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The Dubai Land Department issues official property maps for land plots, apartments, villas, buildings, and common areas. This guide covers all six map types, fees ranging from AED 100 to AED 3,000, the step-by-step request process, required documents, and how to apply through a Trustee Centre, the Dubai REST App, or the DLD website.
What Is a DLD Property Map?
A property map is an official electronic document issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) that shows the exact boundaries, dimensions, and spatial configuration of a registered real estate asset. The DLD issues property maps for land plots, residential and commercial units, villas, entire buildings, and common areas within jointly owned developments. The standard processing time is 12 minutes, as published on the DLD service page for property map requests, though maps requiring coordination with Dubai Municipality may take up to 24 hours.
Each map is generated directly from the DLD real property database maintained under Law No. 7 of 2006 Concerning Real Property Registration in the Emirate of Dubai, which designates the DLD as the sole authority responsible for surveying, certifying maps, and issuing property unit plans. The issued document is a digitally certified e-Map containing a QR code for authentication. It reflects the property exactly as recorded in the official register — including plot number, area, unit reference, and any registered subdivisions. An e-Map is accepted by all government entities, banks, courts, and regulatory bodies in Dubai as an official spatial record.
Property maps differ from title deeds in function: while a title deed confirms ownership, a property map confirms the physical parameters of the property. Both documents are linked to the same DLD register entry and are frequently required together — for example, during a property ownership transfer or mortgage registration, the DLD typically issues a new map alongside the updated title deed.
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When Is a Property Map Required?
A property map serves as the official spatial reference for a registered asset. It is required or strongly recommended in the following situations:
Property sale or resale. A current e-Map is typically required during sale registration at the DLD. The map confirms the exact area and boundaries recorded in the register, which must match the information on the title deed. If discrepancies exist between the map and the deed, the DLD may require a title deed amendment before processing the sale.
Mortgage registration. Banks and financial institutions routinely require a property map when conducting due diligence for mortgage approval. The map is needed to verify the property dimensions before the lender registers a mortgage with the DLD.
Property valuation. Accredited valuation companies use the DLD property map as the baseline spatial reference for their assessment. Without a valid e-Map, the valuer cannot confirm the official area and may be unable to issue a valuation certificate.
Inheritance and gift transfers. When processing an inheritance registration or a property gift transfer, the DLD may require an updated map to accompany the application — particularly if the property has been subdivided or if boundaries have changed since the original registration.
Jointly owned property management. Developers and management entities submit common area maps as part of the Jointly Owned Real Property Register maintained by the DLD. These maps are essential for defining shared spaces, calculating service charge proportions, and registering individual unit boundaries within a building.
Building permits and construction approvals. Dubai Municipality and other planning authorities may require a DLD property map before issuing permits for construction, renovation, or development on a registered plot.
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How to Request a Property Map from the DLD
The map issuance process is fully digital. Applications can be submitted through three official channels, all of which are connected to the DLD's secure mapping system.
Step 1 — Choose a Submission Channel
Applicants may submit their request through any of the following:
Real Estate Services Trustee Centre. EGSH is an authorised DLD Real Estate Services Trustee Centre where consultants verify your documents, determine the correct map type, and submit the application directly through the DLD system. This is the recommended channel for applicants who need guidance on which map to request or who are combining the map request with other DLD procedures, such as a sale registration or property valuation.
Dubai REST Mobile App. Property owners registered in the DLD system can submit map requests through the Dubai REST app, which provides access to map issuance alongside other DLD services. Login is available via UAE Pass or title deed credentials.
DLD Website (Oqood Portal / Real Estate Developers Portal). Developers and authorised representatives can submit map requests through the DLD's web-based portals.
All three channels are listed on the DLD property map request service page.
Step 2 — Submit Required Documents
The DLD requires the following for a property map request:
- Emirates ID or passport — mandatory for all applicants, including owners and authorised representatives. Non-residents who do not hold an Emirates ID must provide a valid passport.
- Authorisation letter — required if the applicant is not the registered owner. If a company representative is submitting the request, the letter must confirm their authority to act on behalf of the entity.
No additional documents are required for a standard property map request. However, if the request is linked to a concurrent transaction (such as a sale or mortgage registration), the DLD may request the relevant transaction documents as part of the combined application.
Step 4 — Review and Map Generation
After submission, the DLD reviews the application and verifies that the property details match the register. The map is then generated through the system. The official service time published by the DLD is 12 minutes for most map types. If the plot falls within the Dubai Municipality's unified mapping jurisdiction, the request undergoes an additional technical review by the Municipality, and processing may take up to 24 hours.
Step 5 — Receive the e-Map by Email
The approved map is sent to the applicant by email in electronic format. The e-Map is digitally certified and contains a QR code for verification. It is accepted for all official DLD procedures, including sale registration, mortgage registration, and valuation.
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Requesting Maps for Parking Spaces and Storage Rooms
A DLD property map can include additional parking spaces and storage rooms, provided these areas are officially registered as part of the property in the DLD system. When submitting the map request, the applicant must specify whether the map should cover parking or storage facilities in addition to the main property unit.
Parking and storage maps are processed under the same service and require the same supporting documents as a standard unit or villa map. The DLD treats each registered space as a component of the property record, so the map will reflect the exact areas and boundaries as recorded in the register.
This is particularly relevant for owners of apartments and villas in jointly owned developments, where parking spaces and storage rooms may be designated as part of the individual unit or as common areas. The correct map type depends on how the space is registered: if it is attached to the unit in the DLD register, it appears on the unit map; if it is classified as a common facility, it falls under the common areas map.
