Ejar Registration in Saudi Arabia: Step-by-Step Guide

If you're renting a flat in Riyadh or Jeddah and someone told you to "do your Ejari," here's the quick answer: Saudi Arabia's official rental documentation platform is Ejar (at ejar.sa), not "Ejari" — that spelling belongs to the United Arab Emirates. Same idea, different country. In the Kingdom, every rental contract should be documented through Ejar, and it's straightforward once you know the steps.

This guide to understanding Ejar registration in Saudi Arabia walks you through what Ejar is, who pays, the exact fees in SAR, and how to document your lease from start to finish — whether you're a tenant, a landlord, or dealing with a licensed broker.

Ejari or Ejar? What Saudi renters actually use

People search for "Ejari" all the time, but if you live in Saudi Arabia the system you'll use is Ejar. It's the national electronic platform for documenting rental contracts, operated under the Real Estate General Authority (REGA). Whenever you see "Ejari" in a Saudi context, read it as Ejar — the process below is what applies here.

What is Ejar and why registration is mandatory

Ejar is the government-backed system that turns a rental agreement into an official, documented contract recognised across the Kingdom. Documentation on Ejar has been mandatory for rental contracts since 2018, and there are good reasons behind that.

A documented Ejar contract:

• Protects both tenant and landlord with a legally recognised record of the rent, term and payment schedule.
• Is often required for everyday admin — from setting up utilities to supporting certain visa, school and government procedures.
• Makes disputes far easier to resolve, because the agreed terms are already registered rather than sitting in a handwritten paper you signed in a hurry.

In short: an undocumented rental contract leaves you exposed. A documented one gives you something solid to stand on if things go wrong.

Who pays the documentation fee — and how much

The documentation fee is generally paid by the lessor (landlord) or the licensed real-estate broker, unless the contract clearly assigns responsibility to someone else. Always confirm this in writing before you sign, because who pays can be negotiated.

Residential contracts

• Residential documentation fee — SAR 125 per contract year.

Commercial contracts

• First year — SAR 200.
• Each additional year — SAR 400.

So a standard one-year flat lease in a district like Al Malaz or Al Nakheel in Riyadh, or along the Jeddah Corniche, carries a documentation fee of SAR 125 for that year — modest for the protection it buys.

What you need before you start

Registration is quick if you have everything ready. Before you begin, make sure:

• Both landlord and tenant have valid Saudi identity or residency records (national ID or Iqama).
• Both parties have verified mobile numbers registered to their IDs — approvals and signatures happen electronically.
• You have the property and ownership details (title/ownership documents for the unit).
• You've agreed the rent, payment schedule and contract term in advance.
• You can access Nafath, which is used to log in securely.

How to register your lease on Ejar step by step

Registration is completed through a licensed real-estate broker, or directly through Ejar (ejar.sa) where the available service allows it. The typical flow looks like this:

1. Log in to Ejar using Nafath — the secure national authentication app verifies your identity.
2. Enter the contract details — landlord, tenant, property, unit, rent amount, payment schedule and contract term.
3. Upload or verify ownership documents — the property and ownership records are checked against the unit.
4. Select who pays the documentation fee — landlord, broker or tenant, based on what you agreed.
5. Send the contract for electronic approval — both parties review and sign electronically.
6. Pay the applicable fee — settle it through the available electronic payment method.
7. Download the documented contract — retrieve your official Ejar contract to keep for your records.

That's it. Once both parties have approved and the fee is paid, you have a documented lease recognised across the Kingdom.

How long the documentation lasts and renewals

Your documented contract stays valid for the term stated in the lease — documentation doesn't extend or shorten the expiry date you agreed. When the lease ends and you renew, or sign a fresh term, a new documentation fee may apply for that period.

Plan for this at renewal time so it doesn't catch you out: a one-year residential renewal again carries a fee of SAR 125.

Common mistakes and red flags to avoid

• Assuming other apps handle this. Absher, Muqeem, Qiwa, Najiz, Balady, Tawakkalna and Etimad are not the primary channels for documenting an ordinary residential lease — Ejar is.
• Signing a paper-only contract. A handwritten agreement without Ejar documentation gives you far weaker protection.
• Not confirming who pays the fee. Sort this before you sign, in writing.
• Skipping mobile verification. If your number isn't verified against your ID, you can't approve electronically.
• Ignoring the details. Check that the rent, payment schedule and term on Ejar match exactly what you agreed verbally.

When you're ready to find your next home, you can browse rental listings across Saudi Arabia on Saudi Living.

FAQs

Is it "Ejari" or "Ejar" in Saudi Arabia?

In Saudi Arabia the platform is Ejar, at ejar.sa. "Ejari" is associated with the UAE. If you're renting in the Kingdom, you use Ejar.

Is Ejar registration mandatory?

Yes. Documenting rental contracts through Ejar has been mandatory since 2018, and a documented contract protects both landlord and tenant.

How much does Ejar documentation cost?

Residential contracts cost SAR 125 Commercial contracts cost SAR 200 for the first year and SAR 400 for each additional year.

Who pays the Ejar fee — the tenant or the landlord?

Generally the landlord or the licensed broker pays, unless the contract assigns it differently. Always confirm this in writing before signing.

Can I register the contract myself?

You can register through a licensed real-estate broker, or directly through Ejar where the available service permits. You'll log in with Nafath and both parties approve electronically.

Who do I contact if I have a problem with Ejar?

The official Ejar Help Center can be reached on 199011.

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