How DEWA New Connection Works
DEWA’s “One Step Move-in” links directly to Ejari registration. When your tenancy contract is registered, DEWA receives your details automatically and opens an account — no separate application in most cases. If your case isn’t automatic (owners, free-zone properties, commercial units), you apply manually online.
Automatic Activation (Tenants with Ejari)
- Your landlord or agent registers the tenancy and the Ejari certificate is issued.
- DEWA’s system picks up your details automatically.
- You receive a welcome email and SMS with your new DEWA account number, the security deposit amount, and a payment link.
- Pay the deposit + activation fees online.
- Electricity and water connect within 15 working hours of payment.
No extra documents are submitted in the automatic flow.
Once your supply is live, the monthly cycle starts — our DEWA bill payment guide covers every way to pay your bills, including EasyPay and AutoPay.
Manual Application (Owners, Free Zones, Commercial)
- Go to dewa.gov.ae → “Activation of Electricity and Water (Move-in)”.
- Pick your customer type (UAE national, GCC national, expatriate, investor).
- Pick account type: tenant or owner.
- Enter your Ejari contract number (tenants) or ownership details, plus the 9-digit premises number.
- Upload documents (see below).
- Pay the security deposit and activation fees by card.
- You get a reference number to track the request; supply activates within 15 working hours.
Free-zone residents: Ejari isn’t used in commercial free zones — select “I don’t have EJARI” and provide the tenancy contract number, contract dates, premises number, room count, and contract value instead.
Documents Required
| Applicant type | Documents |
|---|---|
| Residential tenant | Valid Ejari certificate, Emirates ID or passport copy |
| Property owner | Title Deed or Sale & Purchase Agreement, Emirates ID or passport copy |
| Commercial unit | Trade Licence (if not registered with Dubai DET), Ejari, authorised person’s ID |
Tip: the Ejari certificate already contains your DEWA premises number (9 digits) — have it ready, because mismatched Ejari/premises data is the top reason applications get rejected.
Fees: Deposit + Activation
| Fee | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Security deposit — apartment | 2,000 (refundable) |
| Security deposit — villa | 4,000 (refundable) |
| Security deposit — commercial | No fixed amount — calculated by DEWA from the premises’ consumption |
| Activation fee | 125 (small meter; 300 for large meter) |
| Registration fee | 10 |
| Knowledge fee | 10 |
| Innovation fee | 10 |
| Total activation charges | 155 (small meter; 330 for large meter — separate from deposit) |
Notes: the deposit is refundable when you move out and settle the final bill — it’s held, not spent. Sanad/Thukher cardholders get 50% off activation fees. Older sources quote AED 100 activation (AED 130 total); DEWA’s current schedule is AED 125 for small meters and AED 300 for large meters, plus AED 10 each for registration, knowledge and innovation fees.
What Is a DEWA Premises Number?
A unique 9-digit number identifying your property’s utility connection point. Find it on the meter area/property entrance, previous DEWA bills, your Ejari certificate, or the Dubai REST app. You need it for activation, transfer, and move-out requests.
Transferring DEWA When Moving Within Dubai
Don’t close and reopen — use DEWA’s Move-To / transfer service:
- In the DEWA app/website, first submit a Move-Out request for your old address (final bill + deposit refund process starts).
- Then submit Move-In / Activate New Connection for the new address with the new premises number and Ejari.
- Where eligible, your deposit transfers to the new account — avoiding the cash-flow gap of paying a second deposit while waiting for the first refund.
See DEWA deposit refund for how the old deposit comes back.
Common Application Errors to Avoid
- Wrong Ejari number — copy it exactly from the certificate.
- Name mismatch — the name on your ID must match the Ejari tenant name.
- Wrong premises number — verify the 9 digits against the meter or Ejari.
- Late registration — apply as soon as Ejari is issued so you’re not without power on move-in day.
If supply isn’t active within 15 working hours of payment, call DEWA on 991.
Connection Timeline
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Ejari issuance → DEWA welcome SMS/email | Automatic, usually same day |
| Deposit + fee payment | Immediate (online) |
| Supply activation | Within 15 working hours of payment |
| Manual application review | Up to 24 hours |
| Smart Connect (eligible properties) | Within minutes for straightforward cases |
Commercial New Connections
Businesses need a Trade Licence (unless registered with Dubai DET), Ejari for the commercial unit, and the authorised person’s ID. There is no fixed commercial deposit — DEWA calculates it from the premises’ consumption and connected load. The application flow mirrors residential: online form → premises number → documents → payment → activation.
Green Charger for EV Owners
Setting up home EV charging? DEWA’s Green Charger network covers public stations, and home charger installation is a separate DEWA service with its own application — your standard new-connection deposit doesn’t cover it. Factor this in when budgeting move-in costs for an EV household.
Smart Living Dashboard
Once activated, use the DEWA Smart App’s Smart Living dashboard to monitor daily electricity and water consumption. Catching an abnormal spike in week one is far easier than disputing a surprise bill in month three.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does DEWA activation take?
Within 15 working hours of paying the deposit and fees. Eligible Smart Connect cases can activate within minutes for straightforward cases; plan for up to 24 hours to be safe.
Can I activate DEWA without Ejari?
Tenants outside free zones need Ejari — it’s mandatory. Free-zone residents select “I don’t have EJARI” and provide tenancy details manually. Owners use a Title Deed instead.
Is the DEWA security deposit refundable?
Yes — AED 2,000 (apartments) / AED 4,000 (villas) is returned when you move out and settle the final bill. Details in our deposit refund guide.
What is DEWA One Step Move-in?
The automatic flow where Ejari issuance triggers DEWA account creation — you just pay the deposit via the emailed link. No separate application.
Do I need to visit a DEWA office?
No — the entire process works online or via the app. Offices (Customer Happiness Centres) are available if you prefer in-person.
Can someone else apply on my behalf?
Yes, with an authorisation letter/POA and copies of both parties’ IDs. Signatures must match.
What if my Ejari is delayed?
DEWA can’t activate without it (outside free zones). Chase your landlord/agent — and don’t schedule movers for a date before expected activation.
Is there a discount on activation fees?
Sanad and Thukher cardholders get 50% off activation fees.
How do I get a new DEWA connection?
As a tenant, you usually do not apply separately: once your Ejari is issued, DEWA creates the account automatically and sends your account number with a payment link for the deposit and activation fees — pay online and supply connects within 15 working hours. Owners, free-zone tenants and commercial customers apply for Activation of Electricity/Water (Move-in) on dewa.gov.ae or in the DEWA Smart App using a Title Deed or Trade Licence, then pay the same way.
How much does a DEWA new connection cost in total?
A refundable security deposit — AED 2,000 for an apartment or AED 4,000 for a villa — plus activation charges of AED 155 for a small meter (AED 125 connection + AED 10 registration + AED 10 knowledge + AED 10 innovation) or AED 330 for a large meter. Commercial deposits are calculated from the premises’ consumption.
DEWA Bill Check is an independent guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by DEWA or the Dubai government. For official services visit dewa.gov.ae. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Related: DEWA Bill Check & Payment mega-guide · DEWA bill payment · DEWA deposit refund · DEWA high bill complaint · SEWA bill check