The title deed is the Dubai Land Department's record that you own a registered unit or plot. For ready homes it is issued at the trustee office on transfer day; for off-plan homes the Oqood registration converts to a title deed after completion.
- Issued by
- Dubai Land Department (DLD)
- Transfer fee
- 4% of price or DLD valuation, whichever is higher
- Admin charge
- AED 580 widely reported for apartments and villas
- Where
- Registered trustee office or Dubai REST
What the deed proves
A Dubai title deed records the owner, the unit or plot number, the area and the community. Banks rely on it for mortgage registration and buyers rely on it to confirm the seller actually holds what is being offered.
Since the DLD moved to electronic deeds, the document is issued digitally and can be viewed in the Dubai REST app. A paper print can still be requested.
How a resale deed is issued
On transfer day the buyer, the seller (or their attorneys) and any mortgage bank meet at a registered trustee office. The trustee checks the developer NOC, identity documents and manager's cheques, the DLD records the transfer and the new deed is issued to the buyer the same day.
- Signed Form F (memorandum of understanding)
- Developer No Objection Certificate, still within its validity
- Passports, plus Emirates ID for residents
- Manager's cheques for the seller, DLD fee and trustee fee
- Bank liability letter and discharge where the seller has a mortgage
Fees reported for 2026
Published guides agree on a 4% DLD transfer fee calculated on the higher of the price and the DLD valuation, customarily paid by the buyer. Most cite an additional AED 580 administration charge for apartments and villas; one developer guide lists a different issuance figure, so treat the small charges as indicative. The trustee office charges a separate service fee, reported at AED 4,000 plus VAT for transfers of AED 500,000 and above.
Fees and procedures are revised from time to time. Confirm current figures with the Dubai Land Department, a registered trustee office or your developer before you transfer funds.
How long does it take to receive a title deed in Dubai?
For a ready resale home the deed is usually issued at the trustee office on the day of transfer, once all cheques and the developer NOC are accepted. Off-plan buyers receive it after the project is completed and the Oqood is converted.
Do I pay the 4% DLD fee again when my off-plan Oqood becomes a title deed?
Published guides state that the 4% is charged once, at Oqood registration, and is not charged again on conversion. A small issuance charge may apply.
Can I check a title deed online?
Yes. Owners can view their deeds in the Dubai REST app, and the DLD offers title deed verification services for buyers checking a seller's documents.