So you’ve gathered your paperwork and you’re ready to get the lights and water on in your new UAE home. The good news: applying for a utility connection is mostly done online now, and if your documents are in order, the process itself is straightforward. This guide explains How to Apply for a New Utility Connection step by step — what to do before you start, how the process differs between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the northern emirates, what it typically costs, and what happens after you hit submit.
If you haven’t prepared your documents yet, start with our checklist of the Documents Required for Utility Connection — nearly every delay in this process traces back to missing or expired paperwork, not to the application steps themselves.
Quick Answer
To apply for a new utility connection in the UAE: (1) register your tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai, Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi) or have your title deed ready; (2) apply on your emirate’s utility portal — DEWA for Dubai, TAMM/ADDC for Abu Dhabi, SEWA for Sharjah, EtihadWE for the northern emirates; (3) upload your Emirates ID, passport with residence visa, and tenancy contract; (4) pay the security deposit and connection fees online; (5) receive your account number and wait for activation, which typically takes one to three working days for standard residential connections.
Before You Apply: The Pre-Flight Checklist
Run through these before opening the portal — each one prevents a common rejection:
- Tenancy contract registered and active. In Dubai, DEWA checks your Ejari electronically; an expired Ejari blocks the application. New to the process? Our Ejari registration guide walks through it.
- Emirates ID and visa valid. Expired identity documents are an instant rejection.
- Name spelling consistent across your ID, passport, and tenancy contract.
- Previous tenant’s bills cleared. Ask the landlord for confirmation of a zero balance on the premises — unpaid dues from a prior occupant can hold up your new account.
- Digital copies ready. Clear scans or photos of every document, saved as PDF or JPG.
- A UAE mobile number and email for OTP verification and account notifications.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a New Utility Connection
Step 1: Identify your provider
You don’t get to choose — the provider is fixed by emirate. Dubai is DEWA; Abu Dhabi city is ADDC (applied for through the TAMM portal); Al Ain is AADC; Sharjah is SEWA; Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain are served by Etihad Water and Electricity. Applying to the wrong provider is a wasted trip, so confirm based on the property’s location.
Step 2: Create an account on the portal
Register on the provider’s website or smart app using your Emirates ID number, email, and mobile number. You’ll verify the mobile with an OTP. In Abu Dhabi, many residents already have a UAE PASS or TAMM account, which works across government services — the official TAMM portal lists ADDC’s move-in services.
Step 3: Choose the “new connection” or “move-in” service
Look for the service labelled “New Connection,” “Move-In,” or “Apply for Electricity and Water” — not “transfer” (that’s for moving an existing account between properties, covered in our guide on how to transfer a utility account to a new home). Select “residential” and enter the premises details: building name, flat or villa number, and area exactly as shown on your tenancy contract.
Step 4: Upload your documents
Upload your Emirates ID, passport copy with residence visa, and registered tenancy contract (or title deed for owners), plus any extra documents your case needs — landlord NOC, trade licence for commercial units, or a power of attorney if someone is applying for you. Double-check that every scan is legible before submitting.
Step 5: Pay the deposit and fees
The portal will calculate your security deposit (based on property type — villas are higher than apartments) plus any connection or activation fees, and you’ll pay by card online. Save the payment receipt; it forms part of your application record. Typical fee structures are explained in Utility Connection Fees Explained — but always go by the figure the official portal shows you on the day, since tariffs are revised periodically.
Step 6: Receive your account number and wait for activation
Once payment clears, you get an account or contract number by SMS and email. For a standard residential move-in where the meters are already installed, activation typically follows within one to three working days — often the supply is switched on remotely without anyone visiting. If a new meter installation or site inspection is needed (common for new-build villas), it takes longer; see How Long Does a Utility Connection Take? for realistic timelines.
Applying by Emirate: The Practical Differences
Dubai (DEWA)
The most digitised process of the lot. DEWA’s “Move-In” service on dewa.gov.ae pulls your Ejari data automatically, so the tenancy details pre-fill — one reason an active Ejari matters so much. Deposits and fees are paid online, and activation for existing meters is frequently completed within 24 hours.
Abu Dhabi (ADDC via TAMM)
Apply through the TAMM portal, which routes you to ADDC’s services. Your Tawtheeq-registered contract is verified in the background. Abu Dhabi also requires the premises to have no outstanding dues, so the zero-balance check with your landlord matters here more than anywhere.
Sharjah (SEWA)
SEWA accepts online applications, but many residents still complete the process at SEWA customer centres, especially for first-time connections. Bring originals of everything you’ve uploaded — counter staff routinely ask to see them.
Northern Emirates (Etihad Water and Electricity)
EtihadWE covers Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain through its portal and service centres. The process mirrors the others: registered contract, ID documents, deposit, activation. If you’re moving between emirates, remember you’re closing one provider’s account and opening another’s — they’re entirely separate systems.
What It Typically Costs
Expect two kinds of payment: a refundable security deposit (returned when you close the account, adjusted against your final bill) and non-refundable connection or activation fees. Deposits are tiered by property type, and commercial premises pay more than residential ones. Rather than quoting figures that may be outdated by the time you read this, check the “fees” or “tariff” section of your provider’s official portal during the application — the portal calculates the exact amount before you pay, so nothing on the checkout page should surprise you.
After You Apply: Tracking and Activation
Keep your account or request number safe — you’ll need it to check your utility connection status online or to follow up by phone. If activation passes the stated timeline with no update, contact the provider’s call centre with your request number rather than submitting a second application, which only creates a duplicate to untangle. Once supply is live, download the provider’s app to monitor consumption and pay bills — and if you’re setting up the services one at a time for any reason, our guide to activating electricity service covers the specifics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply for a utility connection before my tenancy contract is registered?
No — and this is the number one mistake. Providers verify registration electronically with Ejari, Tawtheeq, or the municipality. Apply only after your contract shows as active in the system.
How long does a new utility connection take?
For a standard residential move-in with meters already installed, typically one to three working days after payment. New builds needing meter installation or inspection take longer — the provider’s portal usually states the expected turnaround when you apply.
Can someone else apply on my behalf?
Yes, with a notarised power of attorney and their own Emirates ID, plus all of your documents. This is common for investors and overseas owners setting up a property remotely.
What happens to my security deposit when I move out?
It’s refunded when you close the account, minus any outstanding balance on your final bill. Always close the account properly when vacating — don’t just stop paying — or the deposit refund gets complicated.
Do I need separate applications for electricity and water?
No. One residential application covers both services together in every emirate. Separate processes only come up in special cases, such as certain commercial or industrial connections.
The Bottom Line
Applying for a new utility connection in the UAE is a six-step online process: identify your provider, register on the portal, pick the move-in service, upload your documents, pay the deposit and fees, and wait for activation. The process itself rarely goes wrong — the failures happen before it starts, with unregistered contracts and expired IDs. Get the pre-flight checklist right, apply through the official portal for your emirate, and you’ll usually have power and water within a few working days of moving in.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Paxi, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Paxi is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the UAE government or any agency mentioned; content is general information only, not legal, immigration or financial advice; verify critical details with official sources before acting.