When your tenancy in the UAE comes to an end, one piece of paperwork quietly decides whether your move-out goes smoothly or drags on for weeks: a utility bill clearance. How to Get a Utility Bill Clearance is worth sorting out before your last day in the property — settle your final electricity and water charges properly, close the account in your name, and walk away with proof that you owe nothing.
Most tenants only discover this document exists when their landlord holds back the security deposit, or when the Ejari cancellation desk asks for a final DEWA bill they never requested. This guide explains what a clearance certificate is, who issues it in each emirate, and the exact steps to get one from DEWA, ADDC, SEWA, and Etihad Water and Electricity.
Quick Answer
A utility bill clearance — also called a clearance certificate or final bill — is an official document from your electricity and water provider confirming that all dues on your account are settled and the account has been closed or transferred. To get one, pay your final bill in full, apply for account closure or transfer through your provider’s app, website, or a customer service center, and download or collect the clearance certificate once it is issued. In Dubai this is handled by DEWA, in Abu Dhabi by ADDC, in Sharjah by SEWA, and in the northern emirates by Etihad Water and Electricity.
What Is a Utility Bill Clearance Certificate?
A clearance certificate is written confirmation from your utility provider that your account has a zero balance. It normally shows your account number, the premises it relates to, the date the account was closed or transferred, and a statement that no amounts are outstanding. Some providers call it a “final bill” or a “no-dues certificate,” but the function is the same: it proves you left the property with your utility account settled.
The document matters because utility accounts in the UAE are tied to the person, not just the property. If you move out without closing your account, the next tenant’s bills — or worse, someone else’s unpaid balance — can end up attached to your name and Emirates ID. A clearance certificate draws a clean line under your responsibility.
When Do You Need One?
You will usually be asked for a utility clearance in these situations:
- Moving out of a rented property: landlords commonly want the final bill or clearance before releasing your security deposit.
- Cancelling Ejari in Dubai: the Ejari cancellation process typically requires the final DEWA bill, so landlords ask tenants to produce it.
- Closing a utility account permanently: for example, when leaving the UAE or when a company shuts down an office.
- Transferring an account to a new tenant: the outgoing tenant’s clearance proves the incoming tenant starts with a zero balance.
- Employer or visa-related paperwork: some companies and government transactions ask for proof that utility dues are settled.
- Resolving a deposit refund dispute: a clearance is your strongest evidence that nothing is owed.
If you are moving into a new place instead of leaving one, read our guide on UAE utility connection requirements so your new account is set up correctly from day one.
Who Issues Utility Clearance in the UAE
There is no single national issuer. Your provider depends on the emirate where the property is located:
| Emirate | Provider | What to request |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | DEWA | Final bill / move-out clearance through the DEWA app or website |
| Abu Dhabi and Al Ain | ADDC (Abu Dhabi Distribution Co.) | Clearance certificate via the ADDC app or customer centers |
| Sharjah | SEWA | Final bill and clearance through SEWA’s website or branches |
| Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain | Etihad Water and Electricity | Final bill and clearance via the EtihadWE website or app |
Before you apply, it helps to view your utility bill history so you know your account is in good standing and can spot any unexpected charges early.
How to Get a Utility Bill Clearance from DEWA
Dubai residents deal with DEWA, and the process is fully digital. Here is the usual sequence:
- Decide your move-out date. Apply a few working days before you leave the property. DEWA generates the final bill based on the meter reading on the closure date.
- Log in to the DEWA app or website. Go to the move-out / account closure service on DEWA’s official website or in the DEWA smart app.
- Submit the move-out request. Enter your account number, the premises, and the date you want the supply disconnected or transferred. Upload your Emirates ID and tenancy contract if asked.
- Pay the final bill. DEWA calculates your consumption up to the closure date and issues a final bill. Pay it in full through the app, the website, or any accepted payment channel.
- Collect the clearance. Once payment is confirmed, DEWA issues the final bill, which serves as your clearance. Download the PDF and keep it with your tenancy documents.
- Claim your deposit refund. DEWA returns your security deposit after the final bill is settled, usually to your bank account. Confirm your bank details in the app so the refund is not delayed.
If your Ejari is involved, check our Dubai Ejari registration guide to understand how the final DEWA bill fits into the tenancy cancellation steps.
