Initial Usufruct Registration

A usufruct right in the UAE is a legally recognised right to use and benefit from a property owned by another party, without transferring ownership. It allows individuals or companies to occupy and utilise real estate for an extended period — typically up to 20 years in Dubai — under an officially registered usufruct agreement. To make the right enforceable, the parties must complete the legal registration of usage rights through the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Once registered, the beneficiary receives a DLD registration certificate of usufruct, confirming the legal status of the agreement and protecting their right of use for the full term of the contract.

An initial usufruct registration in Dubai is the first official recording of a long-term property usage right in the Dubai Land Department (DLD) system. This process secures the beneficiary’s legal right to use real estate for up to 20 years for residential or commercial purposes. The procedure applies when a developer or property owner grants a usage right without transferring full ownership of the property. It is required for residential properties, commercial real estate, and other cases where a party wishes to register a limited right of use in Dubai under the applicable usufruct law in the UAE. After successful registration, the DLD issues a certificate confirming the beneficiary’s right to occupy the property in accordance with the agreed-upon terms of the long-term lease registration. EGSH assists in preparing the documents, submitting the application, and completing the entire registration process through the DLD’s official Oqood portal.

The developer or property owner must submit the usufruct agreement and supporting documents to the Dubai Land Department (DLD) through the Oqood portal. Residential usufruct agreements in Dubai are registered for up to 20 years, granting the beneficiary full usage rights without transferring ownership. This protects parties and ensures compliance with residential rights registration requirements in the UAE. EGSH handles the full process on your behalf — from document preparation and application submission to obtaining the official usufruct registration certificate from the DLD.

The required documents for usufruct registration in Dubai vary depending on whether the applicant is an individual or a company. All documents must be valid and, where applicable, translated into Arabic in a legally certified manner. For Individuals:  — Sale and usufruct contract  — Valid UAE ID  — Passport copy (for non-residents) For Companies: All companies must submit a valid trade licence and the UAE ID or passport of the licence holder. Depending on the legal structure, additional documents apply: — Individual Establishments and LLCs: Power of attorney (if applicable), Memorandum of Association (MoA) translated into Arabic, and shareholder certificate.  — Foreign Companies: In addition to the above, the MoA must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the free zone (valid for one year) is required if the property is in a free zone.  — GCC Companies: Same as foreign companies, including MoA attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. EGSH reviews your documents, arranges for legal translations and attestations as required, and submits your complete application to the DLD for fast and compliant registration.

A lease is a contractual agreement that grants temporary use of a property, typically for short to medium terms (1 to 5 years), and is governed by tenancy laws such as Ejari in Dubai. A real estate usufruct in Dubai grants the beneficiary long-term usage rights — often up to 20 years — and provides stronger legal protection under property ownership laws. A usufruct is officially recorded in the Dubai Land Department’s real estate registry and results in a DLD-issued usufruct certificate confirming the beneficiary’s rights. Usufruct rights are commonly used when parties wish to secure property use without transferring ownership, such as in long-term investment projects or off-plan developments.

The Dubai Land Department charges the following fees for the registration of an initial usufruct: — 2% of the contract value stated in the usufruct agreement (mandatory registration fee) — AED 10 Knowledge Fee — AED 10 Innovation Fee The rental value is determined based on the terms of the usufruct contract. Additional costs may apply for document translations, attestations, or legal services, depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant’s case. EGSH provides a full fee breakdown before registration and assists in calculating and settling all required government payments through the DLD’s official channels.

A commercial or residential usufruct in Dubai is typically granted for a term of up to 20 years, as defined in the property usage agreement and in accordance with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) regulations. The exact term is specified in the usufruct contract and must be recorded during the registration process. After the agreed period expires, the usufruct right automatically terminates unless it is renewed and re-registered with the DLD.

To obtain a DLD usufruct certificate, you must complete the official registration of your usufruct agreement through the Dubai Land Department’s Oqood portal. This involves submitting the signed usufruct contract, all required identification and company documents, and settling the applicable government fees. Once the application is reviewed and approved by DLD, an electronic usufruct certificate is issued and sent to the beneficiary by email. This document serves as legal proof of your registered right to use the property for the agreed term. EGSH manages the entire process on your behalf — from document verification and application submission to obtaining the final DLD usufruct certificate within six business days.