DEWA Move-In Dubai 2026: Fees, Deposit and Timing
For most tenants, DEWA move-in in Dubai starts automatically after Ejari is issued. Check the account details, pay the official security deposit and activation charges, then retain the receipt and tracking reference until electricity and water are connected.
Who gets automatic DEWA move-in after Ejari?
DEWA says its move-in service is integrated with Dubai Land Department and RERA tenancy registration. When an eligible Ejari is issued, the tenancy data is sent to DEWA and the tenant should receive a welcome email and SMS containing the contract account number, security-deposit details and a payment link. DEWA’s official move-in service ↗ is the controlling source.
This automatic route applies to leasing contracts registered through Ejari. Owners, tenants in free-zone premises that are exempt from Ejari, and other cases identified by DEWA apply through DEWA’s website or app instead. A free-zone tenant should have the valid tenancy contract available; an owner may need the title deed or sale-and-purchase agreement.
DEWA move-in fees and deposits in 2026
As reviewed on 22 October 2026, DEWA lists these residential security deposits:
- AED 2,000 for a flat.
- AED 4,000 for a villa.
The residential security deposit is refundable subject to DEWA’s applicable account-closing and refund process. Non-residential deposits are calculated using the premises’ consumption. Do not confuse the refundable deposit with the activation charges.
For a small meter, DEWA lists AED 125 for connecting electricity and water, plus AED 10 registration, AED 10 knowledge fee and AED 10 innovation fee: AED 155 in activation charges. For a large meter, the connection component is AED 300, before the listed registration, knowledge and innovation fees. DEWA says eligible Thukher and Sanad cardholders who are UAE nationals receive a 50% discount on activation charges; check the service page for the live eligibility wording.
Step-by-step tenant process
- Finish Ejari: make sure the mobile number, email and premises information supplied during registration are correct.
- Check the welcome message: match the DEWA account and premises details with your tenancy before paying.
- Pay through an official route: use the link in DEWA’s message or another payment channel listed by DEWA. Confirm the recipient and amount before authorising payment.
- Save evidence: keep the payment receipt, contract account number and tracking reference.
- Check the premises: once supply is active, note the opening meter readings and report a technical issue through DEWA rather than altering equipment yourself.
How long should activation take?
DEWA states that electricity and water are connected within 15 working hours from payment of the security deposit and connection fees. The clock therefore does not start merely because the tenancy contract was signed or Ejari was issued.
If supply is not activated within that period, DEWA’s page directs customers to its Customer Care Centre on 04 601 9999. Have the contract account, premises number, payment receipt and request reference ready. This is a service target, not permission to enter a locked meter room or interfere with the supply.
If the welcome email or SMS does not arrive
First confirm that Ejari has been issued and that its contact details are accurate. DEWA says a tenant who did not receive the welcome email because the property manager entered an incorrect email can apply through the DEWA website or app. When a valid Ejari number is entered online, DEWA says the tenant does not need to upload separate tenancy documents for this move-in route.
Do not pay a landlord, broker or messaging-account contact simply because they send a screenshot labelled “DEWA activation.” Verify the account and payment destination in DEWA’s official channel.
Move-in is different from moving an existing DEWA account
If you already have a DEWA account at another property, check whether DEWA’s Move-To service is the appropriate route. It combines deactivation at the old premises with activation at the new one. A first activation, a transfer and a final-bill request are separate processes.
Related Dubai housing guides
Register Ejari in Dubai →
Check a Dubai tenancy before signing →
Request a DEWA final bill →
Understand DEWA slab tariffs →
Sources and review note
Reviewed by the Dubai Daily Guide editorial team on 22 October 2026 against DEWA’s official Activation of Electricity/Water (Move-in) service and consumer FAQ. Charges, discounts and service timing can change; confirm the live DEWA page before paying.