Every year, millions of tourists, business travellers and families arrive in Dubai. Many of them choose a Marina flat or a Jumeirah villa instead of a hotel room. If your rental home is empty between tenants, you’re not earning any money.
One question has to be answered clearly before you make a listing: can you list your property on Airbnb in Dubai?
Yes, and it has been for years. Dubai began regulating short-term rentals in 2013, and the whole Holiday Homes system is now overseen by DET, the authority that succeeded the former DTCM following a merger in 2021. The rules apply throughout the emirate and in free zone communities.
Is Airbnb Legal in Dubai?
Yes, and it has been for years. Dubai began regulating short-term rentals in 2013, and the whole Holiday Homes system is now overseen by DET, the authority that succeeded the former DTCM following a merger in 2021. The rules apply throughout the emirate and in free zone communities.
One thing a lot of hosts miss: DET is not your developer or building manager; it decides where holiday homes may operate.
What Is a Dubai Holiday Home Permit?
A Dubai Holiday Home permit is official approval from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) allowing a furnished apartment or villa to operate as short-term accommodation on Airbnb. DET’s Holiday Homes system handles registration, permits, classification and renewals.
Every unit needs its own permit. Permits last up to one year and must be renewed before they expire. The fee is the same whatever validity period you choose.
Who Can Apply for a Holiday Home Permit?
Property Owners
Owners can register their own units directly, up to 8 units on the DET Holiday Homes site using their title deed and Emirates ID or passport. It’s the easiest way for investors to take complete control of pricing and visitor experience.
Tenants
Yes, tenants can also host. However, a no-objection certificate from the landlord is necessary and gives official approval to lease the home to short-term visitors. A mere normal tenancy contract is not adequate.
Professional Operators
If you plan to manage several units or other people’s homes, you will need a company setup and a holiday home operator licence. Many owners simply hand their property to a licensed operator instead.
Which Properties Qualify?
Villas and apartments can qualify, subject to DET clearance. But not all units do.
- DET does not allow holiday homes inside hotel or hotel-apartment buildings.
- sale and purchase agreement must not prohibit holiday-home use.
- The building or community has to permit the activity.
Buying specifically for Airbnb income? Check the SPA, building rules and developer requirements before you sign.
Documents Checklist
DET’s official checklist includes:
- Title deed, or a DLD-approved sale and purchase agreement (Oqood).
- Developer or building NOC, where applicable.
- Signed passport copy or Emirates ID of the landlord.
- Current DEWA bill (enter the DEWA premise number, not the account number, in the application)
- Trade licence and authorised signatory ID, if the owner is a company.
- Property Management Letter, using DET’s template.
- Tenancy contract, if you are a tenant, with permit dates matching the tenancy dates.
Good to know:
- If someone signs the Property Management Letter on your behalf, attach a Power of Attorney and the representative’s passport copy.
- If a single title deed is for the entire building, DET can additionally ask for a building completion certificate and a landlord NOC with a DEWA number for each unit.
Additional documentation may be required depending on your ownership structure.
Dubai Airbnb Permit Rules You Should Know.
Dubai enforces its holiday home regulations strictly, so be sure you are aware of the rules:
- Register before listing. Unlicensed listings will face penalties and closure.
- Rent entire units only. Private and shared rooms cannot be offered by residential properties. Airbnb only permits them in licensed hotels and hostels.
- When you register, provide your permit number to your Airbnb listing.
- Display the permission inside the unit as required by law.
- Classify as standard or deluxe units and follow that requirement.
- Follow the safety guidelines. You need smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, good wiring and a clean house. You have to keep inside the allowable occupancy too
- Permits are good for one year, so make sure you renew them on time.
- Make sure you record guest check-ins and submit the Tourism Dirham payment by the 15th of each month. The fee is AED 10 or AED 15 per occupied bedroom every night.
Official DET Holiday Home Permit Fees (2026)
| Fee Item | Official Amount |
| Permit fee (new or renewal) | AED 300 per bedroom |
| Classification certificate (new permit) | AED 50 per Holiday Home |
| Knowledge fee | AED 10 |
| Innovation fee | AED 10 |
| Maximum annual permit fee | AED 1,200 per Holiday Home |
| Tourism Dirham, Standard | AED 10 per occupied bedroom, per night |
| Tourism Dirham, Deluxe | AED 15 per occupied bedroom, per night |
Example:
- New permit for a one-bedroom flat: AED 370 (300 + 50 + 10 + 10).
- The renewal fee is AED 320 per year (300 + 10 + 10).
The base DET registration is AED 1,500, plus AED 10 each for the knowledge and innovation fees, for a total of AED 1,520. Confirm the current amount on the portal when you apply.
Hidden Costs Smart Hosts Budget For
The permit is the cheapest part of hosting. Plan for:
- Property management fees, if an operator handles bookings and check-ins.
- Furnishing to DET standards.
- Cleaning, washing and repairs (which increase with regular visitor turnover).
- Utilities and internet, normally paid by the owner.
- Costs of insurance and compliance.
- Airbnb service charges, in addition to any applicable corporate tax or VAT.
Always calculate net income rather than merely the rate per night.
How to Get a Holiday Home Permit in Dubai: 6 Simple Steps
Follow this simple process to get a holiday home permit in Dubai:
- Check eligibility: Ensure your property is permitted to accommodate holiday homes and acquire your NOCs.
- Register on the DET Holiday Homes portal: An account can be created using your Emirates ID or UAE Pass.
- Upload documents and add your unit: Attach title deed or tenancy plus NOC, ID, DEWA bill and any building NOC applicable.
- Classify your home into a category: select ‘Standard’ or ‘Deluxe’ based on the features you want.
- Pay the fees: You can pay the registration and permission costs on the website.
- Get your permit number and post your property on Airbnb: Display it on your listing and start hosting guests.
Is Airbnb Profitable in Dubai in 2026?
In the right location, it can be incredibly rewarding. Throughout the year, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, JBR, Palm Jumeirah and Business Bay enjoy robust demand, with big events giving an additional boost to overnight prices.
Your returns depend on occupancy, seasonality, furnishing quality and operating costs. Always compare your predicted revenue from Airbnb with a typical yearly lease before you sign up.
FAQs
Is a permit required in order to list my property in Dubai on Airbnb?
Yes. Your unit must be registered and approved by DET before you can list it.
How much does a Dubai Holiday Home permit cost in 2026?
AED 300 per bedroom + AED 50 for the classification certificate and AED 20 for the knowledge and innovation fees. The permit fee is capped at AED 1,200 per unit per year.
How long is the permit valid?
It is valid for up to one year and can be renewed.
Can an Airbnb property help me get a Golden Visa?
Yes. If you own property valued at AED 2 million or more, you could qualify for 10-year residence.
Earn Rental Income and Secure a Golden Visa
So, can you list your property on Airbnb in Dubai? Absolutely. Make sure your unit is eligible, prepare your documents, pay the official DET fees and keep your home guest-ready.
There’s also an overlooked advantage for many investors. If you own a property in Dubai worth AED 2 million or more, you may be eligible for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa. This property has the potential to provide revenue from short-term rentals and long-term residency for your family. To learn more about who is eligible, see our guide to the Golden Visa by buying property.
If you are looking for professional advice on property investment and residence, Golden Visa UAE is here to assist you.
Disclaimer: Dubai Holiday Home rules and costs are subject to change. Before advertising your house, consult the current criteria on the official DET Holiday Homes webpage.
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