In a lot of Dubai buildings and communities, a moving truck without a permit is turned away at the gate. The permit is free or cheap in most places, but it takes a few days, and it is the step people most often forget. Here is how move-in and move-out permits work, what you need, and how to get them in time.
The short version
- Most developer-managed communities and many buildings need a move-in permit and a move-out permit.
- You usually need your Emirates ID, passport and visa, and Ejari (or title deed if you own).
- Apply at least five working days before moving day.
- The permit often asks for the moving company’s name and vehicle details, so book your movers first.
What a move permit is for
A move permit tells building or community management who is moving, when, and with which company. It lets them schedule the service lift and loading bay, keep contact details for every resident up to date, and supervise the move so any damage to lifts, corridors or common areas is recorded and fixed. For the landlord, it is also a check that service charges are paid.
Emaar made permits mandatory across its communities in 2013, and other master developers such as Nakheel and Dubai Properties have since done the same. Many individual buildings managed by owners’ associations have their own version, sometimes called a move-in NOC.
Where you will need one
Assume you need a permit anywhere managed by a master developer or a building management company. That includes most of the areas people move to and from every week, such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate, Palm Jumeirah, JVC and Al Furjan. Older standalone buildings may not have a formal permit, but they usually still want notice and a lift booking.
Documents you usually need
For a move-in permit
- Emirates ID (or GCC national ID)
- Passport and residence visa page, for expats
- Registered Ejari tenancy contract (tenants) or title deed (owners)
- Moving date and time
- Moving company name, and often the vehicle and supervisor details
For a move-out permit
- Emirates ID and tenancy details
- Proof that outstanding charges are cleared; some communities ask for the DEWA clearance
- In some communities, a tenancy termination document and an inspection of the unit before the permit is released
Exact lists vary from community to community, so check the portal or ask management before you apply.
How to apply
Emaar communities
Apply through the Emaar One app or the Sakani portal, which most Emaar community websites link to when you click “apply for a move permit”. You choose the community, street and unit, say whether you are the owner or tenant, enter the move details and upload your documents. Processing times reported by residents range from one working day to about five, so apply early.
Dubai Properties communities
Use the RealConnect app or website. Along with Ejari, Emirates ID, passport and visa, you are asked for the expected move date, the name of the moving company and the vehicle details.
Other developers and buildings
Nakheel and other developers run their own portals or apps, and many buildings handle permits through the management office by email. If you are not sure, ask building security; they will know exactly what the gate will ask for on the day.
Fees and deposits
Many developer permits are free for residents. Some buildings charge an admin fee, and some hold a refundable deposit against damage to lifts and common areas, which is returned after the move is checked. Ask about both when you apply, so the deposit is not a surprise on the day.
Timing: when to do what
| When | Step |
|---|---|
| 2–3 weeks before | Book your movers and ask for their trade licence and vehicle details |
| 1–2 weeks before | Register Ejari for the new home; apply for the move-out and move-in permits |
| A few days before | Confirm the service-lift slot and permitted hours at both buildings |
| Moving day | Keep both permits on your phone; security may ask the crew for them |
Mistakes that cost a day
- Applying before the movers are booked. Many permits need the moving company’s details, so the application stalls.
- Forgetting the move-out permit. The building you are leaving can stop the truck just as easily as the one you are moving to.
- Booking a day the building does not allow. Some buildings restrict moves to certain days or hours. Check before you fix the date.
- Leaving it to the last day. Approval is not instant everywhere; five working days is a safe margin.
Permits are one part of a move. For the full order of things, see our Dubai moving checklist and the DEWA move-in and move-out guide.
Common questions
Do I need a move-in permit in Dubai?
In most developer-managed communities and many apartment buildings, yes. Older standalone buildings may only ask for notice and a lift booking.
How long does a move-in permit take?
Anything from one working day to about five, depending on the developer. Apply at least five working days before your move.
Can my moving company apply for the permit?
The application is usually made by the resident, but a good mover will give you everything the form asks for about them and help you complete it.
We handle the paperwork side with you
When you book with Elite Movers UAE, we send the company, crew and vehicle details your permits ask for, and coordinate the lift slots with both buildings.