Complete Guide to DLD Fees in Dubai 2026: All Costs, Exemptions & Payment Methods
Key Takeaways
- The standard DLD transfer fee is 4% of property value, mandatory for all real estate transactions in Dubai
- Budget 6-7% of the property price for total additional costs including DLD fees, trustee charges, and agent commission
- No automatic exemptions exist — fee waivers require a direct order from the Ruler of Dubai
- Digital payment is available through Dubai REST, Noqodi wallet, and the DLD website
- Save on Ejari fees by registering online (AED 120) instead of at trustee centers (AED 215+)
Introduction
Buying property in Dubai involves more than just the purchase price. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) levies several fees and charges that every buyer must understand before committing to a transaction. Whether you are purchasing an off-plan apartment in Dubai Marina, a ready villa in Arabian Ranches, or investing in a commercial property in Business Bay, knowing the full cost structure helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises at closing.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of every DLD fee you will encounter in 2026, verified against official Dubai Land Department sources. We cover the 4% transfer fee, trustee office charges, title deed issuance costs, Ejari registration fees, off-plan versus ready property differences, and the complete step-by-step payment process.
What Are DLD Fees?
Definition and Purpose
DLD fees are charges levied by the Dubai Land Department. This is the government authority responsible for regulating and recording all real estate transactions in the Emirate. The primary fee is the property transfer fee, which amounts to 4% of the property's sale value. This fee applies to all property types: apartments, villas, townhouses, commercial units, land plots, and warehouses.
The DLD uses these fees to fund the real estate registration system. They also maintain transparent property records and support the regulatory infrastructure. This infrastructure makes Dubai one of the world's most transparent property markets. According to the official Dubai Land Department FAQ, fee waivers can only be granted by a direct order from the Ruler of Dubai.
Who Pays DLD Fees?
In standard property transactions, the buyer pays the full 4% transfer fee. However, in some cases, the cost may be negotiated between buyer and seller as part of the purchase agreement. For warehouse sales specifically, DLD rules state that fees are split equally between both parties unless otherwise agreed.
Detailed DLD Fee Breakdown for 2026
1. Property Transfer Fee: 4%
The cornerstone of DLD charges is the property transfer fee. At 4% of the property value, this is the single largest additional cost when buying real estate in Dubai.
| Property Value | DLD Transfer Fee (4%) | Total Additional Costs (~6.5%) |
|---|
| AED 500,000 | AED 20,000 | AED 32,500 |
| AED 1,000,000 | AED 40,000 | AED 65,000 |
| AED 2,000,000 | AED 80,000 | AED 130,000 |
| AED 3,000,000 | AED 120,000 | AED 195,000 |
| AED 5,000,000 | AED 200,000 | AED 325,000 |
| AED 10,000,000 | AED 400,000 | AED 650,000 |
These figures assume approximately 6.5% total additional costs. This includes the 4% DLD fee plus fixed administrative charges and estimated agent commission.
2. Trustee Office Fee: AED 4,000
Every property transaction processed through a Real Estate Registration Trustee office incurs a fixed registration fee of AED 4,000. This is in addition to the 4% transfer fee. Trustee offices serve as the physical locations where property transfers are executed, title deeds are issued, and documentation is processed.
Trustee offices operate Sunday through Thursday, from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are accepted.
3. Title Deed Issuance Fee: AED 540 Per Unit
When registering a property for the first time, the DLD charges AED 540 per unit. This fee breaks down as follows:
| Component | Cost (AED) |
|---|
| Title Deed | 250 |
| Map Issuance | 250 |
| Knowledge Fee | 10 |
| Innovation Fee | 10 |
| Total | 540 |
If property data requires amendment, the fee increases to AED 570 per unit. An additional AED 5,000 applies if there are common area maps involved.
4. Ejari (Tenancy Registration) Fee
Ejari is the mandatory tenancy contract registration system in Dubai. The cost depends on how you register:
| Method | Cost |
|---|
| Online (Dubai REST app / DLD website) | AED 120 (100 + 10 knowledge + 10 innovation) |
| Via Real Estate Trustee Centers | AED 120 + AED 95 + VAT (service partner fees) |
Registering online through Dubai REST is the most cost-effective option. Creating an Ejari user account is free. Tenancy contract cancellation is free if done by the property owner or real estate agent. It costs AED 40 if processed through trustee offices.
5. Property Approval Fee: AED 122.50 Per Unit
For DLD approval of individual property units, the fee is AED 122.50 per unit, distributed as:
| Component | Cost (AED) |
|---|
| Unit Approval | 50 |
| Knowledge Fee | 10 |
| Innovation Fee | 10 |
| Electronic System Fee | 50 |
| VAT on Electronic System | 2.50 |
| Total | 122.50 |
Additional fees apply for map approvals. AED 250 for land common area maps. AED 350 for building common area maps. AED 500 for 3D common area maps. AED 1,000 for full BMS (Building Management System) 3D maps.
