Managing Utilities When Moving in Sharjah or Ajman
One of the most important administrative tasks when moving in Sharjah or Ajman is transferring your utility services. Unlike Dubai, where DEWA handles all electricity and water, Sharjah uses SEWA (Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority) and Ajman uses FEWA (Federal Electricity and Water Authority). Each has its own processes, documents, and timelines.
At SAMA Movers, we help customers across all three emirates and frequently advise on the utility transfer process to ensure there are no gaps in service at your new home. This guide walks through the complete disconnection and reconnection process for both SEWA and FEWA.
SEWA: Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority
Disconnecting Your SEWA Account
When leaving a property in Sharjah, you must apply for disconnection to close your account and stop billing. The steps are:
- Log into the SEWA online portal (sewa.gov.ae) or visit a SEWA customer service centre
- Submit a disconnection request with your account number and premises details
- Provide a copy of your Emirates ID and the lease expiry letter or move-out notice
- A final meter reading will be taken within 1 to 2 working days
- Your final bill will be generated based on the meter reading, and any security deposit balance will be refunded after outstanding charges are settled
The disconnection process typically takes 2 to 3 working days. We recommend applying at least one week before your move-out date to allow time for processing.
Applying for a New SEWA Connection
To set up electricity and water at your new Sharjah home, you need:
- Emirates ID (original and copy)
- Tenancy contract (attested by Sharjah Municipality)
- Copy of the landlord's title deed
- Clearance certificate confirming no outstanding bills on the premises from the previous tenant
- Security deposit — typically AED 1,000 to AED 2,000 for apartments and AED 2,000 to AED 3,000 for villas
New connections are typically activated within 2 to 3 working days. SEWA also offers an online application through their portal, which can speed up processing.
FEWA: Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Ajman)
Disconnecting Your FEWA Account
The FEWA disconnection process for properties in Ajman is similar to SEWA:
- Visit a FEWA customer service centre in Ajman or use the FEWA mobile app
- Submit a disconnection request with your FEWA account number
- Provide your Emirates ID and a copy of the lease expiry notice
- A final meter reading will be scheduled within 1 to 2 working days
- Final bills will be issued and the security deposit refunded after clearing outstanding amounts
FEWA disconnection typically takes 1 to 3 working days. The process is generally straightforward, though in-person visits tend to be faster than online requests for Ajman properties.
Applying for a New FEWA Connection
For a new FEWA connection in Ajman, you will need:
- Emirates ID (original and copy)
- Tenancy contract (attested)
- Landlord's no-objection letter or title deed copy
- Clearance of previous tenant's bills on the premises
- Security deposit — typically AED 1,000 to AED 2,000 for apartments
New FEWA connections are usually activated within 1 to 3 working days. The FEWA mobile app allows you to track your application status.
Online vs In-Person: Which Is Faster?
Both SEWA and FEWA offer online services, but the experience varies:
- SEWA online portal: Well-developed for both disconnection and new connection applications. Most standard cases can be handled entirely online with document uploads. Processing takes 2 to 3 working days.
- FEWA online and app: The FEWA mobile app handles basic requests, but complex cases (new connections, disputes) often require an in-person visit. In-person processing at the Ajman customer centre is typically faster — often same-day for straightforward requests.
For both providers, visiting in person during early morning hours (8 AM to 10 AM) avoids the longer queues that build up later in the day.
Tips to Avoid Utility Gaps
- Start the disconnection process at your old address at least one week before your move
- Apply for the new connection at least 3 to 5 days before your move-in date
- Confirm with your landlord that the previous tenant's bills are cleared — this is required for activation
- Keep copies of all documents submitted and take screenshots of online applications for reference
- If moving between emirates (e.g., Sharjah to Ajman), manage both disconnection and connection in parallel to avoid overlap charges or service gaps
- Budget for the security deposit at your new address — this is payable upfront and can be AED 1,000 to AED 3,000
Deposit Refund Timelines
SEWA typically refunds security deposits within 30 to 45 working days after final bill settlement. FEWA deposit refunds usually take 30 to 60 working days. Both providers refund to the bank account or payment method on file. Ensure your contact details and bank information are up to date before applying for disconnection to avoid delays.
Need help coordinating your move while managing utility transfers? Get a free moving estimate from SAMA Movers — we guide you through every step of the relocation process across Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman.
How long does a SEWA transfer take in Sharjah?
A SEWA disconnection takes 2 to 3 working days, and a new connection activation also takes 2 to 3 working days. We recommend starting both processes at least one week before your move to allow for any delays in document processing or clearance of the previous tenant's bills.
Can I apply for a FEWA connection online in Ajman?
FEWA offers a mobile app and some online services for basic requests. However, new connection applications in Ajman are often processed faster in person at the FEWA customer service centre. For straightforward requests with all documents ready, in-person visits can result in same-day or next-day activation.
