AD
If you’re considering turning your Dubai apartment or villa into a short-term rental, obtaining a holiday home permit from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is a must. Whether your goal is to generate extra income or maximise your property investment, this permit ensures your property is legally allowed to host guests.
Popular Areas for Short-Term Rentals Data from UAE property platforms indicate that high-demand locations for holiday rentals include Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai. Short-term rentals in these areas can often command higher nightly rates than traditional long-term leases, especially during peak tourist seasons. This means property owners can sometimes earn in a few weeks what a month-long tenancy might bring, making short stays a potentially more lucrative option.
What Is a Holiday Home Permit? A holiday home permit officially authorises a furnished residential unit to operate as a short-term rental in Dubai. DET issues permits only after verifying that all legal and safety requirements are met.
Permits are not granted for:
Units classified as hotel rooms or hotel apartments
Properties under agreements that prohibit short-term rentals
Property Eligibility Your property must meet certain title deed requirements:
Apartments: Must be listed as “Residential”
Villas or houses in gated communities: Can be “Residential” or “Commercial”
Independent villas in Hatta: Must be “Commercial” or “Farms”
Insurance Requirement A comprehensive insurance policy from a Dubai-licensed insurer is mandatory. It must cover potential guest injuries or property damage and remain valid for the full duration of the permit.
Who Can Register You can register as either an individual property owner or a company/establishment.
Required documents include:
For property owners: copy of Emirates ID
For companies: copy of valid Holiday Home licence
Permit Duration and Fees Permits can be issued for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 12 months. Fees are standard regardless of duration:
Dh300 per bedroom
Dh50 for the Holiday Home classification certificate
Dh10 knowledge fee
Dh10 innovation fee
Total minimum fee: Dh370; annual maximum: Dh1,200 per property. Payments are made online via the Holiday Homes portal.
Application Process
Log in: Access the Holiday Homes System portal at hhpermits.det.gov.ae and create an account.
Register your unit: Click ‘Add Unit’ and enter property details.
Provide property information: Include type, number of bedrooms, area, and developer.
Upload documents: Attach all required supporting documents.
Review and confirm: Ensure all information is accurate; applications are usually processed within one business day.
Self-classification: After approval, submit your classification and pay the fees to obtain the Approved status for your unit.
Required Documents
Title deed or approved Dubai Land Department sale and purchase agreement
NOC from developer, if applicable
Landlord’s passport copy or Emirates ID
Trade licence if the property is company-owned
Emirates ID or passport of authorised signatory
Property Management Letter
Latest DEWA bill
Inspection Process DET will inspect your property to confirm compliance with safety and quality standards. Units must be vacant during inspection. Any violations will result in warnings or penalties, which must be corrected within two weeks. DET may also conduct unannounced periodic inspections.
Registering on the Holiday Homes System Before starting holiday home rental activities, all individuals, companies, and authorised representatives must register on the Holiday Homes System, the official DET-approved online portal for licence applications, permits, and related services.
Following these steps ensures your Dubai property is legally cleared for short-term rentals, helping you maximise rental income while staying fully compliant with local regulations.
The Raw Beauty of Imperfection: How a Teenage Sculptor Redefines Emotion Through Clay
In Dubai—a city synonymous with shimmering skyscrapers and flawless facades—17-year-old artist Samaira creates sculptures that celebrate the power of imperfection. While others chase perfection, she molds the raw, unspoken emotions that define our humanity.
From Humble Beginnings to Financial Wisdom: Leena Bansal's Money Journey in Dubai
Leena Bansal, an Indian fashion brand strategist thriving in Dubai, reveals how four years in the UAE transformed her financial mindset. In a city bursting with luxury temptations, she's mastered the art of strategic money management while building a safety net for her family's future. The Essence of Money: One Word That Defines It All "Potential," Leena states without hesitation. "Money isn't just currency - it's possibility made tangible." A Love Story With Finances "Early marriage meant tiny
From Financial Struggles to Empowerment: Laaleen Sukhera's Journey with Money
Laaleen Sukhera, a dynamic corporate communications professional and founder of Dubai's innovative Social League platform, shares her compelling financial odyssey. The British expat, who first visited Dubai at 14 before making it her home four years ago, opens up about money lessons learned through life's toughest challenges - from scams to divorce - ultimately finding financial independence.
