Moving Out of Dubai Checklist: Complete Guide to Leaving the UAE

Your Complete Checklist for Moving Out of Dubai

Leaving Dubai permanently is more complex than a local move. Beyond packing and shipping, you need to cancel multiple government registrations, close financial accounts, deregister your car, and settle obligations that are unique to the UAE system. Missing any of these steps can result in fines, blocked accounts, or complications if you ever return. Our team has helped hundreds of families repatriate from Dubai to destinations across the world, and this checklist reflects everything we have learned about making the exit process smooth and penalty-free.

3 Months Before Departure: Planning Phase

Decide What to Ship, Sell, and Donate

Start by categorising your belongings into three groups: items you will ship internationally, items you will sell, and items you will donate or discard. International shipping from Dubai is priced by volume (cubic metres) or weight, so decluttering aggressively saves real money.

• Ship: Sentimental items, high-value furniture, electronics you cannot replace, children's items, important documents and photos.
• Sell: Furniture, appliances, and electronics that are cheaper to replace than ship. Use Dubizzle, Facebook Marketplace, or community groups in your area. Larger items like beds, sofas, and dining tables typically sell within 1 to 2 weeks if priced competitively.
• Donate: Clothing, books, and household items in good condition can go to Dar Al Ber Society or the Red Crescent. Some charities offer free pickup for larger donations.

Get International Shipping Quotes

Request quotes from at least three international shipping companies. Typical costs for a full container from Dubai:

• 20-foot container (1-2 bedroom household): AED 8,000 to AED 15,000 depending on destination
• 40-foot container (3+ bedroom household): AED 15,000 to AED 30,000
• Shared container / groupage: AED 3,000 to AED 8,000 for smaller shipments

Shipping to the UK typically takes 3 to 4 weeks by sea. Shipping to India takes 1 to 2 weeks. North America and Australia take 5 to 7 weeks. Air freight is faster but costs 3 to 5 times more and is only practical for small, high-value shipments.

Notify Your Employer

If your departure is employer-initiated, confirm your last working day, end-of-service gratuity calculation, and visa cancellation timeline. If you are resigning, provide the contractual notice period (typically 1 to 3 months) and clarify whether your employer will cancel your visa or if you need to handle it independently.

2 Months Before Departure: Administrative Actions

Inform Your Landlord and Handle Ejari

If you are breaking your lease early, Dubai tenancy law requires 90 days written notice plus a penalty of up to 2 months rent, unless your contract states otherwise. If your contract is ending naturally, provide written notice as specified in your agreement (typically 60 to 90 days).

• Send written notice to your landlord by registered email or in writing.
• Confirm your move-out date and arrange a property inspection.
• Arrange Ejari cancellation for after your move-out date.

Start Closing Bank Accounts

Closing UAE bank accounts takes longer than most people expect. Begin the process early:

• Visit your bank branch and request account closure.
• Settle all outstanding credit card balances, personal loans, and auto loans.
• Request a liability clearance letter once all dues are paid.
• Transfer remaining funds to your overseas bank account via wire transfer.
• Return all cheque books to the bank (this is mandatory).

Banks typically take 30 to 45 days to fully process account closure if you have credit cards. Start this process at least 2 months before your departure. Outstanding bank debts can result in a travel ban, so clear all liabilities before your exit date.

Deregister Your Vehicle

If you own a car, you have two options: sell it or export it. Selling is simpler and more common:

• Sell through a dealer: Quick and hassle-free, but you receive 10 to 20% less than private sale value.
• Sell privately: List on Dubizzle, get offers, and complete the transfer at an RTA service centre (both buyer and seller must be present).
• Cancel registration: If you cannot sell the car, cancel the registration at RTA. You need insurance cancellation, a valid Salik tag return, and clearance of all traffic fines.

Before any sale or deregistration, clear all Salik toll charges, RTA parking fines, and traffic fines through the Dubai Police app. Outstanding fines block the transfer process.

