What hidden costs, like Ejari and the DEWA deposit, should I expect when renting in Dubai?
When renting in Dubai, Ejari registration and DEWA setup together can cost around AED 2,333 to 4,375 for a new home. Ejari fees are not refundable, while the DEWA deposit is refundable after you close the account and clear bills. Salik tolls add per crossing.
For a new rental in Dubai, Ejari registration and DEWA setup together can cost around AED 2,333 to 4,375 (approx INR 61,031 to 1.14 L). The total changes depending on whether you rent an apartment or a villa. Salik tolls come on top if you drive.
Charges to Budget For
| Hidden expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ejari registration through the website or Dubai REST app | AED 177.75 (approx INR 4,650) |
| Ejari registration through a service trustee centre | AED 220 (approx INR 5,755) |
| Refundable DEWA deposit, apartment | AED 2,000 (approx INR 52,320) |
| Refundable DEWA deposit, villa | AED 4,000 (approx INR 1.05 L) |
| DEWA activation charges | AED 155 (approx INR 4,055) |
| Salik toll, off-peak, per crossing | AED 4 (approx INR 105) |
| Salik toll, peak hours, per crossing | AED 6 (approx INR 157) |
What You Get Back
The DEWA deposit is refundable once you close the account and all pending bills are paid. Ejari registration and utility activation charges are not refundable.
My Advice
Keep a separate cash buffer for the deposit and setup fees in your first month, on top of rent. Clear every utility bill before you move out, so the DEWA deposit comes back without delay.
How much will a month abroad cost you?
Rent, food and travel. A real monthly budget, city by city.
More Cost & living questions
- What is the lowest undergraduate tuition fee I can expect to pay at a Canadian university for the 2026 academic year?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- If I get an education loan, can I proceed with the application after the loan amount is clear?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Does the agency provide end-to-end services including visa, loan guidance, and accommodation?
- Do I need to show living expenses in my bank account for visa purposes, and can I withdraw it after reaching Ireland?
- How do I get an education loan for an MBA abroad as an Indian student?
- Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
More Dubai questions
- How much tuition would I pay in Dubai at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate level?
- Can you tell me the starting budget required for studying in Dubai and Germany?
- Do I need to submit an IELTS score for my master's application to universities in Dubai, given that my bachelor's was completed in English and I have an MOI certificate?
- Can I work full-time while studying in Dubai, and if not, how does part-time work there compare to Singapore's part-time work policy for international students?
- How many years will I spend on popular undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Dubai?
- How much does it cost to pursue an MBA in Dubai compared to Australia, including tuition, living expenses, student visa, and health insurance?
- Will my visa be available for how long after I complete my course in Dubai?
- Are all courses available for masters in Dubai through your agency?