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Holiday Home License Dubai: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide
A Dubai holiday home licence is issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). It is mandatory for any property listed on Airbnb, Booking.com, or any other short-term rental platform in Dubai. Licences are issued per property and renewed annually. This guide covers the full application process, current fees, required documents, the DET inspection, and what happens if you fail the first inspection.
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.
The holiday home licensing regime in Dubai is managed by DET’s Holiday Homes division (formerly DTCM). Dubai has been licensing holiday homes since 2016, and the process is considerably more streamlined now than in the early years. For most properties in standard freehold zones with a straightforward ownership structure, the licence application is a documentation exercise that takes 2 to 4 weeks from submission to approval. DET enforcement sweeps since 2023 have increased, and both Airbnb and Booking.com now actively check licence numbers for Dubai listings. A valid, current licence is the non-negotiable starting point for any Dubai holiday home operation.
In short
You get a holiday home licence in Dubai by registering on the DET Holiday Homes portal, submitting the required documentation (title deed or tenancy contract, passport or Emirates ID, floor plan, NOC if required), passing a DET property inspection, and paying the annual licence fee. Standard licences cost AED 1,500 to AED 3,500 per year depending on property size. Processing time is typically 2 to 4 weeks from a complete submission. Licences are renewed annually. The tourism dirham (AED 15 per bedroom per night) must be collected from guests and remitted quarterly.
Step-by-step guide to the DET licence application
Here is the full DET holiday home licence application process step by step.
Step 1: Create your DET Holiday Homes portal account
Register on the DET Holiday Homes online portal. You need a valid email address and UAE phone number for verification. Non-residents register using a passport; UAE residents use their Emirates ID.
Step 2: Gather your documents
Standard document requirements:
Title deed (if you own the property) — issued by Dubai Land Department
Tenancy contract (if renting and subletting) — EJARI-registered, with landlord’s subletting consent attached
Copy of passport or Emirates ID
Property floor plan — scale drawing showing layout and dimensions
NOC from building management committee — required by some master developers
Operator licence documentation — if applying under a company
Step 3: Submit the application
Submit via the DET portal and pay the initial application fee. DET reviews documentation for completeness. Incomplete submissions are the most common cause of delays. Check everything before submitting.
Step 4: DET property inspection
DET schedules a property inspection after accepting the application. The inspection checks:
Physical property condition against the submitted floor plan
Minimum furnishing standards (furniture, bedding, kitchen equipment)
Safety equipment: smoke detector, fire extinguisher, first aid kit
Emergency contact information posted visibly in the property
Overall cleanliness and presentation
Common inspection failures: missing safety equipment, property not matching floor plan, furnishing below minimum standard, emergency contact sheet not posted, property not clean.
Step 5: Classification decision
Properties are classified as Standard or Deluxe. Standard is for properties meeting DET minimum requirements. Deluxe is for properties meeting higher quality criteria. Most first-time applicants receive Standard classification.
Step 6: Licence issuance and payment
After passing inspection, DET issues the formal licence and you pay the annual fee. The licence number is required for your Airbnb and Booking.com listing registration in Dubai.
Step 7: Tourism dirham registration
Register to collect and remit the Tourism Dirham (AED 15 per bedroom per night) as part of the DET portal process. This is remitted to DET quarterly.
Costs, timeline and what to expect at inspection
Licence fees by property type
Current approximate DET holiday home licence fees for 2025 and 2026:
Studio: AED 1,500 to AED 1,800 per year
1-bedroom: AED 1,800 to AED 2,200 per year
2-bedroom: AED 2,200 to AED 2,800 per year
3-bedroom and above: AED 2,800 to AED 3,500 per year
These are approximate. Exact fees depend on classification tier (Standard or Deluxe) and property specifics. Check the current DET fee schedule before applying.
