Dubai Holiday Home License: Requirements, Costs, and Process (2026)

What Is a Dubai Holiday Home License?

To operate a holiday home in Dubai, you must get the official permit from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The Dubai holiday home permit is an official document that legalises property owners renting their homes for short-term periods to tourists and visitors.

Possessing a Dubai holiday home license not only helps the DET keep a record of the number of short-term rental properties in the market, but also ensures that property owners are adhering to the safety, regulatory, and quality standards set out by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

Who Should Apply for a Holiday Home License?

While holiday home owners must possess a valid license, it is important to understand the eligibility rules for obtaining one.

The DET specifies that individual property owners are legally allowed to own and manage up to eight properties, each having an individual Dubai holiday home license. However, if the owner has more than eight properties, they must apply for a commercial trade license.

Additionally, property owners must check if their unit is eligible to apply for a Dubai holiday home license. While most types of residential properties, including villas, apartments, studios, townhouses, among others, are eligible for this license, hotel apartments are not eligible. Furthermore, certain residential communities may not allow units to be given on short-term leases.

There are two types of Dubai holiday home permits you must select from:

• Individual Homeowner (up to eight units)

• Professional Operator (must set up a company to obtain this license if they are operating more than eight holiday units)

Requirements for a Holiday Home License

Whether you are applying for an Airbnb license in Dubai or are operating individually, one of the most important steps in obtaining this document is providing the authorities with the correct documentation.

Property owners applying for the license must provide the following documents for a smooth process:

• Emirates ID/passport copy

• Property title deed/Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA)

• A DEWA bill that is no more than three months old and must be registered in the name of the owner who is applying for the license

• Authorisation letter (applicable for third-party companies who are managing the property on behalf of the owner)

• Trade license (applicable for companies that are operating the holiday homes)

• NOC from the Owners’ Association of a building/residential community (if applicable)

Steps to Obtain a Holiday Home License

Applying for a DET holiday home license is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Register on the DET website and create an account on the holiday homes portal.

2. Add the details to the online application form and submit it with the required documentation. Pay the required fees.

3. Ensure that your property meets all the safety, hygiene, and quality standards set by the DET guidelines. The Department may also conduct an inspection before granting a license.

4. Upon receiving a holiday home permit in Dubai, you will receive a permit number, which must be displayed across all listings for the perusal of potential tenants.

Holiday Home License Dubai Cost

As an owner, it is important to factor in the costs of acquiring a license for your unit. This will give you an accurate breakdown of the costs associated with operating a holiday home.

Along with the fees for an issued license and its annual renewal, you will also be paying additional fees for the property’s service charge and management fees.

Here is a breakdown of the various costs of obtaining a holiday home permit in Dubai:

• Initial registration fees of about AED 1,520 – this includes an AED 10 knowledge fee and innovation fee

• Holiday home permit fees are charged at AED 300 per bedroom, plus AED 50 for the holiday home classification certificate, an AED 10 knowledge fee and an AED 10 innovation fee, up to a maximum of AED 1,200 per holiday home each year.

• Annual renewal fees are AED 300 per bedroom, plus AED 10 knowledge and AED 10 innovation fees, up to a maximum of AED 1,200 per unit.

Holiday Home License Renewal

Whether you have an Airbnb license in Dubai or are affiliated with another company, it is mandatory to renew your holiday home license annually to avoid paying penalties or having your holiday home status revoked.

Late renewal of your Dubai holiday home license can result in late fees ranging from AED 200 to AED 500. While you can renew your license online, the DET site also offers an auto-renewal mechanism that will automate your renewal application and payment process within the deadline, making the renewal process simple and seamless.

What Happens If You Operate Without a Holiday Home License?

While holiday home leasing companies make it mandatory for unit owners to own an operating license (e.g., Airbnb requires unit owners to hold an Airbnb license in Dubai), many operators who are marketing their property individually may think that a license is unnecessary.

However, the DET has strict consequences for people operating without a holiday home license in Dubai. Non-compliance with the regulations can result in heavy fines, legal consequences, and even the removal of one’s listing from marketing sites.

Buildings That Do Not Allow Holiday Homes

Not all properties in Dubai are eligible to operate as holiday homes.

Hotel rooms and hotel apartments cannot obtain holiday home permits, while properties whose Sale and Purchase Agreements explicitly prohibit holiday home use are also ineligible. Owners should therefore confirm the property’s eligibility and any applicable developer or community requirements before applying for a permit.

Conclusion

The first step on the ladder of operating a holiday home in Dubai is finding the right property. In this case, the right property will fall under your budget, be located in a high-ROI area, and maintain healthy occupancy levels throughout the year.

Find the right holiday home with Engel & Völkers Dubai. With our global network and in-depth knowledge of Dubai’s property market, you can trust us to help you make informed decisions and maximise your returns, be it through property documentation, listings, license acquisition and renewal, and beyond. Even if you are new to the niche and want to understand whether you should buy a holiday home in Dubai, Engel & Völkers is here to guide you.

Contact us today to discover how we can support your search for the right holiday home in Dubai.