Move Out Permit in Dubai
Who issues the permit, what each person supplies, and the two things to do after the truck has gone.
A move out permit in Dubai is issued by whoever manages your building or community, usually the developer’s community management team or the building’s owners association, not by a government department. You apply through that management’s own app, portal or office. Expect to be asked for your tenancy contract, your Emirates ID or passport, and details of your moving company, and expect the permit to be held until any outstanding service charges or dues are settled. Apply as soon as your moving date is fixed, and book the service elevator at the same time.
Who issues a move out permit in Dubai?
The permit comes from the people who run your building day to day. In a master community, that is usually the developer’s community management team. In a standalone tower, it may be the owners association or a property management company appointed by it. Your building’s reception or security desk can tell you which one, and most of them handle permits through their own app or online portal.
The permit exists so the building knows who is moving, when, and with which crew. Security uses it to let the moving truck in and to stop furniture leaving a unit without the occupant’s say so.
What documents does a move out permit usually need?
Each management team sets its own list, but most ask for the same few things. Here is who usually supplies what:
| Document | Tenant | Owner | Your moving company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenancy contract registered with Ejari | Yes | ||
| Title deed for the unit | Yes | ||
| Emirates ID, or passport with visa page | Yes | Yes | |
| Proof that service charges and dues are paid | Sometimes | Yes | |
| Trade licence and insurance certificate | Yes | ||
| Crew names and vehicle details | Yes |
If you rent, the Ejari registration matters most. Your tenancy is registered through the Dubai Land Department’s Ejari tenancy contract service, and building management checks that the person applying for the permit is the person on that contract.
How much notice should you give before moving day?
Each building sets its own notice period, and some also limit moves to certain days and hours. Check the rules on your building’s portal before you confirm a date with your movers, then apply as soon as the date is fixed. Book the service elevator or loading bay in the same request where the building allows it, because a permit without an elevator slot still leaves you carrying sofas down the stairs.
Why are move out permits refused or delayed?
Most delays come from four things:
- Unpaid dues. Outstanding service charges, community fees or fines on the unit.
- Details that do not match. The applicant’s name or the unit number differs from the tenancy contract.
- Missing mover documents. The moving company’s licence or insurance has not reached the building.
- A clash. Another move is booked for the same slot, or the date falls outside the building’s moving hours.
Sort the first two before you apply, and ask your movers to send their documents to the building directly.
What does the moving company need to give the building?
Buildings want to know that the crew entering their premises is licensed, insured and identified. A professional mover sends the trade licence, insurance certificate, crew list and vehicle details on request. At DXI, your moving coordinator handles this with your building management, and our Shipper Information Sheet lists the building access details we ask you for when we plan your move.
What to do after you move out
Two things are easy to forget once the truck has gone:
- Cancel your Ejari. Once the property is vacated and the contract has ended, the tenancy can be cancelled through the Dubai Land Department’s cancel tenancy contract service, which also lists the documents it needs. Your next tenancy cannot be registered cleanly while the old one is still active.
- Close your DEWA account. Request the move out deactivation through DEWA’s own app or website so you stop paying for the old address and your deposit can be settled.
Our Moving Checklist puts these steps in order with everything else in the weeks around moving day. If you are leaving the UAE, our guide to moving household goods from Dubai to the UK covers the shipping side.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate move in permit at the new building?
Usually, yes. The new building’s management issues its own move in permit, often with a similar document list, so apply to both buildings as soon as your date is fixed.
Can the moving company apply for the permit on my behalf?
That depends on the building. Many only accept an application from the tenant or owner, but your movers can send their own documents straight to the building to complete it.
What if my building is not managed by a major developer?
Ask the reception or security desk who handles move permits. Smaller buildings often use a paper form or an email to the building manager rather than an app.
Is there a fee for a move out permit?
It depends on the building. Some charge nothing, some charge a fee or ask for a refundable deposit against damage to common areas. Check when you apply so it does not hold up your date.
Planning a move?
Your DXI moving coordinator will check your building’s access rules and handle the paperwork with building management for you. Contact us to plan your move.