Timeline
A complete, correct application typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from submission to licence issuance. Common delays:
Missing or incorrect documents: add 1 to 2 weeks
NOC from building management not obtained in advance: add 1 to 3 weeks
Failed first inspection: add 2 to 3 weeks for remediation and re-inspection
DET processing volume in peak periods: add 1 to 2 weeks
Budget 4 to 6 weeks in your launch plan.
What to do if you fail the inspection
If the property fails, DET notes the issues and schedules a re-inspection after you address them. Most failures are resolved within 1 to 2 weeks (safety equipment, cleaning, minor furnishing gaps). The re-inspection is booked through the DET portal with no additional fee in most cases.
Licence renewal
DET holiday home licences are renewed annually through the DET portal. A DET inspection may be required at renewal. Most professional management companies (including Royale Stays) manage renewal on behalf of landlords as part of the service. For the full setup guide beyond just the licence, see our guide on how to start a holiday home in Dubai.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a holiday home licence in Dubai?
A complete application typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from submission to licence issuance. Budget 4 to 6 weeks in your launch plan to account for typical administrative delays including the building NOC and DET inspection scheduling.
How much does a Dubai holiday home licence cost?
DET holiday home licence fees run approximately AED 1,500 to AED 1,800 for studios, AED 1,800 to AED 2,200 for 1-bedrooms, AED 2,200 to AED 2,800 for 2-bedrooms, and AED 2,800 to AED 3,500 for 3-bedrooms and above. Check the current DET schedule before applying.
What documents do I need for a Dubai holiday home licence?
Title deed (if owning) or EJARI tenancy contract with landlord’s subletting consent (if renting), passport or Emirates ID, property floor plan, and NOC from the building management committee where required. For company-held properties, the DED trade licence and DET operator licence documents are also required.
Do I need a NOC from my building for a holiday home licence?
It depends on the building and master developer. Check with the building management office before submitting your application. If required, allow 1 to 3 weeks to obtain the NOC.
Can I operate a holiday home without a DET licence in Dubai?
No. Operating without a valid DET licence is illegal and risks fines and removal from booking platforms. DET enforcement has increased since 2023, and Airbnb and Booking.com actively check licence numbers for Dubai properties.
What is the tourism dirham?
A government levy of AED 15 per bedroom per night collected from guests by the holiday home operator and remitted to DET quarterly. It is paid by guests, not deducted from your revenue, but adds to the total guest-facing cost and should be factored into your pricing.
Does a holiday home licence need to be renewed annually in Dubai?
Yes. DET holiday home licences are renewed annually through the DET portal. A re-inspection may be required for some properties. Professional management companies typically manage renewal on behalf of landlords. At Royale Stays, licence renewal is included in our management fee with no additional charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Holiday Home License in Dubai and why do I need it?
A Holiday Home License is required for all short-term rentals in Dubai. This license ensures that your property meets the necessary safety and quality standards. You can obtain this license through the Dubai Tourism Department.
How do I apply for a Holiday Home License in Dubai?
To apply for a Holiday Home License, you need to submit an application to the Dubai Tourism Department along with required documents, including proof of ownership and a valid tenancy contract. Royale Stays can assist you with the application process. The license is usually issued within a few days of submitting the application.
What are the benefits of having a Holiday Home License in Dubai?
Having a Holiday Home License allows you to legally rent out your property on a short-term basis, which can increase your rental income. It also gives you access to a wider range of marketing channels and platforms. Additionally, it helps to protect your property and guests by ensuring that your property meets certain safety standards.
Can I manage my holiday home in Dubai myself or do I need a property manager?
While it’s possible to manage your holiday home yourself, hiring a property manager 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 the rental income. This can be a good option if you don’t live in Dubai or don’t have experience with short-term rentals.
How long does it take to get a Holiday Home License in Dubai and what are the costs involved?
The processing time for a Holiday Home License in Dubai typically takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the application. The costs involved include the license fee, which varies depending on the type and location of the property, as well as any additional fees for services such as property management.