Straight answers to real UAE money questions

How do I get my DEWA deposit back?

Request final bill settlement when you deactivate your DEWA account (online, app, or customer care). Once the final bill is paid, DEWA refunds your security deposit — AED 2,000 for an apartment, AED 4,000 for a villa — typically within a few working days, to your card, bank account, or by cheque.

What is a salary certificate and how do I get one in the UAE?

A salary certificate is an official letter from your employer stating your position, salary and length of service, stamped and signed by HR. You request it from your HR department — usually free and issued within 1–3 working days. Banks, landlords and embassies ask for it as proof of income.

What salary do I need to sponsor my family in the UAE?

To sponsor a spouse and children in the UAE you generally need a monthly salary of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided accommodation. Both mothers and fathers can sponsor. You'll also need a tenancy contract, salary certificate, and medical insurance for each dependant.

How do I check my credit score in the UAE?

Download the AECB (Al Etihad Credit Bureau) app or visit aecb.gov.ae, verify with your Emirates ID, and buy your credit score — it costs about AED 10. The score runs from 300 to 900; roughly 700+ is considered strong by UAE banks. A full credit report costs more and lists every facility.

Is a bounced cheque still a crime in the UAE?

Mostly no. Since January 2022, a cheque bounced for insufficient funds is generally a civil matter, not a criminal one: the cheque itself becomes an execution instrument, letting the holder claim the money directly through court execution. Criminal liability remains for bad-faith cases like fraud or closing the account deliberately.

What is the minimum balance for a UAE bank account?

Most standard UAE current accounts require you to keep around AED 3,000 as a monthly average balance. Fall below it and the bank charges a 'fall-below fee' — commonly AED 25–50 every month you're under. Zero-balance accounts exist, usually tied to a salary transfer or as basic-banking packages.

How much does a Dubai residence visa cost in 2026?

For a standard 2-year employment visa, the all-in cost — entry permit, status change, medical test, Emirates ID and stamping — typically lands around AED 3,000–7,000, and the employer must pay it by law. Family visas run roughly AED 2,000–4,000 per dependant, paid by the sponsor. Golden and freelance visas cost more.