Dubai Moving Cost Calculator
Movers, Ejari, DEWA deposit, chiller registration and the agency fee — the full cost of changing address.
DEWA and chiller deposits are refundable when you close the accounts and settle final bills. Security deposit is refundable at the end of the tenancy subject to condition. Movers' quotes vary considerably — get three.
What you need to know
Moving in Dubai costs more upfront than most people expect, because several deposits and fees land at once alongside the first rent cheque.
The two largest are the security deposit — 5% of annual rent unfurnished, 10% furnished — and agency commission at 5% of annual rent plus VAT. Both are payable before you get the keys. On a AED 90,000 tenancy that is around AED 9,225 before you have hired a single mover.
The good news is that a meaningful share is refundable. DEWA and chiller registration deposits come back when you close the accounts, and the security deposit returns at the end of the tenancy subject to the property's condition. Photograph everything at move-in — that record is what protects the deposit.
Drafting the contract
Once terms are agreed, the tenancy contract has to be in a form Ejari accepts. TenancyContract.com generates a Dubai tenancy contract from your details, ready to sign and register.
Create a tenancy contractCommon questions
How much does it cost to move in Dubai?
Typically AED 15,000–25,000 upfront for a two-bedroom, including deposits, agency commission, Ejari and removals. Several components are refundable.
Is the DEWA deposit refundable?
Yes, once you close the account and settle the final bill.
How much is Ejari registration?
Around AED 220 through the Dubai REST app or a typing centre.
Want these numbers checked against a real property?
Send us the unit you are looking at and we will run the actual figures — service charge for that building, current market rent, and what comparable units transacted at.