The Invoice Your Moving Company Won't Send You
When people ask "how much does it cost to move in Dubai?" they usually mean the movers. A truck, a few guys, boxes from A to B. And sure, that costs AED 800-8,000 depending on your home size. But that's maybe 20% of your total moving spend.
The rest? Security deposits, agency fees, DEWA transfers, Ejari registration, professional cleaning, internet reconnection. These costs hit across a two-week window, and they add up to a number most people don't expect.
We put this breakdown together because we hear the same shocked reaction at least once a week: "I budgeted AED 3,000 for the move and ended up spending AED 15,000." That shouldn't be a surprise. So here's every single cost, with real AED figures.
Cost 1: Professional Movers
The physical move — packing, loading, transport, unloading — is the one cost everyone plans for:
| Home Size | Cost Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | AED 800-1,500 | 2 movers, small truck, 2-3 hours |
| 1-Bedroom | AED 1,200-2,500 | 2-3 movers, medium truck, 3-4 hours |
| 2-Bedroom | AED 2,000-4,000 | 3-4 movers, large truck, 4-6 hours |
| 3-Bed Villa | AED 4,000-8,000 | 4-6 movers, large truck, 6-10 hours |
Higher end of the range applies to: longer distances, higher floors, full packing service, weekend moves, and buildings without service elevators. Lower end: short distances, low floors, tenant-packed boxes.
Our detailed movers cost guide breaks this down further by area and service level.
Cost 2: Real Estate Agency Fee
This is often the single biggest cost and the one most newcomers forget. Dubai real estate agents charge a commission on new lease signings:
Standard fee: 5% of the annual rent
- AED 50,000 annual rent = AED 2,500 agency fee
- AED 80,000 annual rent = AED 4,000 agency fee
- AED 120,000 annual rent = AED 6,000 agency fee
Some agents charge a flat fee (AED 2,000-5,000) or a lower percentage for renewals. But for a new lease, 5% is standard across the market. This is non-negotiable at most agencies — it's how they make their money.
Tip: if you find a property directly through the landlord (some are listed on Dubizzle or Property Finder as "direct from owner"), you avoid the agency fee entirely. Saves thousands, but the selection is more limited.
Cost 3: Security Deposit
Required by law before you move in:
- Unfurnished apartments: 5% of annual rent
- Furnished apartments: 10% of annual rent
- Villas: Varies, typically 5-10%
For a 2-bed unfurnished apartment at AED 80,000/year, that's AED 4,000 upfront. You'll get your old security deposit back, but typically 30-60 days after moving out — so you're floating both deposits simultaneously.
For tips on getting your full deposit back, our security deposit guide covers the inspection process and common deductions.
Cost 4: DEWA Connection and Transfer
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority charges for new connections and transfers:
- Reconnection fee: AED 130
- Security deposit — apartment: AED 2,000
- Security deposit — villa: AED 4,000
- Total for apartment: AED 2,130
- Total for villa: AED 4,130
You'll get the deposit from your old DEWA account back (after final bill settlement), but again — there's a timing gap. Budget for paying the new deposit before receiving the old one.
Apply through the DEWA app at least a week before move day. Our DEWA transfer guide has the step-by-step process.
Cost 5: Ejari Registration
Every Dubai tenancy contract must be registered with Ejari. This is a legal requirement, not optional:
- Ejari registration fee: AED 220
- Typing centre fee (if you use one): AED 50-150
- Total: AED 220-370
You need a valid Ejari to activate DEWA, sponsor family visas, and prove residency. Don't skip it. Our Ejari guide covers the documents and online process.
Cost 6: Packing Materials (If Self-Packing)
If your movers don't include packing, you'll need to buy supplies:
- Moving boxes (20-40 needed for a 2-bed): AED 150-350
- Bubble wrap (2-3 rolls): AED 60-120
- Packing tape (5-10 rolls): AED 30-60
- Stretch film for furniture: AED 30-50
- Total DIY packing: AED 250-600
Professional packing services cost AED 500-1,500 but include all materials and labour. For a 2-bed apartment, professional packing costs AED 300-700 more than DIY but saves you a full day of work.
Cost 7: Deep Cleaning Your Old Apartment
Most landlords require professional cleaning before returning your security deposit. Some include it in the contract explicitly. Even if they don't, a deep clean makes the move-out inspection go smoother:
- Studio clean: AED 200-350
- 1-2 bed apartment: AED 350-700
- 3-bed villa: AED 700-1,500
Skip the cleaning and risk a deposit deduction of AED 500-2,000 — usually more than the cleaning would have cost. Our move-out inspection guide explains what landlords check.
