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Airbnb License Dubai: STR Permit Requirements & Compliance (2026)
An Airbnb licence in Dubai (formally a DTCM holiday home permit) is required before you can rent any residential property on short-term platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com. The permit costs AED 1,890 to AED 2,790 per year depending on bedroom count (DET, 2025) and renews annually through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Operating without a valid licence carries fines up to AED 20,000 under Decree No. 41 of 2013.
Before registering your property, make sure you understand Airbnb licensing requirements in Dubai.
Do you need a licence for Airbnb in Dubai?
By Chris Veinbaums | Founder, Royale Stays Dubai | DTCM Licensed Operator
Published: August 2025
About our data: Figures drawn from actual booking data across Royale Stays managed properties in Dubai.
Yes. All Dubai Airbnb hosts are required to hold a DTCM holiday home permit under Law No. 41 of 2013. Operating without one carries fines of AED 10,000–50,000 per violation.
To list a property on Airbnb in Dubai, you need a holiday home licence issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Dubai classifies all short-term rental properties as holiday homes, so the Airbnb licence and the holiday home licence are the same permit. This guide is part of our Airbnb management in Dubai guide and explains what the licence requires, what it costs, and what the risks are for operating without one.
Before registering your property, make sure you understand Airbnb licensing requirements in Dubai.
In Short
Yes, every Airbnb host in Dubai must hold a valid licence issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Operating without one risks fines starting at AED 5,000 per offence (Decree No. 41/2013), listing removal, and in serious cases a platform ban.
Why Dubai requires a licence
Dubai’s holiday home licensing system protects guests and keeps standards consistent across the short-term rental market. Licensed properties are inspected for safety: working smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, posted emergency instructions. Owners are registered with the government, creating a clear accountability trail. Guests booking licensed properties know the unit has been reviewed against a minimum standard.
What the licence covers
The DET holiday home licence covers a single unit. If you own three apartments and want to run all three as short-term rentals, you need three separate licences. The permit is tied to the property address, not the owner. Selling the property doesn’t transfer the licence: the new owner applies independently. The licence costs AED 1,520 per year for standard classification (DET, 2025) and must be renewed annually. An expired licence triggers non-compliance flags and can cause Airbnb to suspend your listing until renewal is confirmed.
Displaying your permit number
Once licensed, your DET permit number must appear on your Airbnb listing and any other platform where the property is listed. Airbnb and Booking.com both require this during listing creation. Properties without a visible permit number can be flagged during platform compliance reviews and removed until the number is added.
Why Airbnb Hosts Need a License in Dubai
Dubai law requires every short-term rental property to be licensed, and the requirement applies equally to individual property owners, tenants with landlord consent, and management companies. Hosts must also meet DET safety and amenity standards: working smoke detectors, a fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit, and emergency instructions posted in the unit. Licensed properties are also subject to tourism reporting requirements, including collecting the tourism dirham fee from guests on each booking.
Key Rules for Airbnb Hosts in Dubai
Licence type
An Airbnb licence is technically a holiday home licence. It applies whether you rent one unit or manage multiple.
Platform compliance
- Display your DET permit number on your Airbnb listing.
- All guest check-ins must comply with UAE guest registration requirements.
Fines for non-compliance
- AED 5,000+ for operating without a licence (Decree No. 41/2013).
- Repeat offences can lead to higher penalties and account suspension.
Who can apply
- Owners: direct application via the DET portal.
- Tenants: allowed with a landlord NOC and valid Ejari.
Airbnb License Costs in Dubai
The annual licence fee for a standard holiday home unit is AED 1,520 (DET, 2025), with a knowledge and innovation fee added on top. First-year total costs typically fall between AED 1,800 and AED 2,500 (DET, 2025) for most Dubai apartments. Deluxe classification carries a higher fee. The licence renews every 12 months. Missing the renewal date results in fines and can trigger a temporary suspension of your Airbnb listing until compliance is restored.
Internal Links
For the full application process, see our guide to how to get a holiday home licence in Dubai. For a full cost breakdown, read how much is a holiday home permit in Dubai. If you want a management company to handle the DET application and compliance as part of a full-service arrangement, Royale Stays covers licensing as part of our standard management offering.
Frequently asked questions
Can I list on Airbnb in Dubai without a licence?
No. Operating without a DET holiday home licence carries fines starting at AED 5,000 per offence (Decree No. 41/2013). Airbnb may also remove the listing during platform compliance checks. There’s no grace period for operating while an application is pending.
Is the Airbnb licence the same as a holiday home licence?
Yes. Dubai doesn’t issue a separate Airbnb licence. All short-term rental properties are licensed as holiday homes through DET, regardless of which platform they list on.
Can tenants apply for an Airbnb licence in Dubai?
Yes, provided they have written consent from their landlord and hold a valid Ejari tenancy contract. Without the landlord’s written NOC, DET won’t approve a licence application from a tenant.
How long does the licence application take?
Most applications are approved within 1 to 2 business days after documents are submitted and the fee is paid online. Applications that need an inspection take longer depending on DET scheduling.
Related reading: Dubai holiday home permit costs | short-term rental licence in Dubai
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Airbnb license in Dubai and why do I need it?
An Airbnb license in Dubai is a permit that allows you to rent out your property on short-term rental platforms. You need it to avoid fines and penalties from the Dubai authorities. It’s a straightforward process to obtain, and Royale Stays can guide you through it.
How do I apply for an Airbnb license in Dubai?
To apply for an Airbnb license in Dubai, you’ll need to submit an application to the Dubai Tourism Department, along with required documents such as your property ownership papers and a copy of your Emirates ID. The process typically takes a few weeks to complete. You can also hire a property management company to handle the application on your behalf.
What are the benefits of having an Airbnb license in Dubai?
Having an Airbnb license in Dubai allows you to legally rent out your property on short-term rental platforms, which can increase your rental income. It also gives you access to a wider range of guests and helps you to avoid any potential fines or penalties. Additionally, licensed properties are more attractive to guests, which can lead to higher occupancy rates.
Can I manage my Airbnb property myself or do I need to hire a property management company?
You can manage your Airbnb property yourself, but hiring a property management company can save you time and effort. They can handle tasks such as guest communication, cleaning, and maintenance, and typically charge management fees from 15% of your rental income. This can be a good option if you don’t have the time or expertise to manage your property yourself.
How long is an Airbnb license in Dubai valid for?
An Airbnb license in Dubai is typically valid for one year, after which you’ll need to renew it. The renewal process is similar to the initial application process, and you’ll need to submit updated documents and pay the required fees. It’s a good idea to keep track of your license expiration date to avoid any gaps in your rental income.