Common Areas Maps for Jointly Owned Property
The common areas and facilities map is the most complex and costly map type issued by the DLD, with a base fee of AED 3,000. This map type is governed by Law No. 6 of 2019, which requires the DLD to issue and update maps of common parts, designated common parts, and common facilities for all jointly owned real property.
Common parts of a building include, among other elements, structural components (foundations, columns, roofs), hallways, entrances, stairwells, parking aisles, recreation facilities, gardens, and main utility systems. The DLD maintains these maps in the Jointly Owned Real Property Register alongside unit ownership details, service charge data, and developer-owned area records.
Common areas maps are typically requested by developers when registering a new building or project with the DLD, or by management entities and owners' committees that need updated spatial records for service charge calculations and facility management. Individual unit owners do not normally need to request a common areas map; their property details are reflected on the unit-specific apartment or villa map.
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How to Apply Through EGSH
EGSH is an authorised DLD Real Estate Services Trustee Centre that processes property map requests directly through the DLD's electronic system at standard government fees. No additional service fees apply for the map issuance itself.
The process at EGSH follows the same four-step DLD procedure:
- Document verification. An EGSH consultant reviews your Emirates ID (or passport for non-residents), confirms the property details in the DLD system, and determines the correct map type based on the registered asset category.
- Application submission. The consultant submits the request through the DLD platform, specifying the map type and any additional requirements (such as parking or storage areas).
- Fee payment. Government fees are collected on-site via cash, card, or electronic payment.
- Map delivery. The approved e-Map is generated by the DLD system and sent to the applicant by email — typically within 12 minutes for standard requests.
Applicants who need the map as part of a broader procedure — such as a sale registration, mortgage registration, or property valuation — can complete all steps in a single visit at EGSH, as the centre provides access to the full range of DLD services under one roof.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive a property map from the DLD?
The official service time published by the DLD is 12 minutes for most map types. If the land plot falls within the Dubai Municipality's unified mapping jurisdiction, an additional technical review by the Municipality may extend processing to up to 24 hours.
Can a non-resident request a property map in Dubai?
Yes. UAE citizens, residents, and non-residents (including tourists) can all request a property map, provided they are the registered owner or hold a valid authorisation letter from the owner. Non-residents must present a valid passport instead of an Emirates ID.
What is the difference between a land map and an apartment map?
A land map covers the boundaries and dimensions of a registered plot, while an apartment map shows the spatial layout and area of a specific residential or commercial unit within a building. The fees also differ: AED 100 or AED 225 for a land map (depending on Municipality jurisdiction), and AED 250 for an apartment map.
Do I need a property map to sell my apartment in Dubai?
A property map is typically issued as part of the sale registration process at the DLD. The map confirms that the property boundaries and area match the title deed details. If discrepancies are identified, the DLD may require a title deed amendment before completing the sale.
Can I request a map for parking spaces and storage rooms?
Yes, provided these areas are officially registered in the DLD system as part of the property. The applicant must indicate the parking or storage requirement when submitting the map request. These maps are processed under the same service and fees as the main property map.
What is the fee for a common areas map?
The DLD charges AED 3,000 for a common areas and facilities map, plus AED 10 knowledge fee and AED 10 innovation fee per drawing, bringing the total to AED 3,020. This map type covers shared spaces in jointly owned property and is governed by Law No. 6 of 2019.
Is the property map issued in paper or electronic format?
All DLD property maps are issued exclusively in electronic format as digitally certified e-Maps. Each e-Map contains a QR code for verification and is delivered to the applicant by email. Electronic maps carry the same legal validity as paper documents for all official purposes.
Can I request a property map online without visiting a Trustee Centre?
Yes. Property owners registered in the DLD system can submit map requests through the Dubai REST Mobile App or through the DLD website (Oqood Portal / Real Estate Developers Portal). However, applicants who require assistance with document verification or who are combining the map request with other DLD procedures may find it more efficient to visit an authorised Trustee Centre such as EGSH.
Explained by
Randa Sameer
Real Estate Services Trustee Consultant at EGSH
Randa Sameer has over three years of experience supporting Dubai Land Department transactions and real estate registrations. Her professional focus includes compliance with DLD regulations, ownership transfers, and trustee documentation.
Official Sources and References
The following government authorities and legal sources were cited in this article:
- Dubai Land Department (DLD) — The sole authority responsible for real property registration, map issuance, and ownership records in Dubai.
- Law No. 7 of 2006 Concerning Real Property Registration in the Emirate of Dubai — Establishes the DLD's authority over property registration, surveying, and map certification.
- Law No. 6 of 2019 Concerning Ownership of Jointly Owned Real Property in the Emirate of Dubai — Regulates common areas mapping, jointly owned property register, and developer obligations.
- DLD Property Map Request Service — Official service description, fees, procedures, and eligibility.
- Dubai REST Application — The DLD's official mobile application for property services, including map issuance.
- Dubai Legislation Portal — Official repository of Dubai laws and regulations.
Important Notice
The information in this article reflects the procedures, fees, and requirements published by the Dubai Land Department as of early 2026. Government fees, eligibility criteria, and processing timelines are subject to change without prior notice at the discretion of the relevant authorities. Final approval of any application rests with the DLD and, where applicable, Dubai Municipality. Applicants are advised to verify the latest requirements with the DLD or through an authorised Real Estate Services Trustee Centre such as EGSH before submitting their application. This article does not constitute legal or financial advice.
