Emaar Extension Fees – What Villa Owners Need to Know in Dubai
By Eng. Amjed / November 2025
Before starting any villa modification in an Emaar community, it’s vital to understand Emaar extension fees, submission requirements, and the step-by-step approval workflow. Whether you plan to add a room, build a pergola, or enclose a terrace, Emaar applies strict design and safety standards to preserve the quality of its developments.
This guide explains the full Emaar villa modification cost, required documentation, and recent updates from the Dubai Hills Estate portal, so you can plan your project confidently and avoid delays.
Table of Contents
Understanding Emaar Extension Fees
Emaar charges specific fees for reviewing, approving, and inspecting villa modifications. These costs vary slightly between villa communities such as Dubai Hills Estate, Arabian Ranches, Meadows, and Maple Villas.
Official Fee Structure (as per Dubai Hills Estate Portal)
According to Emaar Community Management (ECM):
- Non-refundable review fee: AED 500
- GFA rate for villas (GFA increase): AED 1,000 per sq.ft
- GFA rate for townhouses (GFA increase): AED 700 per sq.ft
💡 GFA (Gross Floor Area) refers to any increase in built-up space — such as enclosing balconies, extending kitchens, or adding extra rooms.
These rates apply only to the Emaar extension approval stage and exclude Dubai Municipality permit and consultant fees.
When and How to Pay the Emaar Extension Fees
- During submission: Pay AED 500 (non-refundable review fee) to activate the application.
- Before approval: Once the design review is cleared, pay the GFA fee based on the added built-up area.
- After completion: If a deposit is requested, it is refunded after Emaar’s final inspection and clearance.
Payment is done entirely online through the Emaar Community Portal. You can track progress and any Request for Information (RFI) updates directly in the same dashboard.
Documents Required for Emaar Extension Approval
Before submission, ensure the following documents are ready (as listed on the Dubai Hills Estate portal):
- Contractor’s / consultant’s trade license registered in Dubai
- Detailed list of scope of works
- Current photographs of areas to be modified
- Proposed floor plans (if applicable)
- Proposed elevations, sections & detail sheets (if applicable)
- 3D visualisations of the proposed modifications (if applicable)
- DDA site plan / DM affection plan / DLD plot plan (if applicable)
- Any additional information requested by the reviewing engineer
📎 All files must be uploaded through the Emaar online portal in PDF or CAD format. Failure to follow the submission format can delay review and RFI responses.
Application & Submission Workflow
Emaar’s online submission process includes several clearly defined stages:
- Work scope selection – Choose whether the modification is internal, external, or structural.
- Company / Consultant details – Only Dubai-registered consultants can submit applications.
- Documents submission – Upload drawings and supporting documents as per the list above.
- Payment – Pay the AED 500 review fee online to initiate the process.
- Review & RFI stage – Emaar may request clarifications or additional details.
- Approval & GFA payment – Pay the GFA fee (AED 1,000 / AED 700 per sq.ft increase) once conditional approval is granted.
- Construction & inspection – Begin work after receiving final NOC and DM permit; Emaar will inspect upon completion.
📞 For queries, Emaar Community Management can be contacted at notifications@ecm.ae or via 800 EMAAR (36227).
Typical Villa Extension Scenarios
- Room Additions: Expanding BUA requires GFA fee + structural approval.
- Pergolas & Louvers: Light structures need design review to comply with community aesthetics.
- Glass Enclosures: Require structural calculations and drainage integration.
- Boundary Wall Changes: Height and material limits apply.
- Swimming Pools or Jacuzzis: Need DDA/DM clearance and Emaar safety inspection.
Approximate Total Costs
| Fee Type | Typical Range (AED) | Authority / Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Review Fee | 500 (flat rate) | Emaar Community Management |
| GFA Fee – Villas | 1,000 per sq.ft | Emaar Design Review |
| GFA Fee – Townhouses | 700 per sq.ft | Emaar Design Review |
| Inspection / Deposit | 5–10 % of construction value | Emaar Final Inspection |
| Municipality Permit | Variable (based on scope) | Dubai Municipality |
Example: A 300 sq.ft villa extension in Dubai Hills could cost AED 3,000 for Emaar fees plus AED 1,500–2,000 for DM approvals and consultancy charges.
Why Work with Structural Solutions
it Structural Solutions, we’ve handled numerous Emaar projects across Dubai Hills, Arabian Ranches, Meadows, and Maple.
Our team ensures your application meets every technical and structural requirement — from CAD drawing preparation and structural load calculations to uploading all files through the Emaar portal.
We guarantee quicker approvals, fewer RFIs, and full compliance with both Emaar and Dubai Municipality standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much does Emaar charge for a villa extension NOC?
A: The base review fee is AED 500. If your project increases built-up area, Emaar charges AED 1,000 per sq.ft (for villas) or AED 700 per sq.ft (for townhouses).
Q2: Do I need a consultant to apply for Emaar extension approval?
A: Yes. Emaar accepts submissions only from licensed Dubai consultants registered with Dubai Municipality and DDA. Structural Solutions can handle this on your behalf.
Q3: What is the average approval timeline?
A: Typically 10–20 working days after document submission and fee payment, depending on RFI responses and revisions.
Q4: Can I recover any part of the fees?
A: The AED 500 review fee and GFA fees are non-refundable. However, performance deposits (5–10 %) are refunded after successful final inspection.
Q5: What happens if I build without Emaar approval?
A: Unauthorized modifications lead to penalties, demolition orders, and potential blacklisting from future submissions. Always secure Emaar and DM approvals first.
Final Call to Action
If you need expert assistance with civil engineering, structural design, or building permit approvals in Dubai, the team at Structural Solutions is ready to help. Contact us on WhatsApp or email at info@structuralsolutions.ae.
We’ll ensure your project meets all Dubai Municipality and Emaar Community Management standards with precision and professionalism.