Oqood vs Title Deed in Dubai: Key Differences You Must Know

When buying property in Dubai directly from a developer (off-plan), you’ll often hear the word Oqood. It’s an Arabic term meaning “contract,” but in Dubai real estate, it refers to a digital platform managed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) that ensures transparency and protection for buyers and developers in off-plan transactions.

Understanding the Oqood Dubai registration process is essential for anyone buying off-plan property — it guarantees legal protection, transparency, and smooth resale options.

What is Oqood in Dubai?

Oqood is an online registration system introduced by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). It manages all contracts and agreements related to off-plan property sales.

Key functions:

• Registers initial sales contracts between developers and buyers.
• Protects buyers by ensuring developers are licensed and projects are approved.
• Standardizes contract terms and documentation.
• Provides a secure, government-backed record of your property transaction.

Why Oqood Registration is Important

• Legal protection: Ensures your contract is recognized by DLD.
• Transparency: Buyers can verify that the project and developer are officially approved.
• Investor confidence: Off-plan buyers are safeguarded against disputes.
• Easy resale: A registered Oqood contract is mandatory for transferring or reselling off-plan units before completion.

Without Oqood registration, the purchase of an off-plan property in Dubai is not legally recognized.

Oqood Registration Process in Dubai

• Booking the unit – Buyer signs the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with the developer.
• Payment of initial fees – Usually 10–20% of the purchase price as per the payment plan.
• Submission of documents – Passport copies, Emirates ID (if applicable), and SPA are submitted to DLD.
• Oqood registration – Developer uploads details into the Oqood portal and pays the registration fee.
• Issuance of Oqood certificate – Buyer receives proof of registration under DLD’s system.

Required Documents for Oqood Registration

To register your property through the Oqood system, you (or your developer on your behalf) will need to provide the following:

• Passport copy (valid, and for both buyer and co-buyer if applicable).
• Emirates ID (for UAE residents).
• Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) signed with the developer.
• Proof of payment (initial booking fee / down payment receipt).
• Contact details (phone number, email, residential address).
• Power of Attorney (if someone is registering on your behalf).

Oqood Registration Costs

• 4% of the property value — mandatory DLD (authority overseeing all real estate transactions) registration fee.
• Knowledge & Innovation fees — AED 540–580 (varies slightly).

In most cases, the buyer pays these fees, while the developer completes the registration.

Benefits of Oqood for Investors

• Peace of mind: Your purchase is government-verified.
• Clear ownership path: Once the project is completed, the Oqood certificate converts to a full Title Deed (final ownership certificate issued after project completion).
• Flexibility: Enables legal resale of off-plan properties before handover.
• Market confidence: Dubai is one of the few cities worldwide with such a secure, government-backed digital registration system.

Oqood vs Title Deed: Key Differences

Feature	Qqood	Title Deed
When issued	For off-plan properties (under construction)	After handover of the completed property
Purpose	Confirms buyer's rights during construction	Confirms full legal ownership of the property
Issued by	Dubai Land Department (via Qqood portal)	Dubai Land Department (via Real Estate Trustee offices)
Resale	Required to legally resell off-plan units	Required for reselling or mortgaging ready properties
Validity	Until project handover	Permanent proof of ownership

Think of Oqood as the temporary ownership record during construction, while the Title Deed is the final certificate of full ownership after completion.

Practical Example: Buying an Off-Plan Unit in Dubailand

Imagine you purchase a 2-bedroom apartment from Emaar in Dubailand at a launch price of AED 1,400,000.

• You pay a 10% booking fee (AED 140,000).
• The developer prepares the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA).
• Emaar uploads your details into the Oqood portal.
• You pay 4% DLD fee (AED 56,000) plus admin fees.
• Within a few days (typically 2–10 working days), you receive your Oqood certificate confirming the property is registered under your name.

Later, if you decide to resell the unit before handover, the buyer and seller transfer the Oqood via DLD. After completion, the Oqood converts into a full Title Deed.

Tips for Buyers

• Check developer credentials — ensure the project and developer are listed with DLD.
• Budget for fees — include the 4% Oqood fee and AED 540–580 admin costs.
• Keep documents ready — passport copy, Emirates ID (if applicable), and SPA.
• Confirm Oqood issuance — always request your registered Oqood certificate.
• Work only with RERA-licensed brokers — guarantees compliance and safer transactions.

Common Mistakes Buyers Make with Oqood

Even though Oqood registration is straightforward, many first-time investors overlook key details:

• Delaying registration — some buyers assume the developer will handle everything automatically. Always follow up to ensure your Oqood is issued.
• Ignoring the 4% fee — forgetting to budget for DLD’s 4% fee can lead to unpleasant surprises.
• Not verifying project approval — buyers sometimes sign contracts for projects not properly registered with DLD. Without Oqood, the deal is not legal.
• Losing track of documents — keep copies of your SPA, receipts, and the Oqood certificate for future resale or mortgage applications.
• Assuming Oqood = Title Deed — remember: Oqood is temporary. You’ll still need to convert it into a Title Deed after completion.

Advantages of Working with a Broker for Oqood Registration

While Oqood is a government-managed system, navigating the process can still be confusing for first-time buyers or overseas investors. A licensed broker ensures:

• Smooth communication with developers — all documents are submitted correctly and on time.
• Fee transparency — clear explanation of Oqood costs, avoiding hidden charges.
• Legal compliance — verification that the project and developer are fully approved by DLD.
• Faster resale opportunities — brokers handle Oqood transfer when you want to resell before handover.
• Peace of mind — no risk of missing deadlines or losing money due to incomplete registration.

At DDA Real Estate, our team assists buyers from the first booking fee to Oqood registration and, later, the Title Deed transfer — ensuring that every step is fully compliant and investor-friendly.

You might be interested in: "Real Estate Broker in Dubai: Why Do You Need One?"

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Oqood and Title Deed?
— Oqood is for off-plan properties (under construction), while a Title Deed is issued after project completion.

Who pays the Oqood fee?
— The buyer pays 4% of the property value to DLD.

Can I resell my off-plan property before handover?
— Yes, but only if the Oqood is registered.

How long does Oqood registration take?
— Usually 2–10 working days, depending on developer and DLD processing.

Is Oqood mandatory?
— Yes, without Oqood your off-plan purchase is not legally valid.

Can I finance Oqood through mortgage?
— No, banks finance only after Title Deed registration (upon handover).

Oqood registration is a cornerstone of Dubai’s real estate system. It protects buyers, ensures transparency, and secures every off-plan property transaction under DLD’s supervision.

If you’re planning to buy off-plan property in Dubai, make sure your Oqood is registered properly.

Leave a request with DDA Real Estate today — we’ll send you a curated list of top off-plan projects in Dubai and guide you through booking, Oqood registration, resale, and Title Deed transfer.