Your office tenancy affects your licence, renewals and visas. Here's what Ejari is and how to keep it in order.
Ejari in one sentence
Ejari is Dubai's official system for registering tenancy contracts, so the authorities have a record of who is renting which property and on what terms.
For many businesses it isn't just a formality — a registered tenancy is commonly linked to licensing, renewals and visa applications.
When a business usually needs it
- Applying for a new mainland trade licence.
- Renewing your trade licence each year.
- Applying for or renewing employee visas, where premises affect your quota.
- Some approvals and utility connections for your premises.
Documents you'll usually need
- The signed tenancy contract.
- The landlord's title deed or authorisation, as required.
- Your trade licence or initial approval.
- Passport and Emirates ID of the person signing.
- Premises details, such as the DEWA number.
The main steps
- Choose premises that suit your activity and visa plans.
- Sign the tenancy contract with the landlord.
- Submit the contract and documents for Ejari registration.
- Receive the Ejari certificate and keep a copy for your licence file.
Ejari, office size and visas
The number of visas a company can apply for is often linked to its premises. Before signing a lease, it's worth checking whether the space supports the team you plan to hire — it's much easier than moving later.
Don't forget to renew
Ejari follows your tenancy contract, so it needs renewing when the lease is renewed. Because an expired Ejari can hold up your trade licence renewal, plan to renew it a few weeks before your licence is due.
How HDC can help
We help you choose suitable premises — from offices to business centres and flexi-desks — check the tenancy documents and complete the Ejari registration, then remind you before it's due again.
This article is general guidance, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change — contact us to confirm what applies to you.
