What do I need to close before I leave the UAE?

Closing things in the right order means your final salary and deposits arrive, nothing is left owing, and you leave with the paperwork you need.

The order that works

1. Cancel standing payments you won’t need: gym, subscriptions, school transport
2. Pay off and close credit cards and loans, and ask for a clearance letter
3. Give notice on phone and internet contracts: check your contract for notice and any early-exit charges
4. DEWA and district cooling: book the disconnection for your last day. Your DEWA deposit is set against the final bill
5. Remove your car from your Salik account when you sell it, and check for any fines first
6. Close your bank account last, once your final salary, gratuity and deposits have arrived

Your bank

• Your employer must pay your final salary, unused leave and gratuity within 14 days of your last day
• Banks must issue certificates you ask for, such as a clearance or liability letter, within 7 working days
• A bank can’t charge a penalty for closing an account that’s more than a year old
• Download statements before you close: you may need them for UK tax or a mortgage application
• Moving money to the UK? Compare exchange rates and fees first: see moving money

Debts and cheques

Unpaid loans, credit cards or bounced cheques can lead to a travel ban, which stops you leaving. Ask your landlord to return any rent cheques you’ve given for dates after you leave. See How do credit and cheques work in the UAE?

For the full order of leaving, including visas and your home, see How do I leave the UAE, and in what order?