Key Takeaways

• DLD fees in Dubai cover property registration, ownership transfers, and all official real estate services regulated by the Dubai Land Department.
• The main DLD fee is 4% of the property purchase price, plus additional charges for title deeds, registration, and mortgage services.
• DLD payments can be made through Noqodi, manager’s cheque, cash, credit/debit card, or other approved channels.

With Dubai’s population rapidly increasing and real estate transactions reaching new highs in 2025, understanding DLD fees has become essential for buyers, sellers, investors, and tenants. Whether you’re purchasing a ready home, buying an off-plan property, or renewing your tenancy, every major property-related process in Dubai involves a DLD-regulated service.

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) oversees real estate registration and regulation to ensure transparency and efficiency. Therefore, knowing how these fees work helps you plan your budget and avoid surprises during property transactions.

This comprehensive guide explains what DLD fees are, the different types, how they’re calculated, and the available payment methods.

Table of Contents

1. What Are DLD Fees in Dubai?
2. Types of DLD Fees
3. How DLD Fees Are Calculated
4. DLD Fees for Mortgage Registration
5. Factors That Influence DLD Fees
6. Payment Methods for DLD Fees
7. Conclusion
8. FAQs

What Are DLD Fees in Dubai?

DLD fees in Dubai refer to the official charges imposed by the Dubai Land Department for registering and processing real estate transactions. These fees cover ownership transfers, title deeds, tenancy registrations (Ejari), mortgage registrations, and various administrative services.

For example:

• When you buy a property, you must pay a 4% DLD transfer fee based on the total purchase price.
• This is usually paid at an Approved Property Registration Trustee Office during the transfer.

Understanding these fees is crucial for budgeting and completing your real estate transaction smoothly.

Types of DLD Fees

Below are the main DLD fees in Dubai, depending on the type of service required.

1. Dubai Land Department Transfer Fee

• Applied when property ownership is transferred from seller to buyer.
• Fee: 4% of the total sales price
• Usually paid by the buyer.

2. Property Registration Fee

This fee is charged during the registration of a property transfer.

• AED 2,000 + 5% VAT for properties below AED 500,000
• AED 4,000 + 5% VAT for properties above AED 500,000

3. Title Deed Issuance Fee

To issue a new title deed, DLD charges:

• AED 580 (admin fee)

4. Mortgage Registration Fee

This fee applies only if you are buying with a mortgage.

• 0.25% of the mortgage amount + AED 290

Usually paid by the buyer.

5. Ejari Registration Fee

Required when creating a new tenancy contract.

• AED 155 (online)
• AED 219.75 (through trustee centre)

6. Ejari Renewal Fee

When renewing a tenancy agreement:

• AED 100 (online or Dubai REST app)
• AED 120 + AED 95 service partner fee (trustee centre)

7. Real Estate Broker License Fees

If you want to become a licensed real estate agent in Dubai, DLD charges:

• DREI Training Course: AED 3,000
• RERA Exam: AED 3,200 – AED 15,750

(Some agencies cover these fees for new agents.)

How DLD Fees Are Calculated

DLD fees are set by official regulations and are not randomly imposed. These fees are designed to:

• Maintain transparency in real estate transactions
• Ensure the DLD can properly regulate and monitor the property market
• Improve service efficiency and security

Although the exact methodology is not publicly disclosed, fees remain consistent across services and are updated only after thorough research.

DLD Fees for Mortgage Registration

If your property purchase involves a home loan, you must register the mortgage with DLD.

Mortgage Registration Fee

• 0.25% of the loan amount + AED 290

Documents Required

To register a mortgage, you must submit:

• A bank-issued financing letter
• DLD mortgage contract signed by all parties
• Emirates ID (for residents)
• Passport copy (for non-residents)
• Developer NOC
• Power of Attorney (if applicable)

Factors That Influence DLD Fees

While DLD fees remain stable for long periods, certain factors may influence future adjustments:

• Market conditions
• Property transaction volume
• Regulatory updates
• Government policy changes

Any fee changes are always communicated publicly before implementation.

Payment Methods for DLD Fees

Dubai offers multiple convenient ways to pay DLD charges. The available method depends on the type of service.

Common Payment Methods:

• Noqodi (Smart Payment Gateway)
• Manager’s Cheque
• Cash payments
• Credit or debit card
• E-pay
• Sadad Dubai platform

For example:

• The 4% DLD transfer fee can be paid via Noqodi, cash, or card.
• Ejari fees are usually paid online using credit/debit cards.

Conclusion

Understanding DLD fees in Dubai is vital for anyone planning to buy, sell, rent, or invest in property. Dubai’s real estate market is straightforward, but knowing the associated charges helps you budget accurately and avoid unexpected expenses.

Whether you're completing a property transfer, registering a mortgage, or renewing Ejari, these fees ensure proper regulation and transparency across the market.

With the right knowledge, navigating Dubai’s real estate landscape becomes much simpler and more predictable.

FAQs

1. Who pays the DLD transfer fee in Dubai?

In most cases, the buyer pays the 4% DLD transfer fee.

2. Can DLD fees be paid in installments?

No, DLD fees must be paid in full during the transaction.

3. Are DLD fees refundable?

Generally, no—DLD fees are non-refundable after processing.

4. Is the 4% DLD fee the same for off-plan properties?

Yes, the 4% fee applies to both off-plan and ready properties.

5. What is Ejari?

Ejari is Dubai’s official tenancy registration system regulated by RERA.