Initial Sale Registration in Dubai

Initial sale registration is the official process of recording the sale of off-plan or newly completed property with the Dubai Land Department. It creates a provisional record confirming the buyer’s legal interest in the property before full payment and handover.

The initial contract of sale is concluded between the developer and the purchaser when an off-plan unit, a newly completed property, or a land plot is sold. To formalise this agreement, the developer must submit a request to register the initial sale through the Oqood system of the Dubai Land Department within 90 days from the date of signing. Once registered, the purchaser receives a provisional registration e-certificate confirming their legal rights. EGSH, as an authorised Real Estate Services Trustee, verifies the documents, ensures compliance with DLD requirements, and manages the whole submission process on behalf of the client.

The core documents are the signed sale and purchase agreement (contract of sale), buyer’s passport or Emirates ID, payment receipt, and, for companies, a trade licence, Memorandum of Association, shareholder certificate, and power of attorney if applicable.

The Dubai Land Department issues this certificate after successful registration. It confirms the property’s status in the provisional register and secures the buyer’s legal rights.

No. The initial contract of sale is a legally binding agreement between the developer and the purchaser, outlining the terms of the transaction. Oqood, by contrast, is the electronic platform used by developers for registering these contracts with the provisional register. It provides the mechanism for ensuring that each contract is recorded correctly and legally recognised. EGSH supports clients through DLD’s sale registration services in Dubai, coordinating with developers, reviewing documents, and ensuring that contracts are registered accurately and without delay.

Upon complete submission of all required documents, the provisional registration certificate is typically issued within one business day, subject to DLD processing.

Initial sale registration typically involves a 4% DLD fee, usually paid by the buyer, unless otherwise agreed with the developer. Additional DLD service fees include AED 10 Knowledge Fee, AED 10 Innovation Fee, and AED 1000 for developer self-registration. DLD sets all costs, and they are payable upon submission.

The 4% fee forms part of the official Dubai Land Department registration fees for initial sale registration. By default, it is payable by the purchaser, unless the signed contract explicitly assigns this obligation to the developer or another party. Additional charges include AED 10 Knowledge Fee, AED 10 Innovation Fee, and AED 1,000 for developer self-registration through Oqood. EGSH assists clients by calculating the applicable fees, coordinating with the developer, and ensuring that all payments are made correctly through the official channels, including Noqodi or the project’s escrow account.

DLD registration fees and property registration charges can be paid via the Noqodi wallet or deducted from the project’s escrow account. EGSH will assist with all payment procedures.

Failure to register the initial contract of sale within 90 days may result in penalties or complications in securing legal ownership.

Yes, a representative may act with a valid power of attorney and all required supporting documents for the sale agreement registration and related requests.

Initial sale registration is mandatory for off-plan and primary market sales. Secondary market (resale) transactions are subject to final sale registration procedures.

You can check your registration status by logging into the Dubai REST app, selecting the relevant property or transaction, and viewing the current status under your service requests. The app provides real-time updates as the Dubai Land Department processes your application.