- Fee: 4% of the purchase price + administrative charges.
2. Final Registration (Completed / Ready Properties)
- For resale or ready-to-move-in properties, registration happens at a DLD trustee office or authorized registration center.
- Fee: 4% of the property value + administrative fees.
3. Mortgage Registration
- Required if the property is financed through a bank mortgage.
- The DLD registers the bank’s interest in the property until the loan is repaid.
- Fee: 0.25% of the mortgage amount + administrative fees.
Other Related DLD Fees
1. Property Registration Fee
- For properties below AED 500,000 → AED 2,000 + 5% VAT.
- For properties above AED 500,000 → AED 4,000 + 5% VAT.
How to Register a Property in Dubai
In Dubai, you can register your property either online via the Dubai REST app or in person through a DLD approved trustee office.
Option 1: In-Person Registration (via Trustee Office)
Registering a property with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) is a straightforward process, but it requires the right documents and payments. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Collect the Required Documents
- Valid passport (for both buyer and seller)
- Emirates ID & visa copies (for UAE residents)
- Signed sales and purchase agreement (SPA) or Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
- Oqood certificate for off-plan properties or a title deed for secondary market properties
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer (for resale transactions)
- Payment receipts for initial payments and DLD fees.
If applicable:
- Power of Attorney (if someone else is representing the buyer or seller)
- Bank liability letter (if property is mortgaged)
Step 2: Submit the Application
Take the documents to a DLD-approved trustee office.
Step 3: Pay the Registration Fees
Pay the registration fees as imposed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to complete the property transfer process.
Step 4: Verification by the DLD
The DLD reviews and verifies all documents, the sales contract, and ensures the transaction complies with Dubai property laws.
Step 5: Issuance of Oqood Certificate or Title Deed
Once approved, the buyer receives an official Oqood Certificate for off-plan properties, or a Title Deed for completed ones, both serve as legal proof of ownership.
Option 2: Digital Registration (via Dubai REST App)
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has simplified property registration through the Dubai REST app, allowing buyers, sellers, and investors to complete the process online without visiting a trustee office.
Step 1: Download & Log In
- Download the Dubai REST app (available on iOS and Android).
- Log in using your UAE Pass (for residents) or create an account if you are an international buyer.
Step 2: Select Property Registration Service
- From the main dashboard, choose “Property Registration”.
- Select the type of registration: Off-Plan (Oqood), Ready Property, or Resale.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
- Valid passport (for both buyer and seller)
- Emirates ID & visa copies (for UAE residents)
- Signed sales and purchase agreement (SPA) or Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
- Oqood certificate for off-plan properties or a title deed for secondary market properties
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer (for resale transactions)
- Payment receipts for initial payments and DLD fees.
If applicable:
- Power of Attorney (if someone else is representing the buyer or seller)
- Bank liability letter (if property is mortgaged)
Step 4: Pay the Fees Online
Settle the applicable fees online through the Dubai Land Department’s approved payment channels to finalize the registration.This can be done via bank transfer or debit/credit card payment from anywhere in the world.
Step 5: Verification by DLD
- The DLD reviews your documents and verifies compliance.
- Any issues are flagged through the app for quick correction.
Step 6: Issuance of Title Deed
- Once approved, the buyer receives an official Oqood Certificate for off-plan properties, or a Title Deed for completed ones. Both serve as official proof of ownership and are recognized for resale, leasing, or financing.
Why Use Dubai REST App?
- Complete the process from anywhere in the world.
- Saves time compared to in-person visits.
- Provides secure, transparent, and government-approved transactions.
Timeline for Registration:
Property registration in Dubai is usually processed quickly, often within a few hours. However, in some cases, it may take up to two working days depending on the complexity of the transaction and document verification.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While registering a property with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) is a straightforward process, there are a few common mistakes that buyers and sellers should watch out for:
- Skipping the NOC from the developer: For resale properties, the No Objection Certificate is mandatory. Without it, the transaction cannot move forward.
- Miscalculating fees: Registration fees are set at 4% of the property value, plus administrative charges. Even a small miscalculation can cause unnecessary delays.
- Incomplete documentation: Forgetting documents such as the Emirates ID, passport copy, or signed sales contract is one of the most frequent causes of rejected applications.
- Delaying the registration: Waiting too long after finalizing a purchase can lead to complications, penalties, or even disputes.
By being proactive and double-checking requirements, buyers can ensure a smooth and stress-free property registration experience in Dubai.
What is the difference between DLD and RERA?
- Dubai Land Department: DLD is in charge of the properties. It handles property registration, issues title deeds, keeps ownership records, and resolves property disputes.
- Real Estate Regulatory Agency: RERA is part of DLD and focuses on the people in real estate. It licenses brokers and developers, ensures rules are followed, and protects buyers and tenants.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does DLD property registration take?
The process usually takes a few hours to two working days, depending on the complexity of the case.
2. Can foreign investors register property in Dubai?
Yes, foreign investors are allowed to register freehold properties in designated areas of Dubai.
3. Do I need to be in Dubai to register my property?
Not necessarily. Registration can be completed online through the Dubai REST app, making it possible to register from anywhere in the world.
4. Is property registration mandatory for off-plan properties?
Yes. Off-plan properties must be registered through the Oqood system to secure legal ownership.
5. Can I register my property online?
Yes, the Dubai REST app allows buyers and sellers to register properties digitally without visiting a trustee office.
6. What happens if I don’t register my property?
Unregistered properties are not legally recognized, which means you won’t be able to resell, lease, or mortgage the property.
7. Who pays the registration fees—the buyer or seller?
In most cases, the buyer is responsible for paying the 4% registration fee and related administrative charges.
8. Are DLD fees refundable?
No, once paid, the Dubai Land Department registration fees are non-refundable.
9. Do mortgage buyers pay extra fees?
Yes, in addition to the 4% registration fee, mortgage buyers must pay 0.25% of the loan amount plus AED 290 as admin fees.
10. How do I check my property registration status?
You can track the status of your registration via the Dubai REST app or by contacting a DLD-approved trustee office.
Conclusion
Registering your property with the Dubai Land Department is a vital step to safeguard ownership rights and ensure compliance with Dubai’s real estate laws. Whether completed online or through a trusted office, the process is simple, transparent, and designed to protect both buyers and investors.
