Everything a first-time owner needs to legally and profitably operate a holiday home in Dubai — from the DTCM Holiday Home permit to the day you take your first guest.
Dubai's short-term rental market has matured into one of the most regulated — and most profitable — in the world. The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DTCM) requires every holiday home to be licensed, insured and registered before the first guest checks in. Done correctly, the process takes 7–14 days.
1. Confirm your unit is eligible
Almost every freehold and most leasehold residential units in Dubai can be operated as holiday homes, but you need written permission from the landlord (if you're a tenant) and from the building owners' association (OA) if your tower restricts short-term lets. Buildings such as parts of Downtown, Marina and Palm Jumeirah have restrictions worth checking before you commit.
2. Register with DET as an operator
Owners can operate up to 8 units personally; beyond that you need a Holiday Home Operator license under a trade license. Individual owners register through the Dubai Holiday Homes portal with their Emirates ID, title deed or Ejari, and unit photos.
Documents you'll need
- Title deed or registered Ejari contract
- Emirates ID (and passport copy if non-resident)
- DEWA bill in your name
- NOC from the landlord (tenants only)
- Unit photos meeting DET classification standards
3. Pay the permit and tourism dirham
Permit fees range from AED 1,520 for a studio up to AED 1,950 for larger units, renewed annually. You'll also collect the Tourism Dirham (AED 10–20 per bedroom, per night, capped at 30 nights) from each guest and remit it monthly through the DET portal.
4. Insure for short-term occupancy
Standard home contents policies usually exclude paying guests. You need a holiday home or short-term rental insurance policy — typically AED 1,200–2,500 per year — that covers public liability, contents, and accidental damage.
5. Build your operations stack
Channel manager (to push your calendar to Airbnb, Booking.com and Vrbo), pricing tool, smart lock or lockbox, and a cleaning + linen partner. Most owners underestimate the operational load: a single 1-bedroom unit at 70% occupancy generates 80–110 turnovers per year, each requiring guest comms, cleaning, restock and inspection.
6. List, price and launch
Professional photography pays back within the first month. Price 10–15% below comparable units for your first 30 days to build a review base, then move to dynamic pricing. Aim for five 5-star reviews before you push rates to market.
If you'd rather skip the operational build entirely, our Holiday Home packages include calendar-synced cleaning, linen, restock and concierge — owners typically launch within 14 days.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a DET holiday home permit in Dubai?+
Typically 7–14 days from submission, assuming your documents (title deed/Ejari, Emirates ID, NOC if applicable) are in order.
Can tenants rent out their apartment on Airbnb in Dubai?+
Only with a written NOC from the landlord and, in some buildings, from the owners' association. Without an NOC, listing on Airbnb breaches both DET rules and your tenancy contract.
Do I have to pay VAT on my Dubai short-term rental income?+
Short-term residential rentals (under 6 months) are subject to 5% VAT once your annual taxable revenue crosses AED 375,000. Below that, VAT registration is optional.