Cost 8: Internet Reconnection
Transferring your du or Etisalat connection to a new address:
- Relocation fee: AED 100-300
- Technician visit: included in most relocations
- Processing time: 2-5 working days
If you're switching providers or upgrading your plan, the new installation fee may apply instead: AED 300-500. Apply at least a week ahead — being without internet for several days is a bigger disruption than most people anticipate.
Cost 9: Furniture Assembly and Minor Fixes
IKEA wardrobes, desks, and bookshelves often can't be moved assembled — they need disassembly and reassembly. If your movers don't include this:
- IKEA furniture assembly/disassembly: AED 100-300 per piece
- Curtain rod installation: AED 100-200
- TV wall mounting: AED 150-300
- Total handyman work: AED 200-800
Our handyman services bundle these with the move for a discounted rate.
Cost 10: Move-In Permit Fees
Some buildings charge for move-in permits or require refundable deposits:
- Move-in permit fee: AED 0-500 (varies by building)
- Service elevator deposit: AED 500-2,000 (refundable if no damage)
Most community-managed developments (DMCC, Emaar, Nakheel) have a formal permit process. Individual landlord-managed buildings may not charge anything.
The Total: What You're Really Spending
| Cost Item | Studio/1-Bed | 2-Bed Apartment | 3-Bed Villa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional movers | AED 800-2,500 | AED 2,000-4,000 | AED 4,000-8,000 |
| Agency fee (5%) | AED 2,000-4,000 | AED 3,500-5,000 | AED 6,000-10,000 |
| Security deposit | AED 2,000-5,000 | AED 3,500-6,000 | AED 6,000-15,000 |
| DEWA | AED 2,130 | AED 2,130 | AED 4,130 |
| Ejari | AED 220-370 | AED 220-370 | AED 220-370 |
| Packing materials | AED 100-400 | AED 250-600 | AED 400-800 |
| Deep cleaning | AED 200-400 | AED 350-700 | AED 700-1,500 |
| Internet transfer | AED 100-300 | AED 100-300 | AED 100-300 |
| Furniture assembly | AED 0-300 | AED 200-500 | AED 300-800 |
| Move-in permit | AED 0-500 | AED 0-500 | AED 0-500 |
| TOTAL | AED 7,500-15,000 | AED 12,000-23,000 | AED 22,000-37,000 |
These numbers assume you get your old security deposit and DEWA deposit back eventually. The out-of-pocket cash needed upfront is what matters — and it's higher because you're paying new deposits before recovering old ones.
How to Reduce the Total
Some of these costs are fixed (DEWA, Ejari). Others have room to save:
- Find a direct landlord: Skip the agency fee entirely — saves AED 2,000-6,000
- Move mid-week: Some movers offer 10-15% weekday discounts
- Pack yourself: Save AED 500-1,200 on packing services (but budget the time)
- Negotiate move-in cleaning: Ask your new landlord to include a deep clean before handover
- Time your DEWA transfer: Overlap by one day to avoid a gap in service
More tips in our cost-saving guide for UAE moves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total cost of moving apartments in Dubai?
The total cost including movers, agency fee, deposits, DEWA, Ejari, cleaning, and internet is AED 7,500-15,000 for a studio/1-bed and AED 12,000-23,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The mover's invoice is typically 15-25% of the total — deposits and agency fees make up the bulk.
What is the biggest cost when moving in Dubai?
The real estate agency fee (5% of annual rent) is usually the single largest moving cost. For a 2-bed apartment at AED 80,000/year, that's AED 4,000. Security deposits are the second-largest cost. The physical moving service is typically the third or fourth most expensive line item.
How can I reduce moving costs in Dubai?
The biggest savings come from finding a landlord directly (skip the 5% agency fee), moving mid-week for mover discounts, and self-packing. DEWA and Ejari fees are fixed. For the physical move, getting an accurate estimate upfront avoids surprise charges — request itemised quotes from at least two companies.
Know Your Number Before You Commit
Moving isn't just about the truck. It's a financial event that involves multiple payments across multiple weeks. Know the full number before you sign a new lease. Get a free moving estimate from us — we'll give you the mover cost portion so you can calculate the rest and make an informed decision.
