Open File (Free) is a term used in Dubai/UAE property transfers to describe a document, step, or requirement that can affect trustee acceptance and sequencing. You will usually encounter it in the transfer file pack, authority procedures, or bank/developer outputs; treat it as a dependency until verified against the official route.
In Dubai, Open file (free) is your lead-capture step that allows a client to submit basics and begin readiness planning without paying immediately. Requirements can vary by transaction type, trustee centre, and authority updates, so verify against the official source where applicable.
It captures early intent and reduces the ‘I’m not ready yet’ drop-off while still starting the process correctly. Requirements can vary by transaction type, trustee centre, and authority updates, so verify against the official source where applicable.
You will see Open File (Free) referenced in the document pack for the transfer, in trustee appointment preparation, and in authority/bank/developer steps that sit on the critical path. The same label can be used differently across channels, so capture the source document or portal screen that defines it for your case. Requirements can vary by transaction type, trustee centre, and authority updates, so verify against the official source where applicable.
“Open File (Free)” is a procedural term used in UAE property execution to describe a specific document, step, or dependency in the transfer route. In practice it matters because it can affect trustee acceptance, sequencing, or which documents must be ready before completion. Meaning and requirements can vary by transaction type and authority channel, so confirm the context in the official source where applicable.
Not always. Whether Open File (Free) is required depends on the transaction route (for example, secondary vs off-plan, cash vs mortgage, individual vs company), and on the relevant authority or trustee process at the time. If you are unsure, treat it as a dependency until verified, because discovering a missing requirement late is a common cause of rebooking and delay.
Verify Open File (Free) against the current file pack and the authority/trustee source that governs your route. Check that identifiers match (names, unit references, title/plot numbers), that any letter/certificate is current, and that any bank or developer prerequisites are completed. Where an official DLD procedure applies, use it as the baseline and assume centre practices may vary.
Maintenance: Updated for material UAE authority/trustee process changes and recurring user confusion. Method: Editorial Policy