You have found a nice apartment or villa in Dubai, and the rent looks fine. Before you sign the contract and pick up the keys, pause for a moment. Rent is only one part of the bill. Moving in brings deposits, connection fees, commissions, and a few monthly charges that many people forget. Some of this money comes back to you later. Some is paid once, and some keeps coming every month. Here is what to plan for.
1. Ejari registration fee
Your tenancy contract must be registered on Ejari, Dubai’s official rental registration system run by the Dubai Land Department. Without an Ejari certificate, you cannot get a DEWA connection or finish some residency-related steps. The landlord is responsible for registering the contract, but the tenant usually pays the fee unless the contract says otherwise. Online registration costs about Dh177.75 through Dubai REST or the DLD digital channels. At a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre, it costs around Dh220 with service fees.
2. Refundable security deposit
Landlords ask for a deposit to cover damage or unpaid dues. For an unfurnished home, it is usually 5 per cent of the annual rent. For a furnished home, it is usually 10 percent. On a Dh100,000 unfurnished flat, that means about Dh5,000 upfront.
3. DEWA connection and deposit
Once your Ejari is ready, you can switch on electricity and water through DEWA’s Move In service. The deposit is Dh2,000 for an apartment and Dh4,000 for a villa. Activation charges are around Dh130 for smaller connections, and larger ones can cost more. The deposit comes back when you close the account and clear all your bills.
4. Dubai Municipality housing fee
This one is not a one-time cost. Tenants pay a housing fee of 5 per cent of annual rent, collected in 12 monthly parts through the DEWA bill. On a Dh100,000 rent, that adds roughly Dh417 a month. Put it in your monthly budget from day one.
5. Air conditioning and chiller charges
Cooling can change your monthly bills a lot. In chiller-free buildings, the landlord or building management usually covers cooling under the property’s arrangement. With district cooling, you may need to register with a provider like Empower, Emicool, or Tabreed, pay a deposit, and receive a separate bill. Before signing, ask whether cooling is part of the rent and whether any connection or usage charges apply.
6. Real estate agent commission
If an agent finds the home for you, you will usually pay a commission once the deal is done. It is often around 5 percent of annual rent, and many agencies set a minimum of Dh5,000. The rate can be negotiated, so settle it before you sign anything.
7. Professional moving company fees
Movers save time and effort, especially if you own bulky furniture. A one-bedroom apartment usually costs Dh1,000 to Dh1,500. A two-bedroom apartment or a villa can cost from Dh2,000 to Dh3,000 or more. The final price depends on distance, how much you own, and extras like packing, dismantling, and unpacking. Get a few quotes and check what each one includes.
8. Cleaning, painting, and minor repairs
A vacant home often needs a deep clean before you move in. For a one-bedroom apartment, that costs about Dh200 to Dh600. Painting and small repairs depend on the size and condition of the place. Before you pay for any work yourself, check which costs belong to the landlord.
9. Building move-in permits and access cards
Many towers and gated communities ask tenants to get a move-in permit before the movers can enter. You may also need a lift booking, security clearance, or extra access cards. Some of these are free, while others come with a fee or a refundable deposit. Ask building management about the rules before you fix your moving date.
10. Internet, TV, and telecom setup
If your current provider serves the new address, you may be able to transfer your connection. If not, you might have to cancel your plan and open a new account with Etisalat or DU. Depending on your contract, you could pay for installation, activation, equipment, or early termination. Call your provider before the move so there are no delays.
11. Gas connection charges
If the property uses gas, a new connection or transfer can cost around Dh600 to Dh800. Buildings with a central gas system may ask for registration and a refundable deposit. Some villas and older homes use gas cylinders from licensed suppliers, and those cost differently.
Quick look at the numbers
| Cost | Estimated amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Ejari registration | Dh177.75 to Dh220 | One time |
| Security deposit | 5% unfurnished, 10% furnished | Refundable |
| DEWA deposit | Dh2,000 apartment, Dh4,000 villa | Refundable |
| DEWA activation | About Dh130 | One time |
| Housing fee | 5% of annual rent | Monthly |
| Agent commission | About 5%, often Dh5,000 minimum | One time |
| Movers | Dh1,000 to Dh3,000 or more | One time |
| Cleaning (one bedroom) | Dh200 to Dh600 | One time |
| Gas connection | Dh600 to Dh800 | One time |
A few last tips
Add up every item before you sign, and keep some extra cash aside for surprises. Many people sort out their money plans while they move. If you use crypto, you may have seen that Bybit is now licensed in Dubai, and this explainer covers what the VARA approval does and does not cover.
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These figures are estimates. Always confirm the latest costs with your property management or a licensed real estate agent before you move.