Moving Within the Same Building in Dubai: Costs, Permits & The 'Easy Move' Myth (2026 Guide)
MoveConnector Team
Relocation Expert
It seems like the perfect, stress-free scenario: you’ve found a larger apartment just three floors up. No trucks, no traffic, no hassle. Just a quick job for a couple of guys with a trolley, right?
This is the "Easy Move" Myth.
In 2026, internal moves are often more bureaucratically complex than standard moves. With strict "Double Permit" rules from developers like Emaar and Nakheel, and new Ejari systems that block registration until the old file is closed, an internal move is a logistical minefield.
This guide reveals the real costs, the permit traps, and why "DIY" is the most expensive choice you can make.
This Guide Is For:
- Tenants in Emaar, Nakheel, or Dubai Properties towers moving to a different unit.
- Landlords swapping units within the same portfolio.
- Residents upgrading from a 1-bed to a 2-bed in the same complex.
⚡ Quick Summary: The Reality of Internal Moves
| Factor | Standard Move | Internal Move (Same Building) |
|---|---|---|
| Transport Cost | Full Truck Fee | Save ~20-30% (No Truck) |
| Packing Cost | Full Price | Full Price (Still requires boxing) |
| Permits | 1 Move-Out / 1 Move-In | 2 Permits (Double application) |
| Labor | Standard | Higher (Long walks/Elevator waits) |
| Risk | Traffic Accidents | Corridor/Wall Damage |
1. The Cost Breakdown: Why Isn't It Half Price?
Many residents assume that without a truck, the price should drop by 50%. In reality, the truck is the cheapest part of the operation.
Where You Save (The 20%)
You save on the 3-ton truck and the driver. In 2026, this reduces the quote by roughly AED 300 – AED 600.
Where You Pay (The 80%)
The bulk of a moving quote covers skilled manpower and packing materials.
- Packing is Identical: Your china, clothes, and TV don’t know they are only going upstairs. They must be wrapped with the same protection (bubble wrap, wardrobe boxes) to survive the elevator and corridor handling.
- Furniture Disassembly: Your IKEA bed and wardrobes still need to be dismantled and reassembled. This takes the same amount of skilled carpenter time.
- The "Long Carry" Factor: Internal moves often involve walking 50-100 meters from the unit to the service elevator. This is physically harder than loading a truck parked at the loading bay, often requiring a larger crew to finish on time.
2026 Estimated Cost (Internal Move):
- Studio: AED 700 – AED 1,000
- 1-Bedroom: AED 1,000 – AED 1,600
- 2-Bedroom: AED 1,800 – AED 2,500
2. The "Double Permit" Maze (Emaar & Nakheel)
This is the number one cause of delays. You cannot just "inform security." You must formally close one account and open another.
Emaar (The Sakani Portal)
If you live in Downtown, Dubai Marina, or Dubai Hills, you must use the Sakani portal or Emaar One app to apply for TWO separate permits:
- Move-Out Permit (Unit A): Requires proof of final bill clearance.
- Move-In Permit (Unit B): Requires your new Ejari and Tenancy Contract.
- The Trap: You often need to book the service elevator for two separate slots (loading and unloading), which requires a refundable deposit (approx. AED 1,000–2,000).
Nakheel (The "My Nakheel" App)
For Palm Jumeirah, JVC, or Discovery Gardens, you must apply via the My Nakheel app or portal.
- Timeline: Apply at least 24 hours in advance.
- Requirements: They will ask for the DEWA bill of the new unit to approve the move-in permit.
3. The "Ejari Block" Rule
In the past, you could move in and sort out the paperwork later. Not in 2026.
The Dubai Land Department’s system is now fully integrated. An active Ejari on your old apartment will often block the registration of a new Ejari on the new apartment, even if it’s the same tenant.
- The Fix: You must formally cancel your old Ejari (approx. AED 220 at a center or free online if the landlord approves) before you can generate the Ejari for your new unit. Without the new Ejari, you cannot get the Move-In Permit.
Internal Move Timeline (Same Building)
7 Days Before
- Cancel old Ejari (or get landlord approval)
- Apply for Move-Out & Move-In permits
3 Days Before
- Book service elevator slots (Check timing with security!)
- Submit mover details to building management
2 Days Before
- Use DEWA “Move-To” service
- Confirm insurance coverage
Move Day
- Carry permits (printed or digital)
- Protect corridors and elevator floors
4. DEWA: Use the "Move-To" Service
Do not just "leave it."
- The Service: Use the DEWA "Move-To" service online. This allows you to transfer your security deposit (AED 2,000 for apartments) directly to the new account number.
- Timing: Do this 2-3 days before the move to ensure electricity is active in the new unit when the movers arrive.
5. The DIY Risk: Common Area Damages
Doing it yourself with a trolley is risky.
- The Inspection: After you move out, the building management will inspect the corridors.
- The Cost: Scuffing a wall, chipping an elevator door, or cracking a floor tile will result in a deduction from your building security deposit. Professional movers use Correx sheets (plastic floor protection) and wall blankets to prevent this.
DIY vs Professional Internal Move (Reality Check)
| Factor | DIY (Trolley) | Professional Movers |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit | ❌ Often rejected (No Trade License) | ✅ Included (Licensed) |
| Service Elevator | ❌ Hard to book | ✅ Pre-booked |
| Wall/Floor Protection | ❌ None | ✅ Correx & blankets |
| Insurance | ❌ None | ✅ Transit cover |
| Risk of Deposit Loss | ❌ High | ✅ Low |
| Total Real Cost | ❌ Often higher (Fines/Repairs) | ✅ Predictable |
FAQ: Questions We Get Asked Daily
Q: Can I just carry my boxes down the stairs? A: Most towers prohibit moving furniture or large boxes via passenger elevators or stairwells. You must use the service elevator, which requires a booking.
Q: Can I move on a Friday or public holiday? A: Most buildings do not allow moves on Fridays or public holidays, or they restrict them to limited morning hours. Always check with building management before booking movers.
Q: Do I need insurance for an internal move? A: Yes. Accidents happen in corridors and elevators just as easily as they do on trucks. Ensure your mover provides transit insurance.
Q: How long does an internal move take? A: A 1-bedroom apartment move typically takes 5–7 hours. It is not as fast as you think because elevator waiting times can be significant.
Don't get stuck in the elevator without a permit. Let professionals handle the logistics while you handle the excitement of your new home.