Ejari Online vs Typing Centre vs Trustee: Which Route?
There are two ways to register Ejari in Dubai, and typing centre and trustee centre are the same thing. Online through the Dubai REST app is cheaper, around AED 155 excluding VAT, and issues the certificate in under 24 hours. A Real Estate Services Trustee centre, also called a typing centre, costs more, around AED 219.75 including fees and VAT, but gives you in-person help and often issues the certificate the same day. Choose online for cost, a trustee centre for hands-on support.
- Online is cheaper
- Trustee centre is in-person and instant
- Typing centre and trustee centre are the same
- Both are official DLD routes
The two routes, cleared up
The confusion is in the names. Dubai REST is the official app, where REST stands for Real Estate Services Trustee. A trustee centre, also called a typing centre or Ejari centre, is a physical office authorised by the DLD to register on your behalf. Both feed the same Ejari system, so the certificate is identical. The choice is about price, speed and whether you want help.
Side by side
| Feature | Dubai REST (online) | Trustee / typing centre |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Around AED 155 excluding VAT | Around AED 219.75 including fees and VAT |
| Speed | Usually under 24 hours | Often same day, in person |
| Support | Self-service in the app | Face-to-face help |
| Best for | Confident, cost-conscious users | First-timers or complex cases |
When online is the better choice
If your documents are in order and you are comfortable in an app, Dubai REST is cheaper and quick. You enter the contract and property details, upload the documents, pay, and download the certificate. Check your file first so it is not rejected.
When a trustee centre is worth it
If it is your first Ejari, the paperwork is unusual, or you want someone to check it in person, a trustee centre is worth the extra. Staff catch errors before submission and can issue the certificate on the spot.
Prefer to do it yourself?
Check your documents free with the Ejari Document Checker, estimate the cost with the Ejari Fee Calculator, and read the Dubai REST step-by-step guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a typing centre the same as a trustee centre?
Yes. Typing centre, Ejari centre and Real Estate Services Trustee centre all mean the same authorised office.
Is online Ejari cheaper?
Yes. Dubai REST is around AED 155 excluding VAT, while a trustee centre is around AED 219.75 including fees and VAT.
Which is faster?
Both are fast. Online is usually under 24 hours, and a trustee centre often issues the certificate the same day.
Do both give the same certificate?
Yes. Both feed the same Ejari system, so the certificate is identical.
Official reference: Dubai Land Department.
Government fees are set by the authority and can change. Confirm the current amount through the official channel.
Related
Ready to get Ejari-ready?
Create your Dubai tenancy contract on the DLD unified format, check it for missing details, and download it as PDF or Word. Free, no sign-up.