DTCM Permit Dubai 2026: Complete Guide for Property Owners (Costs, Process, Timeline)
A DTCM holiday home permit is a mandatory licence issued by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism for any property rented short-term. In 2026 the permit fee is AED 370 for the first bedroom and AED 300 for each additional bedroom, capped at AED 1,270, and renewal costs the same. Operating without one carries fines of up to AED 50,000.
For a detailed walkthrough of the online application process, see our DTCM permit application step by step Dubai.
By Chris Veinbaums | Founder, Royale Stays Dubai | DTCM Licensed Operator
Published: June 25, 2026
Fee figures are from the DET official fee schedule, confirmed June 2026. Management fee is from 15% of revenue.
Dubai requires every property listed for short-term rental on Airbnb, Booking.com, or any platform to hold a valid DTCM holiday home permit issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism. The permit is property-specific, runs from one month up to 12 months and is renewed when it ends. This guide covers every material detail: what the permit costs in 2026, how to apply, how long it takes, and what happens if a property is listed without one.
For the full legal requirements and document checklist, see our DTCM holiday home permit requirements guide.
What is a DTCM Holiday Home Permit?
The DTCM holiday home permit is the official licence issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for any residential property rented on a short-term basis in Dubai. A holiday home is a unit let under a DTCM permit for any stay from 1 day up to a year, bills included, with a manager looking after it; the occupant is a guest, not a tenant, so there is no Ejari. The permit is tied to the specific property and unit number, not the owner’s identity. If you sell the property, the permit does not transfer to the buyer. If you own multiple properties, each unit requires its own individual permit. A permit number must be displayed on every listing description across all platforms.
The permit system was introduced in 2016 and has been consistently enforced since. Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo all require a valid permit number to be visible on listings in Dubai. Listings without a permit number are flagged and removed during platform compliance audits.
DTCM Permit Costs in 2026
The fee structure has one component: a permit fee set by bedroom count, AED 370 for the first bedroom and AED 300 for each additional bedroom, capped at AED 1,270. Renewal costs the same and is due when the permit period you registered ends.
| Permit Stage | Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| Permit fee: 1-bedroom (first bedroom) | 370 |
| Permit fee: 2-bedroom | 670 |
| Permit fee: 3-bedroom | 970 |
| Permit fee: 4-bedroom or more, including villas (cap) | 1,270 |
| Renewal, any size | Same as the permit fee |
There is no separate registration or application charge on top of the permit fee. Renewal costs the same as the first registration for the same bedroom count. For the full licensing terminology, see the Dubai holiday home license guide.
How to Apply for a DTCM Permit: Step by Step
Applications are submitted through the DET Holiday Homes portal at https://hhpermits.det.gov.ae/holidayhomes/Welcome.aspx. The process runs as follows:
Step 1: The operator logs into the Holiday Homes portal. Non-resident owners need a local operator to register on their behalf.
Step 2: Enter the property details from the title deed and the unit's Makani number: address, unit number, bedroom count and building name.
Step 3: Upload the registered title deed and the owner's passport or Emirates ID. DET does not require a building NOC; the unit is registered with building management separately, by email or through the developer's portal. Off-plan properties cannot apply until the title deed is issued.
Step 4: The title deed owner receives an email from DTCM and confirms the application.
Step 5: The operator returns to the portal to complete the registration and pay.
Step 6: The permit is issued digitally through the portal, which can be within 24 hours once the deed owner has confirmed by email. No inspection is required before the permit is issued.
Step 7: Display the permit number in all listing descriptions on every platform where the property is listed.
DTCM Permit Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
With the title deed details and Makani number entered and the owner's email confirmation done, the permit can be issued within 24 hours.
Delays come from the owner's email confirmation sitting unanswered or title deed details that do not match the portal record.
DTCM Permit Renewal: What Changes Each Year
Renewal follows a simpler process than the initial registration. When the permit ends (from one month up to 12 months after issue, depending on the period registered), the operator logs into the Holiday Homes portal, confirms the property details have not changed, and pays again.
Most renewals are completed in a single online session. The renewed permit runs for the period you register it for, up to 12 months.
Operating Without a DTCM Permit
Running a Dubai property on Airbnb without a valid DTCM permit is a regulatory violation. The consequences of operating without a DTCM permit in Dubai include fines of up to AED 50,000 per violation, removal of the listing by the platform, and possible legal proceedings initiated by DET.
DET monitors Airbnb and Booking.com listings in the emirate and cross-references permit databases. A listing without a visible permit number is flagged for investigation. Complaints from building management or neighbouring residents can also trigger enforcement action even if the listing has not yet been detected by DET directly.
Can a Management Company Handle Your DTCM Permit?
Yes. Most professional management companies in Dubai manage the full permit process on behalf of property owners as part of standard onboarding. An Airbnb management company that handles your DTCM permit will submit the application, collect the owner's email confirmation, pay, and track the renewal date so the permit does not lapse while the property is generating income. For overseas owners this is not optional: a non-resident owner needs a local operator to hold the permit.
Conclusion
The DTCM permit is not optional and the process is straightforward when documentation is prepared in advance. The permit fee is AED 370 to AED 1,270 depending on bedroom count, the permit can be issued within 24 hours once the deed owner has confirmed by email, and renewal costs the same and is processed online. The alternative to a valid permit, fines of up to AED 50,000 and forced delisting, costs substantially more than maintaining one.
To understand what a professionally managed, permit-compliant property can earn, get a free earnings estimate for your Dubai property from Royale Stays.
FAQ
1. How much does a DTCM permit cost in Dubai in 2026?
The permit fee is AED 370 for the first bedroom and AED 300 for each additional bedroom, capped at AED 1,270: AED 370 for a 1-bedroom, AED 670 for a 2-bedroom, AED 970 for a 3-bedroom, and AED 1,270 for a 4-bedroom or larger. Renewal costs the same.
2. How long does it take to get a DTCM permit in Dubai?
The permit can be issued within 24 hours once the title deed owner has confirmed by email and the operator has completed registration and paid. No inspection is required before the permit is issued.
3. What happens if I list my Dubai property on Airbnb without a DTCM permit?
Operating without a permit can result in fines of up to AED 50,000, forced removal of your listing from Airbnb and other platforms, and potential legal proceedings. DET actively monitors listings and cross-references permit records.
4. Does the DTCM permit transfer when I sell my Dubai property?
No. The permit is issued to the specific property and owner and does not transfer on sale. The new owner must apply for a fresh permit in their name after the title deed transfer is complete.
5. Can a management company apply for the DTCM permit on my behalf?
Yes. Licensed management companies in Dubai handle permit applications and renewals as part of their onboarding service, including the owner's email confirmation step and payment.