Quick answer: DLD land transfer fees — The Dubai Land Department charges a registration fee of 4% of the sale value on a land sale. By law it is split 2% seller and 2% buyer unless agreed otherwise. Add AED 250 for the title deed, a plot map fee (AED 225 or AED 100), small knowledge and innovation fees, and a registration trustee fee plus VAT.
Key facts
| Item | Official amount | Source / note |
|---|---|---|
| DLD sale registration fee | 4% of sale value | Executive Council Resolution No. 30 of 2013 |
| Default split | 2% seller, 2% buyer, unless agreed otherwise | ECR 30/2013 Art. 3; DLD service card |
| Title deed certificate | AED 250 | DLD Property Sale Registration service |
| Land map (DM unified map) | AED 225 | DLD service card |
| Land map (outside DM jurisdiction) | AED 100 | DLD service card |
| Knowledge + innovation fees | AED 10 + AED 10 (service centre) | DLD service card |
| Trustee (service partner) fee | AED 4,000 + VAT if value is AED 500,000 or more; AED 2,000 + VAT below | DLD service card |
| Mortgage registration | 0.25% of the mortgage (debt) value | ECR 30/2013 schedule |
| Musataha registration (Dubai) | 1% of the musataha consideration | ECR 30/2013 schedule |
| Off-plan (Oqood) initial sale | 2% seller + 2% buyer, plus AED 10 + AED 10; developer self-registration AED 1,000 | DLD initial sale service |
What is the DLD transfer fee on land in Dubai?
Dubai’s real property registration fees are set by Executive Council Resolution No. 30 of 2013, which lists “registering a real property sale contract” at 4% of the value of the sale contract. The fee applies to land the same way it applies to villas and apartments.
Article 3 of the resolution says that, unless the parties agree otherwise, the sale fee is shared equally by the seller and the purchaser. The DLD’s own Property Sale Registration service card repeats this: seller 2%, buyer 2%.
In practice many land deals, particularly brokered resales, are priced on the basis that the buyer pays the full 4%. That is a commercial term negotiated between the parties and written into the Memorandum of Understanding (commonly the RERA Form F), not a legal rule. Agree it explicitly in writing before you sign.
Worked example
A plot sells for AED 10,000,000 under a DM unified map. Registration fee: 4% = AED 400,000 (AED 200,000 each if split by default). Title deed: AED 250. Map: AED 225. Knowledge and innovation: AED 20. Trustee fee: AED 4,000 + 5% VAT = AED 4,200. Total government and trustee cost is about AED 404,695 before brokerage, NOC and any mortgage fees. Always re-run the numbers on the DLD fee calculator, because minor fees are updated from time to time.
What other costs come with a plot purchase?
The DLD fee is the largest item, but not the only one. Budget for these as well:
- Master developer NOC. In freehold areas DLD requires an electronic no-objection certificate (e-NOC) from the developer, requested via the Dubai REST app. The NOC fee is set by each master developer and is not published centrally by DLD. Ask the developer for the current fee and validity period.
- Brokerage commission. Agreed between you and a RERA-licensed broker. 2% is a common market figure, but it is negotiable and not set by law. VAT applies.
- Mortgage registration. If you finance, DLD charges 0.25% of the mortgage debt value (ECR 30/2013). Lenders may add their own fees.
- Outstanding service charges and master community fees. The NOC will not issue until these are cleared, so check them early.
- Valuation. Banks require a valuation; DLD-registered valuers also provide independent reports.
- Due diligence. Legal review, title search, affection plan, and an outstanding-dues check. See our land due diligence approach in how to buy land in the UAE.
What fees apply to other land transactions?
ECR 30/2013 sets fees for more than straight sales. The ones landowners meet most often:
| Transaction | Fee under ECR 30/2013 |
|---|---|
| Gift of real property | 0.125% of value, minimum AED 2,000 |
| Long-term lease contract registration | 4% of the total value of the lease contract |
| Usufruct right registration | 2% of the real property value |
| Musataha registration | 1% of the consideration paid for the musataha |
| Musataha transfer | 1% of the consideration paid |
| Musataha or long-term lease amendment | AED 1,000 |
| Warehouse sale | AED 10 per sq m of the plot, minimum AED 10,000 |
| Grant of title of industrial/commercial land to beneficiary | 30% of market value of the land |
| Grant of title of industrial/commercial land to possessor | 50% of market value of the land |
| Mortgage discharge | AED 1,000 |
The schedule has been amended since 2013 for specific services. Treat this table as a starting point and verify with DLD for the transaction you plan. For leases and musataha in more depth, read leasing land in the UAE.
Step-by-step: registering a land sale with DLD
Step 1: Agree terms and sign the MOU
Buyer and seller agree price, deposit, who pays the 4%, the transfer date and conditions. Brokered deals normally use the RERA MOU (Form F). Agree who pays the NOC fee and outstanding service charges.
