Three things stand between your signed lease and moving in: registering the tenancy in Ejari, activating DEWA, and the handover itself. Here’s the full move-in checklist, with every fee.
All amounts in this guide are approximate and can change, confirm the current fees on the official Ejari and DEWA channels before you pay.
The checklist at a glance
- Get your documents together - signed tenancy contract, Emirates ID, passport and visa copies
- Register Ejari - around AED 175 in the Dubai REST app, or around AED 220 at a Real Estate Services Trustee centre
- Activate DEWA - around AED 155 activation fee plus a refundable deposit of around AED 2,000 (apartment) or AED 4,000 (villa)
- Handover - inspect the unit, note meter readings, collect keys and access cards
Step 1: register Ejari
Every Dubai tenancy must be registered in Ejari. You can register in the Dubai REST app or at a Real Estate Services Trustee centre, and in many cases your agent handles it for you. Have your signed tenancy contract, Emirates ID, and passport or visa copies ready. The landlord’s side, like the title deed copy, comes from your agent or landlord.
Cost: around AED 175 through Dubai REST, or around AED 220 at a centre. The exact amount can vary — check the fee shown before you pay.
Step 2: activate DEWA
Once Ejari is registered, DEWA starts your move-in automatically. You pay an activation fee of around AED 155 and a refundable security deposit of around AED 2,000 for an apartment or AED 4,000 for a villa. Electricity and water are typically connected within 15 working hours of payment.
The deposit is refundable when you move out and settle your final bill.
Step 3: handover day
Before you take the keys, walk the unit with your agent or landlord:
- Snag and photograph - record any damage or faults in photos and share them with your agent the same day
- Note the meter readings - a good habit: photograph the electricity and water meters at handover so your billing start matches your move-in
- Collect everything - keys, access cards, parking remotes, and any building permits your movers need
- Check for district cooling - if your building uses chilled-water cooling, ask which provider to register with; it’s a separate account from DEWA
What moving in costs in total
Setting up a typical apartment costs around AED 2,300–2,400 before rent: roughly AED 175 for Ejari, around AED 155 for DEWA activation, and a refundable deposit of about AED 2,000. For a villa, plan for around AED 4,300–4,400. Treat these as estimates the exact amounts you’re charged may vary.
Still choosing your next home
If you’re comparing options before you commit, browse rentals on Property Finder, including homes where Pay Monthly spreads your rent into monthly payments instead of upfront cheques.
Frequently asked questions
Search or browse questions about Ejari, DEWA, and moving in.
How much does Ejari cost?
Around AED 175 if you register through the Dubai REST app, or around AED 220 at a Real Estate Services Trustee centre. Exact amounts can vary — check the fee shown when you apply.
Who pays for Ejari?
In practice the tenant usually pays, unless your contract says otherwise. Agree on it before signing so there are no surprises.
How long does DEWA take to connect?
Typically within 15 working hours of paying the deposit and activation fee. The move-in request itself starts automatically once your Ejari is valid.
Do I get the DEWA deposit back?
Yes. The security deposit — around AED 2,000 for an apartment or AED 4,000 for a villa — is refundable when you move out and your final bill is settled.
Can I set up DEWA without Ejari?
No. A valid Ejari registration is what triggers the DEWA move-in for your home, so Ejari always comes first.
Do I need a new Ejari when I renew?
Yes. Ejari registration is tied to your tenancy contract, so each renewal is registered again with the new contract details.
What documents do I need?
Your signed tenancy contract, Emirates ID, and passport or visa copies. Ownership documents like the title deed copy come from your landlord or agent. Check the exact upload list shown in Dubai REST when you apply.