DEWA Move-In: Documents, Deposit, Fees and Connection Time
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) connects electricity and water through its Move-In service. What you need depends on whether you rent, own or rent in a free zone.
What you need
- Tenants: a valid Ejari number
- Free zone tenants: a valid tenancy contract
- Owners: a title deed or sales and purchase agreement
- GCC nationals and investors: a passport or Emirates ID
- Commercial premises not registered with the Department of Economic Development: a trade licence
Security deposit and fees
The refundable security deposit is AED 2,000 for an apartment and AED 4,000 for a villa. For non-residential premises it is calculated from the premises’ expected consumption. Owners get the deposit back only when the property is sold.
On top of the deposit, DEWA lists activation charges of AED 125 for a small-meter electricity and water connection (AED 300 for large meters), plus AED 10 registration, AED 10 Knowledge fee and AED 10 Innovation fee. That makes AED 155 in total for a small meter. UAE nationals who hold a Thukher or Sanad card get a 50% discount on activation charges.
How it works
- Register your tenancy contract in Ejari first. After Ejari is issued, DEWA emails and texts tenants an account number, the deposit amount and a payment link. Free zone tenants and owners apply on the DEWA website or app.
- You receive a notification number to track your request.
- Pay the security deposit and activation fees.
- Electricity and water are connected within 15 working hours of payment. If they are not, call DEWA Customer Care on 04 601 9999.
Moving out of your old home
DEWA has a separate Move-Out service to deactivate the supply at your old address, so request it before you leave to settle the final bill and recover your deposit. To pay your bills afterwards, see how to pay your DEWA bill. The Ejari step is covered in our tenancy contract checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move my DEWA connection when changing apartments?
Request DEWA’s Move-Out service for your old address to settle the final bill and recover your deposit, then apply for Move-In at the new home with your Ejari number or title deed.
Is the DEWA deposit refundable?
Yes for tenants, when you move out. Owners get the deposit back only when the property is sold.
Where to go next
- How to pay your DEWA bill
- Dubai tenancy contract checklist
- Dubai tenant modifications and landlord consent
