RERA + Legal✓ Updated Jan 2026

Oqood Registration for Off-Plan Property in Dubai

Off-plan purchases require Oqood registration. The process, fees, and timing relative to the sales agreement.

·7 min read·By AgentsAI Editorial

Off-plan property purchases in Dubai must be registered through Oqood before the buyer can take possession or transfer the unit. The process links the sales agreement to the Dubai Land Department system, protects both parties against disputes, and locks in the agreed payment schedule.

What Oqood Registration Covers

Oqood is the official RERA system for recording off-plan sales agreements. It applies to units in projects under construction across Dubai Marina, JLT, JVC, MBR City, and Arabian Ranches Phase 3. Once registered, the agreement receives a unique Oqood number that appears on all future DLD documents. Without this registration, banks will not release mortgage funds and the developer cannot issue a final handover letter.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Sign the sales and purchase agreement (SPA) with the developer or authorised broker. Include the exact unit number, payment schedule, handover date, and service charge estimate.
  2. Pay the 4% DLD transfer fee plus AED 540 admin fee within 30 days of signing. The fee is calculated on the total purchase price and is non-refundable once Oqood is issued.
  3. Submit the signed SPA, buyer passport copies, Emirates ID (if UAE resident), and proof of payment to the developer’s Oqood desk or directly through the RERA portal.
  4. Receive the Oqood certificate within 5–10 working days. Check that the certificate lists the correct buyer name, unit details, and payment milestones matching the SPA.
  5. Update the payment schedule in the Oqood system each time an instalment is paid. Developers are required to upload proof of receipt within seven days.

Timing Relative to the Sales Agreement

Registration must occur after SPA signature but before the first milestone payment beyond the 10% booking deposit. In practice, most developers in Dubai Marina and JVC require Oqood completion before releasing the 20% or 30% construction-linked payment. Delaying registration beyond 30 days can trigger late penalties of AED 100 per day under RERA rules.

Fees and Payment Breakdown

  • DLD fee: 4% of purchase price (minimum AED 2,000)
  • Admin fee: AED 540 per transaction
  • Escrow account verification: AED 1,050 (paid once at project level, not per unit)
  • Bank NOC for mortgage buyers: AED 1,500–2,000 (varies by lender)

All fees are paid in AED. Developers cannot charge extra for Oqood processing beyond the published DLD rates.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

Buyers frequently face delays when the SPA contains mismatched unit numbers or when the developer has not yet opened the project escrow account with RERA. Always verify the escrow account number printed on the SPA before signing. If the buyer is a company, attach the trade licence and board resolution; individual buyers need only passport and Emirates ID. Power of attorney documents must be attested by the UAE embassy if signed outside the country.

After Oqood Registration

Once the Oqood certificate is issued, the unit appears in the buyer’s RERA portal account. At handover, the developer issues the title deed only after the final 10% payment and Oqood status shows “Completed”. Service charge estimates listed in the Oqood record become the baseline for the first year’s charges; any increase above 5% requires RERA approval. Keep digital copies of the Oqood certificate and all payment receipts for future resale or mortgage top-up requests.

How long does Oqood registration take?

Most registrations are completed within 5–10 working days once the developer submits complete documents to RERA. Complex cases involving company buyers or foreign power of attorney can extend to 15 days.

Can I cancel after Oqood registration?

Yes, but you must follow the cancellation clause in the SPA. RERA allows a 30-day cooling-off period from the date of Oqood issuance for full refund minus 4% DLD fees. After 30 days, penalties follow the staged payment schedule in the agreement.

Does Oqood protect against developer delays?

Oqood records the original handover date. If the developer misses this date by more than six months without RERA-approved extension, buyers can claim compensation or cancel under RERA’s off-plan buyer protection rules.

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