DEWA Clearance Certificate Dubai: Documents, Fees & Process

What is a DEWA Clearance Certificate?

The DEWA clearance certificate, also referred to as a DEWA final bill clearance certificate, is issued upon request by DEWA to confirm that all outstanding utility bills for a specific property have been settled.

This document is essential for ensuring transparency in property transactions—whether between a buyer and seller or a landlord and tenant—as it confirms that no unpaid bills remain that could otherwise burden the next occupant.

Why is the DEWA Clearance Certificate Important?

Obtaining a clearance certificate from DEWA is of utmost importance in any property transaction, as it is utilised for various administrative and legal processes. Here are several reasons why the DEWA clearance certificate is important: 

• For sellers and landlords: A DEWA clearance certificate must be obtained before transferring ownership or leasing a property. It proves that all utility bills have been paid and facilitates a smooth handover.

• For buyers and new tenants: It ensures they are not liable for any previous outstanding bills on the property.

• For tenants: Some landlords require a DEWA clearance certificate before refunding a tenant’s security deposit, ensuring all dues have been cleared.

• For business owners: The certificate may also be required in certain administrative situations, such as verifying legal residency status in the UAE.

Who Needs a DEWA Clearance Certificate?

The following parties will require a DEWA clearance certificate at some point during a property transaction: 

• Tenants who are leaving a rental unit 

• Property owners wanting to lease or sell their property 

• Companies and businesses facilitating property ownership

• Government or semi-government authorities handling property transactions 

Documents Required

Obtaining your DEWA clearance certificate from the authorities will require you to present certain documents. It is important to collate them beforehand and ensure that they are updated so you can obtain the certificate without any issues. 

Here is a list of documents to obtain your DEWA Clearance Certificate: 

• Emirates ID or passport copy 

• Trade license number (for companies) 

• Your DEWA account number 

• Tenancy contract or title deed 

• Final bill payment receipt 

Steps to Apply for DEWA Clearance Certificate

Here are some steps you can follow to obtain the DEWA final bill clearance certificate:

1. Gather your documents first. Presenting the right documents to the authorities will ensure that you receive a DEWA clearance certificate on time. As you have to present a receipt for the final payment, ensure that all your utility bills have been paid. 

2. You can log onto the DEWA online platform or download the mobile application for easy submission. You can either register on the website or log in to the portal. 

3. On the portal, you can head towards the clearance certificate section and click on the form to request a clearance certificate. Complete the form with accurate details.

4. After submitting the information and documents, submit your request. The processing time varies on a case-by-case basis, but it usually takes a few business days for your DEWA clearance certificate to be issued. 

If you are submitting your application offline, visit your nearest DEWA customer service centre, ask for an application form, complete it, and submit the required documents to the authorities. 

Fees Associated with DEWA Clearance

To obtain your DEWA final bill clearance certificate, you will have to pay a fee of AED 50 plus VAT. Once you have paid this fee, you can also get a refund for your security deposit, as long as you have your original receipt. 

When Should You Apply for a DEWA Clearance Certificate?

There are instances during which you should apply for a DEWA clearance certificate:

• If you are selling your property, you must have this document along with other documents to showcase that there are no pending utility bills from your end. 

• If you are moving out of a property you rented, you need to obtain a DEWA clearance certificate demonstrating that all your pending dues have been paid. After obtaining this certificate, you can also get your DEWA deposit back. 

How Long Does It Take to Get a DEWA Clearance Certificate?

If you have cleared all the pending utility dues, your certificate will be issued within a span of 24 hours. 

However, if the authorities still have to verify something, or if there are pending dues from your end, it could take up to 3 business days for your certificate application ot be processed. Which is why it is advised to clear everything before applying for a DEWA certificate. 

Common Issues or Delays with DEWA Clearance Applications

Here are some common issues people may face during their DEWA clearance application:

• If any of the documents you need to submit for your clearance certificate are missing, you may face a delay during the process. 

• If you haven't cleared all your utility bills before applying for a DEWA certificate, you will be asked to clear them before reapplying, inevitably delaying the process. 

DEWA Clearance Certificate Limitations

While the DEWA clearance certificate is an essential document, it has certain limitations that one should be aware of. These limitations include:

• Once issued, the certificate is valid only for 30 days. 

• The certificate only covers utility charges that have been paid for. Any new bills that are generated after the issuance of the certificate will not be included and will be the responsibility of the account holder. 

• It is mandatory to clear all outstanding bills before applying for a DEWA certificate, otherwise, your application will be rejected. 

Key Takeaways

Whether you're buying, selling, or renting property in Dubai, the DEWA clearance certificate plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth, transparent transaction. From settling final utility bills to securing your deposit refund, understanding how and when to obtain this document can help you avoid delays and protect your interests.

Navigating property transactions in Dubai can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Engel & Völkers, we provide expert guidance and end-to-end support for buyers, sellers, and tenants across the city. Whether you’re finalising a sale or preparing to move into your next home, our team is here to ensure every step is handled with care and precision.