Renting
What do I need up front to rent in Dubai?
AED 180k
Home
Furnished?
Cash needed on day one
AED 73,783
First rent chequeAED 45,000
Security deposit Hidden costAED 9,000
Agency fee (5% plus VAT) Hidden costAED 9,450
Ejari registration (in the app) Hidden costAED 178
DEWA deposit Hidden costAED 2,000
DEWA activation and fees Hidden costAED 155
Shipping from the UK (estimate)AED 8,000
Monthly extras to budgetHousing fee of about AED 750 a month (5% of annual rent), billed through DEWA. Some buildings also charge cooling (chiller) fees.
Sources and assumptions
- Dubai Land Department: Ejari registration
- DEWA: move-in deposit and activation
- Bayut: the 5% housing fee
- Security deposit (commonly 5% unfurnished, 10% furnished) and agency fee (commonly 5% plus VAT) are common market practice, not fixed by law. Shipping figures are estimates.
Information, not advice. Results are estimates to help you plan. Check your own figures and take professional advice before you commit.
Early access
Want more than the free guides?
Join the waitlist for what comes next: verified local experts, a saved move plan with reminders, and people who’ve made the same move.
Join the waitlistFree · one email when we launch