Holiday Home Licence in Dubai: Rules, Fees and Steps for 2026

Furnished Dubai holiday home apartment prepared for guests

Short-term letting can earn more than a standard annual lease, but in Dubai it is regulated. Any property let to tourists on a short-term basis needs a holiday home permit from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This guide sets out who can apply, what you need and what it costs, based on published 2026 guidance.

Who can apply

Individual owners can license their own properties directly with DET, up to eight properties. Owners with nine or more need to operate through a company holding a holiday home operator trade licence, or appoint a licensed operator.

Documents you need

Title deed in your name
DEWA account for the property
Ejari, where the property is let and the arrangement requires it
Emirates ID or passport
Property insurance
A SIRA-approved smart lock, or other security requirements DET specifies

Many buildings also need NOC or permission from the developer or owners’ association for short-term letting, so check your building rules first.

Fees

Published guidance lists these DET fees:

Registration: AED 1,520
Inspection: AED 320
Annual permit: AED 300 per bedroom plus AED 70

On top of this, every guest stay attracts the Tourism Dirham of AED 10 or AED 15 per bedroom per night, depending on the classification. For long stays, it applies to the first 30 nights only. Fees change, so confirm current figures on the DET website before you apply.

Smart lock on the door of a Dubai holiday home apartment

Running rules

Register every guest on the DET system within 3 hours of check-in.
Renew the permit annually; it is valid for one year and renewal is not automatic.
Keep standards: DET can inspect, and the property must stay in the classified condition.

Penalties

Operating without a licence can lead to fines from AED 5,000 upwards, and breaching a closure order can cost AED 20,000. Unlicensed listings can also be removed from booking platforms.

Is it worth it?

Short-term letting usually brings higher gross income but also higher costs: furnishing, cleaning, platform fees, utilities, the Tourism Dirham and management time. Compare the net figure with a long-term lease before deciding. Our guide to buying property in Dubai from abroad covers the ownership side.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence to rent my Dubai apartment on Airbnb?

Yes. Short-term letting to tourists in Dubai requires a holiday home permit from the Department of Economy and Tourism.

How many properties can I license as an individual?

Individual owners can license up to eight properties. Nine or more requires a holiday home operator trade licence.

What is the Tourism Dirham for holiday homes?

It is a fee of AED 10 or 15 per bedroom per night charged on guest stays, applied to the first 30 nights of a long stay.

What happens if I let short-term without a permit?

DET can fine unlicensed operators from AED 5,000 upwards, and breaching a closure order can result in a fine of AED 20,000.

Talk to VVS Estate

Want help deciding between short-term and long-term letting? See our property management service or contact VVS Estate.