What hidden costs like Ejari, the DEWA deposit and Salik tolls should I budget for while living in Dubai?
Budget for Ejari registration (around AED 177.75 to 220), a refundable DEWA deposit (AED 2,000 for an apartment or AED 4,000 for a villa), DEWA activation (AED 155) and Salik tolls (AED 4 off-peak, AED 6 peak). Ejari and DEWA setup together often reach around AED 2,333 to 4,375.
Ejari registration and DEWA setup alone can cost around AED 2,333 to 4,375 (approx INR 0.60 to 1.13 L) for a new home, depending on whether you rent an apartment or a villa. Salik tolls then add up once you start driving.
Hidden Expenses in Dubai
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ejari registration through the website or Dubai REST app | AED 177.75 (approx INR 4,604) |
| Ejari registration through a service trustee centre | AED 220 (approx INR 5,698) |
| Refundable DEWA deposit for an apartment | AED 2,000 (approx INR 51,800) |
| Refundable DEWA deposit for a villa | AED 4,000 (approx INR 1.04 L) |
| DEWA activation charges | AED 155 (approx INR 4,015) |
| Salik toll during off-peak hours | AED 4 (approx INR 104) per crossing |
| Salik toll during peak hours | AED 6 (approx INR 155) per crossing |
What to Remember
- The DEWA deposit is refundable once the account is closed and pending bills are paid.
- Ejari registration and utility activation charges are not refundable.
- The total changes depending on apartment or villa.
My Advice
Add these one-time charges to your first-month budget so rent is not your only line item. Fees can change, so check the official Ejari and DEWA pages before you move in for your 2027 or 2028 intake.
How much will a month abroad cost you?
Rent, food and travel. A real monthly budget, city by city.
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