What are Move - In Fees and What to Expect?
Move-in fees in Dubai are the initial costs tenants must pay when renting a property, excluding the rent itself. These fees ensure your home is legally registered, connected to essential utilities, and secured with a refundable deposit. The exact amount varies depending on the property type (furnished or unfurnished), location, and service providers involved. Understanding these costs upfront is crucial for a smooth transition into your new home.
1. Ejari fee
Ejari, which translates to "My Rent" in Arabic, is a mandatory online registration system for all rental and lease contracts in Dubai. This can be applied through Online in Dubai Rest Application or Offline through Trustee office accredited by The Dubai Land Department.
Important note: Securing your Ejari is an essential first step before connecting any utilities in Dubai, as it's a mandatory requirement for those services. Also, if you're new to Dubai, ensure you have your physical or digital Emirates ID ready, as this is needed to apply for your Ejari
Online Registration (via Dubai REST App or DLD Website): This is often the most cost-effective method.
- Registration Fee: Around AED 100
- Knowledge Fee: AED 10
- Innovation Fee: AED 10
- Total: Approximately AED 120 (excluding VAT, if applicable for any service components)
Offline Registration at Real Estate Services Trustee Centres (Typing Centres):
- Service Fee (can vary by center): Around AED 120 (base fee) + additional service partner fees (which can be around AED 95 + VAT).
- Knowledge Fee: AED 10
- Innovation Fee: AED 10
- Total: Can range from approximately AED 215 to AED 240 or slightly more, including VAT on service fees. It's always best to confirm the final price with the specific trustee center before proceeding.
Utility Connection Fees
Utilities are essential for any home, and setting them up involves several fees for electricity, water, gas, and cooling systems.
2. Electricity & Water (DEWA)
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) manages electricity and water connections. Here’s what you’ll pay:
Security Deposit:
- AED 2,000 for apartments
- AED 4,000 for villas
- Refundable under specific conditions, such as property sale for owners
Activation Fees:
- AED 100 for small meters, AED 300 for large meters
- Additional charges of AED 10 each for registration, knowledge and innovation fees
- How to apply: Application are straightforward via the DEWA website or app, with connections typically activated within 15 working hours after payment.
3. Cooling System (Non - Chiller Free Apartments)
For properties without chiller-free cooling, EMPOWER, Acquacool, Dubai’s district cooling provider, charges:
Registration Fee:
- Varies by property - check with EMPOWER for specifics.
Refundable Deposit:
- AED 2,000 returned upon move-out if all conditions are met.
How to Apply:
- Register online, and you’ll receive a payment link via email.
4. Gas Connection
Unlike electricity and water, gas connections are handled by private providers like Emirates Gas, Royal Gas, or Lootah BCGas—not DEWA, despite some outdated assumptions. Costs include:
- Total Fee: AED 600-800, covering a security deposit and connection fee.
- Variations: Fees depend on whether the property uses a central piped system or LPG cylinders. For central gas, tenants may simply sign up to the existing system, while cylinder gas requires a provider assessment.
- How to Apply: Contact the gas provider directly for a quote and setup.
5. Internet Connection
Internet setup costs vary by provider (e.g., Etisalat or Du) and package. Expect to pay for installation and the first month’s subscription, with prices depending on speed and data limits. Compare plans to find one that suits your needs.
With a clear understanding of these essential pre-move-in steps and costs in Dubai, from sorting your Ejari to connecting utilities, you're now perfectly equipped for a smooth and stress-free move. All that’s left is to collect those keys and enjoy making your new Dubai space your own. And should you prefer a completely hands-off approach, our dedicated property management and move-in assistance team can expertly handle all utility connections for you, making the entire process hassle-free.