1 Month Before Departure: Cancellations

Cancel DEWA

Submit a DEWA disconnection request through the DEWA Smart App or website. Schedule the disconnection for your move-out day. DEWA refunds your security deposit to your UAE bank account within 10 to 15 business days, so keep your bank account open until the refund clears. See our DEWA guide for the full disconnection process.

Cancel Internet and TV

Contact du or Etisalat to schedule disconnection. Early termination fees apply if you are within your 12-month contract. Equipment (router, TV box) must be returned to a retail store or the technician during disconnection. Unreturned equipment incurs charges of AED 500 to AED 1,500.

Cancel Other Subscriptions and Services

• Gym memberships: Most require 30 days notice. Check your contract for cancellation terms.
• Mobile phone: Cancel your du or Etisalat postpaid plan. Port your number to prepaid if you want to keep it active temporarily.
• Emirates Post: Set up mail forwarding or cancel your PO Box.
• Insurance: Cancel health insurance, car insurance, and home contents insurance. Request pro-rata refunds where applicable.
• School: If you have children, provide the required notice period and request transfer certificates and academic records.

Visa Cancellation

Your employer typically handles visa cancellation. The process takes 2 to 3 business days through the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs). Once your visa is cancelled, you have a 30-day grace period to remain in the UAE. If you are on a family visa and sponsoring dependents, their visas must be cancelled before or simultaneously with yours.

Final 2 Weeks: Moving and Exit

Book Your Move

Whether you are shipping items internationally, moving belongings to storage, or having our team deliver furniture to a buyer, book your moving date at least 2 weeks in advance. Our professional packing team can pack your entire home in 1 to 2 days, including custom crating for international shipment. We also offer furniture moving for individual items you are selling or donating.

Property Inspection and Security Deposit

Schedule a walkthrough with your landlord or property management. Document the condition of the property with photos before and after your final clean. Professional end-of-tenancy cleaning costs AED 500 to AED 1,500 depending on the property size and is usually required for full deposit refund. Your security deposit (typically 5% of annual rent for unfurnished or 10% for furnished) should be refunded within 30 to 60 days.

Final DEWA and Meter Readings

On your move-out day, photograph all DEWA meters for your records. These readings confirm your final consumption and protect you from disputed charges.

Day of Departure: Final Steps

• Return all keys, access cards, and parking tags to your building management.
• Collect your signed move-out NOC and deposit refund confirmation.
• Ensure your visa cancellation status shows as "cancelled" in the ICP Smart app.
• Keep copies of your Emirates ID, visa cancellation page, and liability clearance letters for at least 2 years.

Leaving Dubai is bittersweet, but it does not have to be stressful. SAMA Movers helps with local moves, storage, international shipping coordination, and handyman services for furniture disassembly. Contact our team to discuss your departure plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to close everything and leave Dubai?

We recommend starting the process 3 months before your planned departure date. Bank account closure alone can take 30 to 45 days if you have credit cards. Visa cancellation takes 2 to 3 business days but requires all employer obligations to be settled first. DEWA and internet cancellations take 1 to 5 business days each. Rushing the process increases the risk of missed steps and penalties.

Can I leave Dubai with outstanding debts?

Leaving the UAE with outstanding debts to banks, government entities, or landlords can result in a travel ban or legal action. Banks report delinquent accounts to Al Etihad Credit Bureau, which can affect your ability to return to the UAE. Always obtain liability clearance letters from every bank and settle all government fines before departure. If you cannot settle a debt, negotiate a payment plan with the creditor before leaving.

What happens to my security deposits after I leave?

Your DEWA security deposit is refunded to your UAE bank account within 10 to 15 business days after disconnection. Your rental security deposit is refunded by your landlord within 30 to 60 days after the property inspection, minus any deductions for damage. Keep your UAE bank account open until all refunds clear, then transfer the funds overseas and close the account as your final step.