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DTCM Permit Application Step by Step Dubai: How to Apply in 2026
The DTCM holiday home permit is applied for via the Invest in Dubai portal. Required: title deed, owner passport, and permit fee (AED 1,520 initial). The DET property inspection must be completed before the permit is issued. Processing takes 5-7 working days after inspection. Annual renewal required.
By Chris Veinbaums | Founder, Royale Stays Dubai | DTCM Licensed Operator
Published: 26 June 2026
About our data: Figures based on Royale Stays managed portfolio and DTCM published statistics.
Every Dubai property offered for short-term rental needs a valid DTCM holiday home permit before the first guest is accepted. The application is submitted online through the Invest in Dubai portal. This guide walks through each step of the process from document preparation to permit issuance.
In Short
DTCM permit application steps: register on Invest in Dubai portal, submit title deed and passport, book DET inspection, pay initial fee (AED 1,520), pass inspection, receive permit within 5-7 working days. Annual renewal fees: AED 370 studio/1BR, AED 670 2BR, AED 970 3BR, AED 1,270 4BR+. A management company can handle every step.
Step 1: Register on the Invest in Dubai Portal
Go to invest.dubai.gov.ae and register for a business account. Select the Holiday Home category and start a new permit application. You will need a valid UAE mobile number for OTP verification. If you are an NRI or non-resident, use your overseas mobile number. The portal is available in English and Arabic. For the full DTCM permit overview: DTCM permit Dubai complete guide.
Step 2: Upload Title Deed and Passport
Upload: a clear copy of the property title deed (issued by Dubai Land Department), the owner passport or Emirates ID, and confirmation of the property address. For jointly owned property, all owners must submit documentation. If using a management company, upload the management agreement as well. Documents must be PDF or JPEG, under 5MB each. Full checklist: complete checklist to start holiday home Dubai.
Step 3: Book the DET Property Inspection
After uploading documents, the portal will prompt you to book a DET inspection. Select an available date and time from the calendar. Inspection slots are typically available within 5-10 working days of application. The inspector will check the property meets DTCM minimum standards. A management company representative can attend the inspection instead of the owner. Inspection preparation: DTCM inspection checklist Dubai.
Step 4: Pay the DTCM Permit Fee
The initial DTCM permit fee of AED 1,520 is paid through the Invest in Dubai portal by credit or debit card. Payment is required after document verification and before the DET inspection is scheduled. Annual renewal fees are paid through the same portal before the permit expiry date. Late renewal may result in penalties. Full fee breakdown: DTCM holiday home permit fees Dubai.
Step 5: Pass Inspection and Receive Permit
The DET inspector visits the property to check it meets minimum holiday home standards. If the property passes, the permit is issued digitally through the portal within 5-7 working days. If issues are found, the inspector will provide a list of corrections. Most properties pass first time if furnished and cleaned to standard before the visit. The permit number must be displayed in all Airbnb listings. Get started guide: how to start Airbnb Dubai.
Annual Permit Renewal
The DTCM holiday home permit must be renewed annually. Renewal requires paying the annual fee and confirming the property is still meeting DTCM standards. A re-inspection may be required if the property has changed. Royale Stays handles renewal as part of ongoing management, so owners never need to track expiry dates or submit renewal paperwork. Setup timeline: how long to set up Airbnb Dubai.
Conclusion
The DTCM permit application is a straightforward online process that takes 2-3 weeks from start to permit issuance. Royale Stays handles the entire process for Dubai property owners, from portal registration through to annual renewal. To start your DTCM application through Royale Stays, submit your property today.
FAQ
1. How do I apply for a DTCM holiday home permit step by step in Dubai?
Step 1: Register on invest.dubai.gov.ae. Step 2: Submit title deed and passport. Step 3: Book DET property inspection. Step 4: Pay initial fee of AED 1,520. Step 5: Pass inspection. Step 6: Receive permit within 5-7 working days.
2. What documents are needed for a DTCM permit application in Dubai?
You need a copy of the property title deed issued by Dubai Land Department, the owner passport or Emirates ID, and the property address. If using a management company, include the management agreement. All documents must be PDF or JPEG under 5MB.
3. How long does the DTCM permit application take in Dubai?
The DET inspection can be booked within 5-10 working days of application. After a successful inspection, the permit is issued within 5-7 working days. Total process from application to permit takes 2-3 weeks depending on inspection slots.
4. What is the DTCM permit fee for a Dubai holiday home?
The initial registration fee is AED 1,520. Annual renewal fees are AED 370 for studio or 1-bedroom properties, AED 670 for 2-bedrooms, AED 970 for 3-bedrooms, and AED 1,270 for 4-bedroom or larger properties.
5. Can a management company apply for a DTCM permit on behalf of the owner?
Yes. A licensed management company can submit the DTCM permit application, attend the DET inspection, and handle annual renewal on the owner behalf. The permit is issued in the owner name with the management company listed as the licensed operator.
The DTCM holiday home permit is the foundation of legal short-term rental operation in Dubai — all other regulatory requirements build on this core licence.
Property owners who prefer to outsource DTCM compliance entirely can work with the best Airbnb management company in Dubai, which handles permit applications, renewals, and inspections on your behalf.