Registrar of Real Property
Property Registration And Related Services Client Handbook
The Registrar of Real Property (“RORP”) is responsible for approving and registering all types of transactions related to real property in accordance with the laws and regulations of Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC”).
The RORP administers the laws, regulations and procedures designed to ensure the protection of the rights of buyers, sellers and leaseholders of all properties in DIFC (“DIFC Properties”). In addition, the RORP administers DIFC Real Property Law, DIFC Strata Title Law, and DIFC Leasing Law, and deals with all registrations under those Laws and Regulations.
Further information on specific procedures for registration of rights and interests relating to real property within DIFC can be found in the Client Handbook.
FIRST TIME ACCESS TO THE DIFC CLIENT PORTAL
The RORP-related services can only be accessed through the DIFC Client Portal. If you wish to submit a request, please obtain access by visiting portal.difc.ae
LEASE REGISTRATION
Lease/sub-lease registration is required for DIFC Properties that are leased for a term exceeding 6 months and such lease must be registered within 20 days from the date of the parties entering into the lease agreement. Failure to register the lease within the agreed time frame will result in a penalty of USD 1,000. However, DIFC-registered entities are required to register their commercial or retail leases immediately regardless of the term to ensure the registered address is updated on the system.
Lease registration of properties within DIFC must be submitted through the DIFC Client Portal. Before filling the form, please note the below conditions:
- Commercial units, such as offices and retail shops can only be leased by entities registered in DIFC or are under formation at the time of lease registration.
- Companies leasing residential units will be asked to provide occupant details.
All documents uploaded on the DIFC Client Portal must be clearly legible. Failure to submit clear scanned copies will result in the request being rejected.
For the full list of documents required to be uploaded to the DIFC Client Portal, please refer to page 14 of the Registrar of Real Property Client Handbook
- Lease registration fees is based on the lease term:
- More than 6 months and less than 5 years: USD 100
- Equal to or more than 5 years and less than 10 years: USD 200
- Equal to or more than 10 years: USD 300
Parties to a residential lease have the option to use the DIFC Residential Lease Agreement template, which is advisory only and can be enhanced by the parties, provided such enhancements and additional terms do not contravene the Leasing Law DIFC Law No 1 of 2020 and the Leasing Regulations.
Forms relevant to payment and release of the security deposit under a residential lease are uploaded on the Public Website under Leasing Law No.1 of 2020 Documents
A security deposit collected by a lessor under a residential lease must be deposited in the DIFC Escrow account. For payment details, please refer to page 16 of the Client Handbook Registrar of Real Property Client Handbook
