# Dubai property glossary

> Plain-English definitions of Dubai property terms: DLD, RERA, BRN, ORN, permit and QR code, off-plan, escrow, title deed, NOC, service charge, Ejari and Golden Visa.

Source: https://gemma-green.com/glossary/  
Author: Gemma Green, property consultant at McCone Properties, Dubai  
Last updated: 2026-10-30

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Glossary

# Dubai property glossary

The terms you will meet when buying in Dubai, in plain English.

DLD Dubai Land Department
:   The government body that registers property ownership and transfers in Dubai and collects the transfer fee.

RERA Real Estate Regulatory Agency
:   The regulator of Dubai’s real estate sector, part of the Dubai Land Department.

BRN Broker Registration Number
:   The number on a licensed agent’s RERA broker card. Ask any agent for theirs.

ORN Office Registration Number
:   The registration number of a licensed brokerage.

Permit number and QR code Advertising permit
:   A permit identifying a property advert with the regulator, shown with a QR code that lets you check the advert’s details.

Freehold Freehold ownership
:   Ownership of a property and, where applicable, the land, which foreign nationals can hold in designated areas.

Off-plan Off-plan property
:   A property bought before it is completed, usually under a developer’s payment plan.

Escrow account Project escrow account
:   A regulated account into which off-plan buyers’ payments are paid and from which funds are released as construction progresses.

Title deed Title deed
:   The official proof of ownership issued after the transfer is registered.

NOC No-objection certificate
:   A document from the developer or community stating there are no outstanding charges that block a sale.

Service charge Service charge
:   An annual fee paid by owners to maintain shared areas and facilities, usually priced per square foot.

Ejari Ejari
:   The registration system for tenancy contracts in Dubai.

Golden Visa UAE Golden Visa
:   A long-term residence visa, with a property-investment route that commonly requires a property value of AED 2 million.