Usufruct & Musataha Registration in Dubai – Long-Term Real Estate Rights

A usufruct agreement allows the beneficiary to use and benefit from an existing property without owning it, for up to 99 years. A musataha agreement grants the right to develop land and benefit from the building for up to 50 years. Both rights must be registered with the DLD to be legally valid. EGSH facilitates the whole registration process, ensuring compliance and the timely issuance of the official deed.

Foreign individuals and companies can register a musataha or usufruct right in Dubai, subject to applicable ownership and zoning regulations. A valid passport or company registration, along with a notarised Power of Attorney (if represented), is required. EGSH verifies all documents and applies to authorised DLD systems on your behalf.

For usufruct rights registration, the Dubai Land Department charges 2% of the rental value from both the owner and the lessee. For a musataha agreement, the fee is 1% of the land value. In case of resale, 1% applies to the land and 4% to the built-up structure. Additional DLD fees include AED 250 for the title deed, AED 100–225 for property maps, and AED 10 each for knowledge and innovation fees. EGSH provides a full fee breakdown and ensures correct calculation based on your case.

Once the application is approved and all DLD fees are paid, the Certificate of Title and property map are issued within 30 minutes. EGSH handles the whole process and ensures all documents are delivered electronically through authorised channels.

Yes, registration can be completed remotely through an authorised representative. A notarised Power of Attorney is required.

If a usufruct or musataha agreement is not registered with the DLD, it has no legal effect under UAE law. The rights cannot be enforced in court, used for financing, or transferred. EGSH ensures that all long-term lease and development rights are correctly registered to maintain full legal validity.

Usufruct and musataha contracts are issued for fixed terms—up to 99 years for usufruct and up to 50 years for musataha. Renewal is not required during the agreed period. However, to maintain legal enforceability, any changes to the contract must be formally registered. EGSH assists with amendments and ensures continuous validity of usufruct and musataha contracts through the DLD.

A legal entity must be registered with the DLD before it can apply for usufruct or musataha proper registration. Unregistered companies must complete the DLD company registration procedure first. EGSH verifies company status and assists with the whole process where required.