Step 2: Check the title and the plot
Get a copy of the title deed and confirm the seller is the registered owner, with no mortgage or caveat. Obtain the current affection plan to confirm plot number, area and permitted use. Our guide on how to read an affection plan explains each field.
Step 3: Obtain the developer e-NOC
For freehold areas, the seller applies for the e-NOC through the Dubai REST app. The developer confirms there are no outstanding dues. See master developer NOC and escrow rules.
Step 4: Mortgage clearance (if any)
If the seller has a mortgage, the bank must issue a liability letter and release. The buyer’s bank, if financing, prepares its mortgage registration.
Step 5: Book the transfer at a Real Estate Registration Trustee
Transfers are processed at DLD-licensed Registration Trustee offices. The DLD service card lists Emirates ID of seller and buyer (or a valid passport for non-resident foreigners), and the e-NOC. Companies must first be registered with DLD.
Step 6: Pay fees and sign
Fees are paid by ePay, Dubai Pay, Noqodi wallet or manager’s cheque, per DLD. The seller is paid as agreed, commonly by manager’s cheque handed over at the trustee office.
Step 7: Receive the electronic title deed and map
DLD issues an electronic title deed and electronic map. The DLD service card states a service time of about 25 minutes once documents are complete.
How are off-plan plots registered in Oqood?
Where a plot or unit is sold before full payment or completion, the developer registers the sale on the interim (provisional) register under Law No. 13 of 2008, through the Oqood portal. DLD states the sale and purchase contract must be registered within 90 days of signing.
The same 2% + 2% fee applies, plus small fees. When the plot is fully paid and transferred, a final title deed is issued. Read DLD registration for strata and split sales for detail.
Common mistakes that cost money
- Assuming “4% buyer” is the law. It is a negotiated term.
- Leaving the NOC to the last week. Outstanding dues delay transfer.
- Forgetting VAT on trustee and brokerage fees.
- Using an old fee table. Check the DLD fee calculator before signing.
- Ignoring land-specific grant fees when buying former government-granted land. See buying land from government vs resale.
Frequently asked questions
Is the DLD fee on land 4%?
Yes. ECR 30/2013 sets the sale registration fee at 4% of the sale contract value, for land and buildings alike.
Who legally pays the 4%?
Unless the parties agree otherwise, 2% is paid by the seller and 2% by the buyer. Many resale deals agree the buyer pays all 4%, so put it in the MOU.
How much is the title deed fee?
The DLD service card lists AED 250 for the title deed certificate, plus a map fee of AED 225 (DM unified map) or AED 100 (outside DM jurisdiction).
What is the trustee office fee?
AED 4,000 plus VAT where the sale value is AED 500,000 or more, and AED 2,000 plus VAT below that, according to DLD.
Do I pay DLD fees on a mortgage?
Yes. Registering a mortgage costs 0.25% of the mortgage debt value under ECR 30/2013.
Can a non-resident buy land without an Emirates ID?
DLD accepts a valid passport for non-resident foreigners, provided the plot is in an area where they may own.
How long does registration take?
DLD lists about 25 minutes at the trustee once all documents, the NOC and payments are ready.
Sources
- DLD – Property Sale Registration service
- Executive Council Resolution No. 30 of 2013 approving DLD fees
- DLD – Request to register the initial sale (Oqood)
- DLD – Title transfer application
- DLD – Procedure fee calculator
Related guides
- GFA, FAR and Plot Density in the UAE: How Buildable Area Is Calculated
- Freehold vs Leasehold Land in Dubai and the UAE: Who Can Own What
- Master Developer NOCs and Escrow Rules for UAE Plot Buyers and Developers
- Joint Venture and Development Agreements for UAE Land
- Abu Dhabi vs Dubai Land Laws: Ownership, Registration and Fees Compared
- Ras Al Khaimah Land Buying Guide: Freehold Areas, Fees and Process
- How to Buy Land in the UAE: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026
- Buying Land from Government or Master Developers vs the Resale Market
- How to Read an Affection Plan (Site Plan) in Dubai and the UAE
- UAE Construction Norms for Plot Owners: Permits, Setbacks, Coverage and Codes
- UAE Land Authorities: Who Controls What in a Land Transaction
- DLD Registration for Strata and Split Sales: Jointly Owned Property, Oqood and Plot Subdivision
- Leasing Land in the UAE: Ground Leases, Musataha and Usufruct Explained
- All regulatory guides
Have a question? Ask the UAE Land Deals team
Free. We reply within 1–2 working days. General information, not legal or investment advice.
Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees, laws and procedures change; confirm current requirements with the Dubai Land Department (verify with DLD) or the relevant emirate authority and a licensed UAE lawyer before transacting.
Last reviewed: October 2026.