What is a Title Deed?

In Dubai the Title Deed is the final proof of ownership, comparable to a German land-register entry but as a personalised certificate. It names the owner, the unit, the area and the type of ownership, full freehold in designated freehold areas. It is issued only by the DLD, and the fee is AED 250 (source: Dubai Land Department).

For an existing property the Title Deed is transferred to the buyer once the 4 percent DLD fee is paid and the developer NOC is in place. For an off-plan property there is first only an Oqood; the Title Deed follows after completion and handover.

The DLD now holds Title Deeds electronically, and owners can retrieve them through the Dubai REST app. A valid Title Deed is required for resale, for registering a tenancy through Ejari, and for a property-based Golden Visa application.

For a buyer the Title Deed is the evidence that ownership is fully registered in their own name. Before the final payment, confirm it will be issued right after the transfer.

Our buying property in Dubai page explains the ownership transfer.