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Renting Property

Documents Required to Rent

What you need to sign a tenancy contract.

Updated: September 2026 4 min read

To rent in Dubai as an individual you need your Emirates ID, since Ejari registration requires it, plus the passport and residence visa that landlords and agents usually ask to see. The landlord supplies the title deed and their own ID. You also need the signed unified tenancy contract and your rent cheques.

Documents you need as an individual tenant

  • Emirates ID: the DLD asks for the applicant's Emirates ID to register the contract, and the unified contract records the tenant's Emirates ID number.
  • Passport and residence visa copies: not listed by the DLD for Ejari, but landlords and agents commonly ask for them.
  • Email address and phone number: the contract states that all formal and legal notices will go to them, so give ones you check.
  • Cheque book: for post-dated rent cheques and, often, the deposit.

If a company is the tenant

The unified contract asks for the company's trade licence number and licensing authority. Expect to provide a copy of the trade licence and the ID of the person signing for the company.

What the landlord must provide

  • Proof of ownership, such as the title deed, and the owner's Emirates ID or passport.
  • An official power of attorney if a representative signs; one issued outside Dubai must be attached for registration.
  • The original unified tenancy contract, signed by both parties.
  • The 9-digit DEWA premises number, shown on the door of each unit. It is entered on the contract and links your Ejari to DEWA.

New to the UAE and no Emirates ID yet?

Ejari registration asks for the applicant's Emirates ID. If yours hasn't been issued, agree with the landlord or agent how and when the lease will be registered before you pay, and don't move in on an unregistered contract for long: you need Ejari for DEWA and for family visa applications.

Document checklist

  • Emirates ID (original for in-person registration).
  • Passport and residence visa copies.
  • Trade licence copy, if renting through a company.
  • Landlord's title deed and ID, or a power of attorney.
  • Unified tenancy contract and any addendum, signed by both sides.
  • DEWA premises number, and cheques for rent and deposit.

Frequently asked questions

Can I rent in Dubai without an Emirates ID?

Ejari registration asks for the applicant's Emirates ID. If yours hasn't been issued, agree with the landlord or agent how and when the lease will be registered before you pay, and don't stay long on an unregistered contract, since you need Ejari for DEWA and family visa applications.

Do landlords in Dubai ask for a passport and visa copy?

Commonly, yes. The DLD doesn't list passport and residence visa copies for Ejari registration, but landlords and agents usually ask to see them alongside your Emirates ID.

What documents does a company need to rent a property in Dubai?

The unified contract asks for the company's trade licence number and licensing authority. Expect to provide a copy of the trade licence and the ID of the person signing for the company.

What is the DEWA premises number?

It is the 9-digit number shown on the door of each unit. The landlord provides it, it is entered on the tenancy contract, and it links your Ejari registration to DEWA.

Sources

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