The Art of Smart Investing: How the Global Art Market is Evolving for Modern Collectors
The art world is witnessing a fascinating transformation as collectors and investors rewrite the rules of engagement. While traditional markets fluctuate, art investment emerges as a compelling long-term strategy, attracting billions from private individuals worldwide. According to the groundbreaking Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report 2026, last year's market valuation reached $57.5 billion (Dh211 billion), marking a new chapter despite a 12% dip from previous years.
Alia Hussain Lootah: Weaving Motherhood, Art and Sustainability in the UAE's Cultural Tapestry
In the vibrant intersection of personal narrative and cultural evolution, Emirati artist Alia Hussain Lootah crafts a visual language that speaks to the soul of contemporary UAE. Her multidisciplinary practice serves as a bridge between intimate maternal experiences and broader societal transformations unfolding across the Emirates.
UAE's "Pressure Cooker" Pavilion at Venice Biennale Redefines Greenhouses as Architectural Marvels
As the Venetian sun stretches daylight hours in May, crowds flock to the prestigious Venice Biennale's twin hubs - Giardini and Arsenale. This year's 19th International Architecture Exhibition, often dubbed "the Olympics of architecture," unveiled its treasures on May 10, showcasing cultural masterpieces from approximately 66 nations. Among them, the UAE makes a striking return with its thought-provoking national pavilion titled "Pressure Cooker," continuing its tradition of award-winning presentations since 2014.
Bollywood Star's Ex-Husband Dies Suddenly After Bee Sting During Polo Match
The shocking death of Indian business tycoon Sunjay Kapur, former spouse of Bollywood icon Karisma Kapoor, has sent shockwaves through international circles after medical experts suggested a bee sting might have caused his fatal heart attack during a polo tournament. The 53-year-old industrialist collapsed unexpectedly last Thursday while competing in an elite polo match in England. Preliminary investigations indicate he may have inhaled or swallowed a bee during the intense sporting event, pote
NMC Royal Hospital DIP Pioneers Radiation-Free Breast Cancer Surgery in UAE with Groundbreaking Sentimag Technology
Revolutionizing breast cancer care, the innovative Sentimag system eliminates radioactive tracers with a safer magnetic alternative for precise lymph node detection
Sun Safety in the UAE: Why Your Skin Needs Year-Round Protection
In the sun-drenched UAE, where outdoor living is a way of life, many residents remain dangerously unaware of the silent threat posed by year-round UV exposure. While we enjoy beach weekends and rooftop brunches, dermatologists across the Emirates are witnessing alarming consequences in their clinics. As we observe Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May, medical professionals emphasize that skin damage doesn't discriminate - it affects every skin type, age group and gender. The notion that only fai
AEON Clinic Redefines Healthcare: Global Experts Unite at Dubai's Premier Longevity Masterclass
Dubai becomes epicenter of medical innovation as AEON gathers world-renowned scientists for groundbreaking longevity summit
Dubai Schools Embrace Healthier Eating with New Nutrition Guidelines
Educational institutions throughout Dubai are being urged to transform their meal programs following the launch of innovative food and nutrition standards by Dubai Municipality. These comprehensive guidelines aim to revolutionize student diets by cutting down on added sugars, boosting fiber content, encouraging proper hydration, and minimizing food waste in school cafeterias. The newly introduced regulations establish precise serving sizes to maintain portion consistency and accurate nutritional
Greek Tech Visionary Revekka Palaiologou on Redefining Wealth in Dubai’s Entrepreneurial Playground
At just 30 years old, Revekka Palaiologou has transformed Dubai's dynamic landscape into her personal launchpad for financial empowerment. The Greek innovator and co-founder behind the groundbreaking Dion app shares her unfiltered journey from Forbes' "30 Under 30" honoree to becoming a standard-bearer for next-generation wealth creation in the UAE.
