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.

Developers and buyers involved in primary real estate transactions, such as off-plan sales or first-time handover of new units, must register the initial contract of sale with the Dubai Land Department within 90 days of signing.

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.

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.

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.