Moving House in Dubai: Complete Checklist (DEWA, Ejari & More)

Moving house in Dubai involves more than boxes and a truck. Before you can turn the lights on in your new home, you need an Ejari, a DEWA connection, building permits at both ends and, ideally, working internet. Miss one step and moving day can stall.

This checklist breaks the process into a simple timeline. Process names and requirements are based on the official DEWA service guide and current UAE property guides at the time of writing, but always check the latest details with each provider before you apply.

Four weeks before you move

Confirm your dates and notice

• Check your current tenancy contract for the notice period and move-out conditions. Many contracts specify notice and handback requirements such as cleaning and repainting.
• Fix your move-in date with the new landlord and confirm when you will get the keys.
• Plan for any gap. If your old lease ends before the new one starts, arrange short-term storage so you are not paying for two homes.

Book your movers

The end and start of each month are the busiest times for Dubai movers, so book early. Ask for a survey and a fixed, written quote. Our moving cost guide explains typical prices and what to ask.

Sign the new tenancy and register Ejari

Ejari is the official registration of your tenancy contract with the Dubai Land Department. You need it for DEWA, and it is also used for residency-related processes.

• Online: register through the Dubai REST app or Ejari online services. You upload the tenancy contract, pay and receive the certificate by email.
• In person: visit a real estate services trustee centre with the original contract and your Emirates ID.

In practice, your landlord or agent often registers the Ejari for you. Confirm who is doing it and ask for a copy of the certificate as soon as it is issued.

Two weeks before you move

Apply for building permits

Most towers and gated communities need a move-out permit for your old home and a move-in permit for your new one. Emaar, Nakheel and Dubai Properties each have their own portal, and independently managed buildings run their own process. Typical documents include Emirates ID, passport and visa page, Ejari or title deed, and the moving company’s trade licence and vehicle details.

Our move-in permit guide goes through each step in detail.

Book the service lifts

Once permits are approved, book the service lift and loading bay at both buildings and confirm your time slots with security. Share the slots with your movers.

Arrange internet and TV relocation

Start at least a week before your move, and earlier if you can.

• du: use the du app (Home Plan, then the Home Relocation Service) or the relocation page in My Account. You will typically need your new tenancy contract or title deed. du then schedules a technician visit for the new address.
• e&: in the e& UAE app, go to your eLife plan, then Manage, then Home Move. You can also visit an e& business centre.

Relocation usually takes a few working days. Check that your provider covers the new building, especially if you are moving between emirates, where some plans may not be available.

Start decluttering and packing

Sell, donate or throw away anything you do not want to move. Less volume means a cheaper, faster move. Pack non-essentials first: books, seasonal clothes, decorative items.

One week before you move

Request the DEWA Move-To

DEWA’s Move-To service (officially “Transfer of Electricity/Water”) disconnects your old home, connects the new one and moves your security deposit to the new account, all in one request. You can apply 24/7 on the DEWA website or smart app using UAE Pass or your DEWA login. The Dubai Now app is also an option for individuals.

You will need:

• Your current DEWA contract account number
• Your move-out date
• The premises number of the new home (usually on the DEWA meter or in the tenancy paperwork)
• A valid Ejari number for the new home
• Title deed if you are an owner

Any outstanding DEWA dues on your current home must be paid first. DEWA charges small activation and deactivation fees, and if the new property needs a higher security deposit (DEWA lists AED 2,000 for a flat and AED 4,000 for a villa), you pay the difference.

Timing: DEWA states that activation is done within 15 working hours of paying the deposit, and disconnection within 24 working hours of your chosen date and time. Disconnections are not carried out on Sundays or public holidays, so plan your move-out date accordingly.

If you are moving into Dubai for the first time, use DEWA’s separate Move-in (activation) service instead. If you are leaving Dubai altogether, use the Move-out (deactivation) service.

Close or transfer district cooling

Many Dubai towers and some communities use district cooling, billed separately from DEWA by providers such as Empower or Emicool. Check your old and new contracts to see whether this applies.

• Empower: submit a Settlement Request through Empower’s e-services with your account or premises number, Emirates ID, passport copy and Ejari. The final bill is usually ready within a couple of working days, and deposit refunds are arranged by appointment.
• Emicool: cancellation is done in person with a form signed by tenant and landlord, the tenancy contract, Emirates ID copy, the Emicool contract and the original deposit receipt.

Start this three to five days before you move out, and keep copies of your final bill and clearance. If the new home also uses district cooling, open an account with that provider.

Confirm everything with your movers

Send your movers the permits, lift booking times, both addresses and any access instructions. Point out fragile, valuable or heavy items and anything that needs dismantling.

Moving day

• Keep a “first night” bag with documents, chargers, medication, toiletries, a change of clothes and basic tools.
• Carry your permits and Emirates ID for security at both buildings.
• Do a final walk-through of the old home: cupboards, balcony, storage room and meter cupboards.
• Take photos and meter readings at the old home before you hand back keys.
• Hand back keys, access cards and parking tags and get a signed handover or inspection form.
• Check the new home on arrival before the furniture goes in, and photograph any existing damage.

After the move

Get your security deposit back

Your landlord will normally inspect the property before returning your deposit. Deductions may be made for damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent or unpaid bills. Typical requirements include returning the property clean and, in many contracts, freshly painted. A professional deep clean before handover helps, and our guide to move-out cleaning and your deposit explains what landlords usually check. Keep your DEWA final bill, clearance certificate and district cooling settlement as proof that everything is paid.

Update your address

Update your address with the people and services that need it:

• Your bank and credit card providers
• Your employer and HR records
• Your children’s school or nursery
• Your insurance providers (home, car and health)
• Online shopping and delivery apps
• Gym memberships and other subscriptions

Parking and vehicle access

If your new building or community issues resident parking stickers, access cards or visitor permits, apply early, as some require vehicle registration documents. If you will rely on public paid parking near your new home, check whether a residential parking permit is available for your area. If you have a Salik account, check that your contact details are current.

How RM Movers can help

RM Movers has been moving homes across Dubai for 12 years, with our own in-house crew and closed trucks. We provide the documents your buildings need for permits, work around your lift slots and can combine your move with cleaning, painting and storage. Every move comes with full-value damage protection. See our house movers service for details.

Get a fixed quote

When you have your move dates, tell us where you are moving from and to, and we will arrange a survey and send a fixed quote with no hidden fees. Contact RM Movers to book.