Getting Clearance from ADDC, SEWA and Etihad Water & Electricity
Abu Dhabi — ADDC
ADDC customers apply for a clearance certificate through the ADDC app, the TAMM portal, or an ADDC customer service center. The steps mirror DEWA’s: request account closure with your move-out date, pay the final bill, and receive the clearance certificate. ADDC typically issues the certificate once the account shows a zero balance, so make sure any pending payments have cleared first.
Sharjah — SEWA
SEWA customers can request a final bill and clearance through SEWA’s official website or at a SEWA branch. Bring your Emirates ID, tenancy contract, and your account number. SEWA settles the account based on the final meter reading, and the clearance is issued after all dues are paid.
Northern Emirates — Etihad Water and Electricity
In Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain, the provider is Etihad Water and Electricity. Requests are handled through Etihad Water and Electricity’s website or its smart app, following the same pattern: submit a disconnection or account closure request, pay the final bill, and obtain the clearance document.
Documents You Will Need
Requirements vary slightly between providers, but you should have these ready:
- Emirates ID of the account holder
- Utility account number (found on any recent bill)
- Tenancy contract or proof of occupancy for the premises
- Move-out or tenancy cancellation letter, if your landlord provided one
- Bank account details (IBAN) for the deposit refund
Keep copies of everything you submit. If you are setting up service at your new address, you will need a similar set of documents, so organizing them once saves you doing it twice.
Fees, Timelines and Deposit Refunds
Providers may charge a small service fee for processing a final bill or issuing a clearance certificate — typically in the tens of dirhams. The exact amount is always shown on screen before you confirm the request, so check the official portal rather than relying on what someone paid last year.
Timelines are usually short: digital requests are often processed within one to three working days, while in-person requests at a service center can sometimes be completed the same day. The main delay comes from unpaid balances or a pending meter reading, which is why applying a few days before your move-out date is sensible.
Your security deposit is refunded after the final bill is settled and deducted. The refund typically arrives within a few working days to a couple of weeks, depending on the provider and your bank. If it takes longer, contact your provider’s customer service with your account number and clearance reference.
What If the Final Bill Looks Wrong?
A final bill that is much higher than your usual monthly amount deserves a second look before you pay it. Estimated readings, a faulty meter, or charges carried over from a previous tenant are all possible causes. Do not ignore it — an unpaid final bill will block your clearance and can affect your deposit refund. Start by learning how to check for an incorrect utility bill, and if the numbers do not add up, follow the steps in our guide on how to dispute a utility bill before the account is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to get a utility bill clearance in the UAE?
Online requests are typically processed within one to three working days once the final bill is paid. In-person requests at a customer service center can sometimes be done the same day, as long as there are no outstanding dues or pending meter readings.
Can I get a clearance if I still owe money on my account?
No. Every provider requires a zero balance before issuing a clearance certificate. Pay the outstanding amount first — including any late fees — then submit your clearance request.
Do I need a clearance if I am staying in the same property but the account is being transferred to someone else?
Yes, in practice. The outgoing account holder should settle the account up to the transfer date and obtain the clearance or final bill, so the incoming tenant starts with a clean zero balance and no inherited charges.
Who pays the final bill — the tenant or the landlord?
The person named on the utility account pays the final bill, which is normally the tenant. Most tenancy contracts make the tenant responsible for utility charges during the tenancy period, so check your contract if there is any disagreement.
What is the difference between a final bill and a clearance certificate?
A final bill is the last invoice for your consumption up to the closure date. A clearance certificate is the provider’s confirmation that the final bill — and everything before it — has been paid and the account is closed. In practice, a paid final bill often serves as the clearance, but some landlords specifically ask for the certificate.
I lost my clearance certificate. Can I get another copy?
Yes. Providers keep records of issued clearances and final bills in your online account. Log in to your provider’s app or website and re-download the document, or visit a service center with your Emirates ID and account number.
The Bottom Line
Getting a utility bill clearance is a short process — request account closure, pay the final bill, and download the certificate — but it protects you from deposit disputes, inherited charges, and account problems that surface months later. Apply a few working days before you move out, keep the certificate with your tenancy papers, and confirm your deposit refund details are up to date. It is one of the simplest things you can do to leave a property on clean terms.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Asandada24, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Asandada24 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.