Dubai Oqood Explained
An Oqood is the Dubai Land Department's official off-plan pre-registration certificate — the legal record of your interest in a property that hasn't been built yet. It's your proof of ownership until the tower completes and a full title deed is issued.
What an Oqood is
The Arabic word 'Oqood' means 'contracts'. In Dubai real estate, it refers to the DLD's electronic pre-registration system for off-plan property. When you sign a Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA) on an off-plan unit, the developer must register that SPA with the DLD, and the DLD issues you an Oqood certificate.
This certificate is your legally-recognised interest in the unit. If you sell the off-plan unit before handover (an 'assignment sale'), the assignment must also go through DLD Oqood — private off-Oqood assignments are not enforceable.
What an Oqood looks like
- PDF certificate issued by the DLD
- Buyer name and passport / Emirates ID
- Developer name and project name
- Unit number, floor, saleable area
- SPA date and purchase price
- DLD Oqood registration number
How to check your Oqood
- Log into the Dubai REST app with your passport or Emirates ID.
- Select 'Real Estate Services' → 'My Properties'.
- Your Oqood-registered units appear here with certificate PDF download.
- If the unit doesn't appear within 14 days of SPA signing, contact the developer — they may be late lodging Oqood. Miri Homes chases this on our clients' behalf.
Oqood vs Title Deed
| Oqood | Title Deed | |
|---|---|---|
| Applies to | Off-plan property | Ready property |
| Issued by | DLD (via developer) | DLD (on transfer) |
| Cost | AED 3,000–5,000 | AED 250 issuance + 4% transfer |
| When issued | Within 14 days of SPA | On handover / secondary transfer |
| Golden Visa evidence | Yes (with developer payment letter) | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
What is a Dubai Oqood?
An Oqood is the Dubai Land Department's official pre-registration certificate for off-plan property — the legal proof of your interest in a unit that hasn't been built yet.
How much does Oqood registration cost?
AED 3,000–5,000 depending on the developer and unit price. Paid at SPA signing.
Can I get a Dubai Golden Visa on an Oqood?
Yes, provided you have paid at least AED 2M to the developer and can produce both the Oqood and the developer's payment letter.
What happens to my Oqood when the property completes?
The developer transfers it to a full title deed at handover, following your final payment. DLD title deed replaces the Oqood as the legal record of ownership.