Holiday home permit in Dubai

Who needs a permit

Any property let to tourists or short-stay guests in Dubai, whether through a booking platform or directly, needs to be registered as a holiday home with the Department of Economy and Tourism. Listing a unit on a platform without a permit risks fines and removal of the listing. A standard annual tenancy registered on Ejari does not need a DET permit; the permit is for short stays.

Owner route or operator route

Owners can usually register their own unit through DET's channels, taking on guest management, compliance and cleaning themselves. Alternatively, a DET-licensed holiday home operator manages the unit under its licence, in return for a share of revenue or a fee. The operator route suits overseas or busy owners; the owner route gives more control and more work. Check current eligibility and steps on the DET website, as the scheme is updated from time to time.

Check the building first

Some buildings and communities restrict or prohibit short-term letting, or require approval from the developer or owners' association. Ask the building management and read the community rules before you buy furniture. If you are a tenant, you need the owner's written consent; subletting without it is a breach of the lease. Service charges and building rules for jointly owned property are governed by Law No. 6 of 2019 and visible through Mollak; see Mollak and service charge disputes.

Preparing the unit

DET sets standards for holiday homes, covering furnishing, safety equipment, cleanliness and guest information. Expect to provide a fully furnished, equipped home, working smoke detectors and safety items, and clear house rules. Inspections and classification may apply. Use the official DET checklist rather than a third-party summary.

Running it day to day

• Register guests as DET requires.
• Collect and remit tourism-related charges, such as the Tourism Dirham, as applicable.
• Manage check-ins, cleaning, linen and maintenance between stays.
• Handle reviews, complaints and neighbour relations.
• Keep DEWA, internet and other accounts in good order.

This is a hospitality operation, not a passive let. Factor the time or the operator's cut into your decision.

Costs to budget for

Before you apply, list every cost you will carry: the DET registration and renewal, furnishing to the required standard, safety equipment, professional photography, platform commissions, cleaning and linen after every stay, consumables, higher DEWA and internet usage, more frequent maintenance and, if you use one, the operator's share. Service charges and insurance continue as normal. Check that your home insurance covers short-term guests, as many standard policies do not.

Get current figures from DET, the operator and your building rather than estimates from online forums. A unit that looks profitable on nightly rates can disappoint once quieter months and turnover costs are included.

Short-term or long-term?

Short lets can suit well-located, well-presented units with strong tourist demand, but income varies by season and costs are higher. A long-term tenancy offers steady income and lighter management under the usual rules on Ejari, notices and rent caps. Compare both honestly with current figures for your building. Our short-term rental investment guide, furnished vs unfurnished letting and rental valuation service can help, and our rental property management team can quote on long-term management.