Moving into a Dubai apartment takes more cash than the first rent cheque alone. You may also need to pay a security deposit, agency commission, Ejari registration, utility deposits, and moving costs. The exact amount depends on your rent, payment schedule, apartment, and the fees in your signed agreements.
This guide breaks down common costs and works through an AED 80,000 annual-rent example. Figures described as typical or estimated are not fixed prices; confirm current charges with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), your agent, and building management before paying.
Dubai apartment move-in costs at a glance
The table assumes an unfurnished apartment rented through an agent. Costs and refund terms can vary by contract and provider.
| Cost | Typical amount | Usually refundable? | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| First rent payment | 25% to 100% of annual rent | No | Payment schedule and due dates in the tenancy contract |
| Security deposit | Commonly 5% of annual rent unfurnished, 10% furnished | Potentially | Contract terms and documented move-in condition |
| Agent commission | Often 5% of annual rent, plus VAT | No | Agreed fee, minimum charge, and official invoice |
| Ejari registration | Commonly quoted from AED 177.75 online; trustee-centre totals may differ | No | Current fee shown by DLD or the registration centre |
| DEWA move-in | AED 2,000 apartment deposit plus activation charges | Deposit generally yes | Current fees shown by DEWA; villa deposits differ |
| Dubai Municipality housing fee | Generally 5% of annual rent, billed monthly where applicable | No | Amount and eligibility on your DEWA bill |
| Movers and cleaning | Often AED 1,000 to AED 3,000 or more | No | Written quotes and any building move-in charges |
| Separate district cooling | Building and provider dependent; a deposit may apply | Sometimes | Whether the unit is chiller-free and who bills cooling |
The housing fee is an ongoing cost rather than a one-time move-in payment. Include it in your monthly budget alongside electricity, water, internet, and any separate cooling bill.
Rent and payment schedule
Your annual rent is the starting point for several other costs, including the security deposit and often the agent commission. In Dubai, landlords commonly request post-dated cheques, with one to four payments a year, but the accepted schedule is a matter to agree with the landlord and record in the contract. Other payment arrangements may be available.
The first payment could therefore be a quarter of the annual rent or the full year. Ask for the amount and due date of every payment before signing, and make sure the schedule matches the contract. Do not assume that paying in fewer instalments will automatically reduce the rent; agree any discount in writing.
Security deposit
A security deposit is commonly 5% of annual rent for an unfurnished apartment and 10% for a furnished one. On an AED 80,000 unfurnished apartment, 5% is AED 4,000.
The deposit may be used for valid deductions under the tenancy agreement, such as damage beyond ordinary wear or unpaid amounts. Ask the landlord or agent to state the deposit and return conditions in writing. Before moving furniture in, photograph each room, note existing damage, and keep a copy of the signed handover record. These steps make the apartment’s original condition easier to establish when you move out.
Agent commission
An agency commission of around 5% of annual rent is common, and VAT may be added to the commission. It is a negotiated fee, not a universal fixed amount. Some agencies set a minimum charge, so the final amount may be higher than 5% on a lower rent.
For AED 80,000 annual rent, 5% is AED 4,000; adding 5% VAT to that fee makes AED 4,200. Confirm the total in writing before committing, check whether a minimum applies, and request an invoice from the brokerage.
Ejari registration
Tenancy contracts in Dubai are registered through the DLD’s Ejari service. Check the current process, required documents, and fee with the DLD or your registration centre; available channels and totals can differ. Agree in advance who will arrange registration and who will pay the charge, and keep the registration certificate with your contract.
Ejari is also connected to the DEWA move-in process. The DLD’s official registration page explains the current service channels and steps.
DEWA connection and housing fee
After arranging Ejari, apply to DEWA to activate electricity and water at the apartment. DEWA lists the current move-in requirements, fees, and service information on its official service page. An apartment security deposit is commonly AED 2,000; a villa deposit is commonly AED 4,000. Activation charges are additional, so check the amount DEWA shows for your account rather than relying on an older estimate.
Where applicable, Dubai Municipality’s housing fee is generally calculated as 5% of annual rent and billed in monthly instalments through DEWA. For AED 80,000 annual rent, that is about AED 333 per month. Check your bill and current eligibility rules, and budget this separately from your one-time move-in expenses.
Some buildings use district cooling, sometimes called a chiller service, billed separately from DEWA. Ask the landlord or building management whether cooling is included, whether the apartment is chiller-free, and whether the cooling provider requires a deposit or charges a monthly capacity fee.
Moving and building charges
As a planning estimate, movers for a one-bedroom apartment may cost around AED 1,000 to AED 2,500, depending on the volume, packing, access, and distance. A basic clean may add a few hundred dirhams. Get quotes based on your actual belongings and ask whether packing materials, dismantling, or stair access cost extra.
Building management may require advance notice, a move-in permit, or a lift booking. Ask about these requirements before choosing a moving date. Internet installation, access cards, keys, and parking remotes can also add costs if they are not included.
Worked example: AED 80,000 unfurnished apartment
Suppose the landlord accepts four rent cheques and you rent through an agent. This illustration uses the first quarterly payment and the common estimates above:
- First rent payment (one quarter): AED 20,000
- Security deposit (5%): AED 4,000
- Agent commission (5% plus 5% VAT): AED 4,200
- Ejari registration (online estimate): AED 177.75
- DEWA apartment deposit and estimated activation: about AED 2,155
- Estimated total on signing day: about AED 30,533, before movers or any separate cooling deposit
That is about AED 10,533 beyond the first rent payment. Adding the estimated moving and cleaning costs above brings the amount beyond the first payment to roughly AED 12,000 to AED 13,500. Your actual total will change if the rent schedule, agent fee, registration channel, utility charges, or building costs differ.
The security and DEWA deposits are generally refundable, subject to the applicable terms and any valid deductions or outstanding bills. Treat the figures as a budget example, not a quote or a promise about what a landlord or provider will charge.
Ways to avoid move-in cost surprises
- Ask the agent for an itemised list of every payment due before key handover.
- Confirm the rent-cheque schedule, deposit, commission, VAT, and due dates in writing.
- Check the current Ejari and DEWA charges on their official service pages before paying.
- Find out whether cooling is billed separately and whether the building charges for a move-in permit or lift booking.
- Photograph the apartment and record existing damage before moving in.
- Keep receipts for deposits, registration, and other payments.
- Include the monthly housing fee, utilities, internet, and cooling in your ongoing budget.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 5% agent commission required by law?
Around 5% is a common market fee, but the amount should be agreed with the brokerage. Ask for the total, including VAT and any minimum charge, before you proceed.
Who pays for Ejari registration?
Confirm this with the landlord or agent before signing. Agree who will arrange registration and who will cover the fee, and keep the receipt and certificate.
Can I get the security and DEWA deposits back?
They are generally refundable after the tenancy or account closes, subject to the relevant terms, valid deductions, and settlement of outstanding bills. Keep proof of payment and follow the provider’s refund process.
Do I need Ejari before DEWA can activate the apartment?
DEWA’s move-in service is linked to tenancy registration. Check DEWA’s current requirements for your property and account before applying.
How much should I budget beyond the first rent payment?
There is no single amount that fits every apartment. In the AED 80,000 example above, the estimated deposits and fees add about AED 10,533 beyond the first quarterly rent payment, or roughly AED 12,000 to AED 13,500 after estimated moving and cleaning costs. A different rent schedule, commission, or building fee will change the total.
Fees and market practices can change. Confirm current charges with the relevant provider and review the tenancy agreement before you sign.
