How to Register Co-occupants on Your Dubai Ejari: Complete Guide

Registering everyone who lives in your rental unit keeps you legal, keeps neighbours safe, and makes access to services easier. This guide walks you through the rules, the documents, and the exact steps for co-occupant updates as part of Ejari registration Dubai.

Why you must register co-occupants

Dubai’s tenancy system requires transparency about who lives in a property. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) asks landlords and tenants to record co-occupants so units do not host unauthorised tenants or unsafe overcrowding. Registering co-occupants helps emergency services, property managers, and regulators respond accurately when needed. Failure to list occupants can lead to follow-up inspections and penalties.

Key rules you should know

Only properties that have landlord approval for multiple occupants may host formal co-living setups. DLD issues only one primary Ejari tenancy per unit; co-occupants are added to that record through a dedicated DLD co-occupant service. If a landlord leases rooms separately with proper approvals, those arrangements must still link back to the main Ejari record. Keep this in mind before you add anyone.

Documents you will need

Collect these items before you start:

• Your tenancy contract and the property details.
• Tenant’s passport and visa copy.
• Emirates ID for each co-occupant (or the passport/visa if Emirates ID is not yet issued).
• Any landlord or property manager ID if they handle the process.

Step-by-step: DLD process for co-occupants

Use the Dubai REST app or the DLD website to manage occupants. The DLD’s official sequence is short and clear. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Dubai REST app or visit the DLD portal and log in. Choose the role “Individual.”
2. Authenticate with UAE PASS for quick access. The system uses UAE PASS to confirm identities.
3. From your dashboard, select the property where you are the tenant. Then choose Manage Co-occupants.
4. Enter the number of co-occupants and submit. To add personal details, click Add More, then enter each co-occupant’s Emirates ID and date of birth and use Verify.
5. To remove a person, use the delete icon beside their entry and submit the update.

These DLD steps are the authoritative route. If you do them correctly, the system will save the occupants to your Ejari record.

How to register co-occupants if you don’t have a UAE PASS

You can still register by creating an account with your Emirates ID or residence visa number on the DLD platform. After account setup, follow the same Manage Co-occupants workflow. UAE PASS simply speeds up authentication.

Alternative: using Ejari typing centres or a PRO

If you prefer in-person help, authorised Ejari centres and typing offices can register tenancy and support occupant updates. They accept the originals of the tenancy contract, identification documents, and proof of ownership. Service providers can also manage the process on your behalf. Expect to pay applicable service or convenience fees when you use a third party. 

Fees and processing time

The basic Ejari registration fee sits with DLD and its standard charges. If you use a typing centre or a paid PRO, you will pay extra service fees. Online submissions via Dubai REST or the Ejari portal are typically processed quickly once you authenticate and upload valid documents. Exact fees and timing can vary by centre and service provider.

Practical tips and common scenarios

• Add all family members and long-term roommates. Short-term visitors usually do not belong on Ejari unless they become residents.
• Verify each Emirates ID when prompted. The DLD system pulls official records if you verify IDs.
• Keep your Ejari current when someone moves in or out. A current record avoids problems with utilities, visas, and official inspections.
• If your landlord handles Ejari, ask for a copy of the updated Ejari certificate after they add co-occupants. Confirm the entries match reality.

What happens if you don’t register

Dubai authorities have increased inspections for illegal partitioning and overcrowding. Missing occupant information can flag your unit during an inspection. Landlords and tenants might face penalties or enforcement action if the property is used outside its approved terms. Registering occupants avoids these risks. 

Removing or correcting entries

The DLD dashboard lets you delete co-occupants. Use the delete icon beside the person’s record and submit the change. Always re-check the Ejari certificate or the dashboard after you update entries. Keep screenshots or saved confirmations for your records. 

Final checklist before you submit

• Have Emirates IDs or visa numbers ready.
• Confirm the tenancy contract and landlord details.
• Authenticate with UAE PASS where possible to speed verification.
• Save a copy of the updated Ejari record or certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who should be registered as a co-occupant?
All family members and long-term roommates living in the property must be registered. Short-term guests or occasional visitors don’t need to be included unless they become permanent residents. This way, the Ejari record always shows the actual occupancy.

2. Can I complete Ejari registration in Dubai online?
Yes. You can handle the process through the Dubai REST app or the DLD portal. Both platforms let you add or remove co-occupants digitally, making updates quick and convenient. If you’re wondering how to register Ejari online, this is the easiest method.

3. What documents are required for co-occupant registration?
You’ll need Emirates IDs or passport/visa copies for each co-occupant. In addition, the tenant’s Emirates ID and tenancy contract are mandatory. Keeping scanned copies ready will make the process much faster.

4. How do I remove someone who has moved out?
On the Dubai REST app, you’ll see a delete option next to each registered co-occupant. Once you submit the update, the person will be removed from the Ejari record. Always check your updated certificate afterward to confirm the change.

5. Can service providers handle registration for me?
Yes. Authorised Ejari typing centres and PRO services can manage updates on your behalf. They do charge service fees, but it can save you time if you’d rather not do it online. They can also guide you if you later decide to manage Ejari registration yourself.

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