Forgetting to close your accounts before leaving the UAE is a rookie mistake that can cost you thousands. I’ve seen expats paying utility bills from London for an apartment they left months ago.

This is your no-nonsense timeline to a clean financial exit. Follow it, and you'll protect your security deposits and your peace of mind.

The 30-Day Countdown: What to Cancel First

Key Takeaway: Your 30-day countdown begins with your home internet and Ejari cancellation. Telecom providers require a 30-day notice to avoid penalties, and Ejari cancellation requires landlord coordination. Address these first.

Your internet plan is the first thing you should tackle. Both Etisalat and Du have a standard 30-day notice period for contract termination. If you cancel with less notice, you will likely be charged a penalty, typically equivalent to one month's rental fee.

The Process:

Visit a Service Center: Go to a main service center (don't rely on a call center) with your Emirates ID.
Schedule the Disconnection: Request to have your service disconnected on your planned move-out date.
The Equipment Trap: You must return your router and TV boxes. If you threw away the original box, that's usually fine, but bring the device and power cables. Failure to return these results in a charge on your final bill.

Next is your Ejari. Your landlord cannot legally rent the property to a new tenant until your Ejari is cancelled.

Dubai REST App: The easiest method. If your landlord agrees, you can initiate the cancellation for free on the app.
Trustee Centers: If you need to do it in person, visit a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre. This will cost approximately AED 220.

Cancellation Costs & Notice Periods

Service	Notice Period	Estimated Cost
Home Internet (Etisalat/Du)	30 days	1 Month Rental Fee (penalty)
Ejari	N/A (Requires Consent)	Free (App) / ~AED 220 (Center)
DEWA	24-48 hours	~AED 100 (Disconnection Fee)

DEWA & Empower: Getting Your Deposits Back

Key Takeaway: Apply for your DEWA "Move-Out" service online via the DEWA Smart App 2-3 days before you vacate. Your deposit (AED 2k-4k) is refunded via bank transfer in 7-10 days. District cooling refunds (Empower) take much longer.

The DEWA disconnection process is surprisingly efficient if you do it online.

Request Move-Out: Use the DEWA app and select the "Deactivate" service.
Provide IBAN: Input a valid UAE IBAN for your refund.
Pay Final Bill: You will receive an SMS with your final bill within 24 hours. Pay this immediately.
Receive Clearance: DEWA will email you a "Move-Out Notification Certificate," which is your proof of closure.

The District Cooling Warning: Your building's AC (chiller) is often a separate company like Empower or Emicool. You must contact them directly. Their refund process is notoriously slower than DEWA's, often taking 3-4 weeks.

Pro Tip: Keep a UAE bank account open for at least one month after you leave. Digital banks like Wio or Liv are great for this. It is the only reliable way to receive your final district cooling deposit without paying massive international wire fees.

The New 2025 Visa Cancellation Rules

Key Takeaway: The UAE visa cancellation rules updated in 2025 provide a standard 60-day grace period. For Skilled Professionals (Levels 1 & 2) and Golden Visa holders, this extends to 180 days.

The visa cancellation process is your employer's responsibility.

You Resign: You submit your resignation and serve your notice period.
Employer Action: After your last day, your employer submits the cancellation request.
Sign Cancellation Papers: You will be required to sign a document confirming you have received all your end-of-service benefits (Gratuity).
Grace Period Begins: Once the cancellation is processed, your grace period officially starts. You must exit the country or change status before this ends to avoid overstay fines.

Exporting Your Car (RTA Guide)

Key Takeaway: Do not export your car too early. The RTA "Export Certificate" is valid for only 30 days. You must pass a Vehicle Inspection Test and surrender your plates to get this certificate.

If you are shipping your vehicle, timing is everything. (See our full guide on Shipping Luxury Cars from Dubai for more details).

Clear Loans & Fines: Ensure any car loan is fully paid and all traffic fines are cleared.
The Export Test: You cannot just ask for a certificate. You must take the car to an RTA testing center (like Tasjeel) and request an "Export Test."
Surrender Plates: Once passed, you will physically hand over your license plates at the counter.
Receive Certificate: You will be issued the blue export certificate for approx AED 120. Provide this to your International Mover.
Towing: Once the plates are off, the car cannot be driven. It must be recovered (towed) to the shipping warehouse.

FAQ: Quick Answers for Expats

Q: How long does it take to get my DEWA deposit back? A: Using the online 'Move-Out' service and providing a UAE IBAN, you will receive your security deposit refund within 7-10 business days.

Q: Can I cancel my visa from outside the UAE? A: Yes, but it is complicated. It is highly recommended to complete the visa cancellation process while you are still physically present in the UAE to sign legal documents.

Q: What happens if I don't return my Etisalat router? A: You will be charged the full retail price for the equipment on your final bill. Always return the devices to a service center.

Q: Do I need my landlord's permission to cancel Ejari? A: Yes. Ejari cancellation requires mutual consent or a "No Objection Certificate" (NOC) from your landlord.

Ready to move? Now that your paperwork is sorted, let us handle the logistics. Get your free, no-obligation moving quote on MoveConnector.com today.

Cancelling Your UAE Visa & Utilities: The Pre-Move Timeline