6. Warehouse Sale Registration Fee
Warehouse transactions carry a unique fee structure. The registration fee is AED 10 per square meter of the plot on which the warehouse is located. The minimum fee is AED 10,000. Importantly, this fee is split equally between buyer and seller unless both parties agree to a different arrangement.
7. Unit Splitting or Merging Fee: AED 620 Per Unit
If you need to split or merge property units, the DLD charges AED 620 per unit. This process requires several documents:
- No Objection Certificate from the developer or jointly-owned property management company
- Bank NOC if the property is mortgaged
- Approved engineering drawings from the planning authority
- Construction completion certificate
Off-Plan vs Ready Property: Fee Differences
Off-Plan Properties (Oqood System)
When buying an off-plan property — such as those available in new Dubai projects — the initial registration takes place through the Oqood system. Oqood (meaning "contract" in Arabic) is DLD's self-registration platform for developers to register off-plan sale contracts before the property is completed.
The base transfer fee remains 4% of the property value. However, instead of receiving a title deed immediately, buyers receive an Initial Sale Certificate. This certificate confirms the property has been registered in their name. Once the project is completed, the Oqood registration converts to a full title deed.
This system protects buyers' rights during the construction phase. Developers must register all off-plan sales through Oqood. The project must also have an approved escrow account with a DLD-authorized financial institution.
Ready Properties
For completed properties, the process differs. Before the transfer can happen at a trustee office, the buyer must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer. The NOC confirms that all service charges and obligations are settled and that the developer has no objection to the transfer.
The NOC typically costs between AED 500 and AED 5,000 depending on the developer. Some developers issue it free of charge. Once the NOC is secured, both buyer and seller visit the trustee office to complete the transfer, pay the 4% DLD fee, and receive the new title deed.
Comparison Table: Off-Plan vs Ready
| Factor | Off-Plan | Ready Property |
|---|
| Transfer Fee | 4% of property value | 4% of property value |
| Registration System | Oqood | Direct at Trustee Office |
| Document Received | Initial Sale Certificate | Title Deed |
| Developer NOC Required | No (developer initiates) | Yes |
| Escrow Account | Required by law | Not applicable |
| Title Deed Timing | After project completion | Immediate at transfer |
Property Auction Fees
Properties sold at auction follow a different fee structure. According to the DLD, the fees are split between buyer and seller as follows:
Seller pays:
- Auction supervisory fee: 1% of sale value (maximum AED 30,000)
- Registration fee: 2% of sale value
- Knowledge fee + innovation fee
Buyer pays:
- Registration fee: 2% of sale value
- Title deed issuance fees
- Knowledge fee + innovation fee
- Land map issuance fees
Note that the combined registration fees in an auction total approximately 5%. This is slightly higher than the standard 4% transfer fee for private sales. The additional 1% supervisory fee goes toward auction administration costs.
Total Cost Breakdown: What You Actually Pay
When budgeting for a property purchase in Dubai, plan for total additional costs of approximately 6-7% of the property value. Here is a detailed breakdown for a AED 1,000,000 apartment:
| Cost Item | Amount (AED) | Notes |
|---|
| DLD Transfer Fee (4%) | 40,000 | 4% of property value |
| Trustee Office Fee | 4,000 | Fixed per transaction |
| Title Deed Issuance | 540 | Per unit, first registration |
| Real Estate Agent Commission | 20,000 | Typically 2% of property value |
| Developer NOC | 500–5,000 | Varies by developer |
| Mortgage Processing (if applicable) | 3,000–7,000 | Bank valuation + processing |
| Total Additional Costs | 68,040–76,540 | ~6.8–7.7% |
For buyers exploring investment opportunities in Dubai, understanding this cost structure is essential for accurate ROI calculations.
DLD Fee Exemptions
The Only Exemption: Ruler's Decree
According to the official Dubai Land Department FAQ, there are no automatic exemptions from DLD fees. The department's official position states that waivers can only be granted by an order from the Ruler of Dubai.
This means:
- UAE nationals and expatriates pay the same fees
- GCC citizens receive no DLD fee discounts
- First-time buyers pay the full 4% transfer fee
- Property type (residential, commercial, industrial) does not affect the fee rate
- Investment value or portfolio size does not qualify for exemptions
Historical Exemptions
In rare cases, the Ruler of Dubai has issued decrees waiving DLD fees for specific developments or buyer categories. These are exceptional, targeted measures. They are usually announced as part of broader economic stimulus packages. Buyers should not rely on potential exemptions when budgeting for a property purchase.
