Why Ejari matters: DEWA connection and residence/family visas

Ejari is the official registration of your tenancy contract with the Dubai Land Department. DLD states that all customers need Ejari for the DEWA move-in service: after the Ejari is registered, DEWA sends the tenant an account number and the security deposit to pay (commonly AED 2,000 for an apartment and AED 4,000 for a villa, per secondary sources), and electricity and water are connected. Some free-zone premises are exempt and apply to DEWA directly. For residence matters in Dubai, especially sponsoring a spouse or children, the immigration authority checks suitable housing: usually a valid Ejari in the sponsor's own name (or a DLD title deed if the sponsor owns the home); a room or bed-space contract is normally not accepted (secondary sources). Keep the Ejari renewed while visas depend on it, and cancel it when you move out so the next tenant – and you at your new address – can register.