UAE Moving Checklist 2026: Permits, Utilities and Moving Day

Moving home in the UAE takes more than boxes and a truck. Buildings ask for move permits, electricity and water have to be closed at one address and opened at the next, and your tenancy registration comes before almost everything else. This checklist puts every step in order, with the details that change from one emirate to the next.

Four to six weeks before the move

• Check the notice period in your current tenancy contract and give your landlord written notice in time.
• Book your movers and arrange a survey at home or by video call, so the quote covers everything you are moving.
• Sign the new tenancy contract and register it: Ejari in Dubai, Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. In Sharjah and the northern emirates the contract is attested by the municipality.
• Ask both buildings how their move permits work and how far ahead you need to apply.
• Decide what to sell, donate or put into storage, so you only pack what you will use.

Two weeks before

• Apply for a move-out permit at your old building and a move-in permit at the new one. Most towers and gated communities ask for your tenancy contract or title deed and Emirates ID, and some ask for the moving company’s trade licence or charge a refundable deposit.
• Book the service lift and loading bay for moving day at both buildings.
• Arrange electricity and water for both homes (see the table below).
• Book the move of your internet and TV with your provider; installation slots can take a few days.
• Update your address with your bank, employer, your children’s school and any regular deliveries.

Electricity and water in each emirate

In Dubai, request the move-out (final bill) for your old home on the DEWA app or website a few days before you leave; DEWA’s Move-To service handles the move-out and the move-in in one request. Requirements and fees change from time to time, so check with the provider before you apply.

Moving week

• Pack the things you use least first, and label every box with its room.
• Pack one essentials box to keep with you: Emirates IDs, passports, tenancy papers, chargers, medicines, toiletries and a change of clothes.
• Empty, defrost and dry the fridge and freezer the day before.
• Confirm the permits and lift bookings, and share the times with your movers.
• Photograph the old home and its meters for your deposit and final bills.

Moving day

• Walk the crew through the home: what goes, what stays and anything fragile.
• Keep jewellery, cash and documents with you rather than in the truck.
• Before you leave, check every room, cupboard, balcony and storage room.
• At the new home, show the crew where each room’s furniture goes, so it is assembled in the right place.

After the move

• Settle the final electricity and water bill for the old home; your security deposit is set against it. In Dubai, the cleared final DEWA bill lets the old Ejari be cancelled.
• Collect any refundable deposits from your old building and landlord.
• Unpack the kitchen and bedrooms first, so the first night is easy.

Timing your move in the UAE

• Summer: from 15 June to 15 September, outdoor work in direct sun is not allowed between 12:30 pm and 3 pm. Summer moves are loaded early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
• Ramadan: many buildings change their move hours, so confirm the times and plan the day around iftar.
• Weekends and month-end: Saturdays, Sundays and the last days of the month are the busiest, because many tenancies end then. Book two to four weeks ahead for these dates.

Moving to another emirate?

Moves between emirates follow the same steps, with the utilities and tenancy registration of the emirate you move to. See our guides for Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Dubai to Sharjah, Dubai to Ajman and Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah moves.

Want a hand with any of this? Ask for a free survey and quote, or call or WhatsApp us on 055 433 9938.