How to Pay DLD Fees: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before visiting a trustee office or paying online, ensure you have:
- Original title deed (for ready properties)
- Sale agreement or Oqood registration (for off-plan)
- Passports and Emirates IDs of buyer and seller
- NOC from the developer (for ready properties)
- Mortgage approval letter (if financed)
Step 2: Choose Your Payment Method
The DLD accepts the following payment methods:
- Certified bank cheques — the most common method for large transactions
- Credit cards — accepted at trustee offices and online
- Noqodi wallet — DLD's digital payment platform, linked to Al Ansari Exchange and affiliated banks
- Cash — accepted at trustee offices
Step 3: Complete the Transaction
At a Trustee Office:
- Visit any Real Estate Registration Trustee office (Sunday–Thursday, 8 AM – 5:30 PM)
- Submit all required documents
- Pay the 4% transfer fee plus fixed administrative charges
- Receive your new title deed (ready properties) or Initial Sale Certificate (off-plan)
Online via Dubai REST:
- Download the Dubai REST app or visit the DLD website
- Log in with your UAE Pass or registered account
- Navigate to the property transfer service
- Upload required documents and pay fees digitally
- Receive digital confirmation and track your title deed status
Step 4: Verify Your Title Deed
After the transfer is complete, verify your title deed through the DLD website or Dubai REST app. Title deeds can be verified using the title deed number and property details. This step is crucial to ensure the transfer was recorded correctly.
Cost-Saving Tips for DLD Fees
While the 4% transfer fee is unavoidable, there are several ways to reduce ancillary costs:
- Register Ejari online through Dubai REST or the DLD website to pay AED 120 instead of AED 215+ at trustee centers
- Negotiate the agent commission — while 2% is standard, some agents offer reduced rates for high-value transactions
- Bundle services — some trustee centers offer package deals for multiple registrations
- Use Noqodi for digital payments to avoid processing fees associated with bank cheques
- Time your transaction — some developers offer to cover DLD fees as a promotional incentive during new project launches
DLD Fees Compared to Other Markets
Dubai's 4% transfer fee is relatively competitive compared to other global property markets:
| City/Country | Transfer Tax / Stamp Duty | Additional Costs |
|---|
| Dubai, UAE | 4% DLD fee | ~2-3% additional |
| London, UK | 2-12% (tiered SDLT) | 1-2% legal + survey |
| Singapore | 1-4% BSD + 15-30% ABSD | 2-3% legal |
| Hong Kong | 1.5-4.25% AVD + 15% BSD | 1-2% legal |
| New York, USA | 0.4-1.4% (mansion tax up to 3.9%) | 2-5% closing costs |
| Sydney, Australia | 4-5.5% stamp duty (or annual tax) | 2-3% legal + inspection |
Dubai's total transaction cost of 6-7% is competitive with most major markets. This is especially true considering the absence of ongoing property taxes, capital gains tax, or rental income tax. These factors make the Dubai real estate market particularly attractive for international investors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are the Dubai Land Department fees?
The DLD property transfer fee is 4% of the property value. For example, when buying a property worth AED 1,000,000, the DLD fee will be AED 40,000. You also pay fixed administrative fees of approximately AED 4,540. This covers the trustee office fee (AED 4,000) and title deed issuance (AED 540).
Can I get an exemption from DLD fees?
There are no automatic exemptions from DLD fees. According to the official Dubai Land Department FAQ, fee waivers can only be granted by a direct order from the Ruler of Dubai. All buyers must pay the applicable fees regardless of nationality, residency status, or property type.
What is the difference between off-plan and ready property DLD fees?
The base transfer fee remains 4% of the property value in both cases. The key difference is the registration process. Off-plan properties are registered through the Oqood system for initial registration before title deed issuance. Ready properties require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer before the transfer can proceed at a trustee office.
How do I pay DLD fees in Dubai?
You can pay DLD fees through Real Estate Registration Trustee offices (open 8 AM to 5:30 PM). You can also use the Dubai REST mobile app, the Noqodi digital wallet, or the DLD website payment portal. Accepted payment methods include certified bank cheques, credit cards, and cash.
What are the total additional costs when buying property in Dubai?
Total additional costs amount to approximately 6-7% of the property value. This includes the DLD transfer fee (4%), trustee office fee (AED 4,000), title deed issuance (AED 540 per unit), real estate agent commission (typically 2%), and legal or valuation fees.
Conclusion
Understanding DLD fees is essential for anyone buying property in Dubai. The 4% transfer fee, combined with fixed administrative charges and agent commission, brings total additional costs to approximately 6-7% of the property value. While no automatic exemptions exist, Dubai's competitive fee structure and zero ongoing property taxes make it one of the most attractive real estate markets globally.
For the latest listings and to explore properties across Dubai, browse off-plan projects, area guides, and developer profiles on AiGentsRealty. Our AI-powered platform helps you find the perfect property with transparent cost breakdowns and verified market data.
