
Airbnb Requirements and Fees in Dubai (Department of Economy and Tourism - DET)
Dubai’s short-term rental market has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the advent of platforms like Airbnb allowing homeowners and tenants to apply for a holiday home license to list their properties for guest stays.
However, the process of obtaining a holiday home license involves meeting certain legal requirements and complying with the DET regulations. This includes submitting the necessary documents, registering with the DET, and paying monthly fees. This article provides a comprehensive guide on what you need to do to fulfill the legal requirements and list your property on Airbnb in Dubai.
What is the DET?
The DET is a government agency in Dubai that is responsible for managing tourism and commerce in the city. They used to be called the Department of Economy and Tourism but now they have a new name. The DET is in charge of giving out permits for people who want to rent out their property as a holiday home, as well as permits for events, tour guides, and hotels.
If you want to rent out your property as a holiday home, you will need to give the DET all the important papers they need to approve it. Once they approve it, you will get a permit that allows you to rent out your property. But keep in mind, this permit needs to be renewed every year.

Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Your Holiday Home License in Dubai
Are you looking to lease your property as a holiday home in Dubai? Then you’ll need to obtain a holiday home permit, which certifies that your property meets the technical and legal requirements for short-term rental.
The process of obtaining a holiday home permit begins by registering for an account on the DET portal and adding your property. You’ll then need to provide information about your unit, such as its type, number of bedrooms, and area, as well as submitting required documents, including:
- Title deed or sales purchase agreement and payment completion certificate
- Landlord’s passport or Emirates ID
- Property management letter
- Recent Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) bill
- If the landlord is a company: Trade license and authorized signatory’s Emirates ID or passport
- If the host is a tenant: Tenancy contract
Once you’ve submitted your application, the DET will review it and provide approval within one business day. Upon approval, you’ll receive confirmation by email and your property will be added to your portal dashboard.
Next, you’ll need to self-classify your property based on its facilities, in accordance with the Holiday Home Regulation Guide. Finally, you’ll need to pay the relevant fees, including a one-time application fee of AED 1,500, as well as a AED 10 knowledge fee and AED 10 innovation fee.
Start the process today and take advantage of the lucrative short-term rental market in Dubai!”

Stay Compliant and Hassle-Free with Your Dubai Holiday Home Listing
As a permit-holder, it’s important to keep your property in compliance with Dubai’s rules and regulations for short-term rentals. The DET regularly inspects properties to ensure they meet the technical requirements and standards outlined in the Holiday Home Regulation Guide.
To keep your listing fully compliant, make sure to pay Tourism Dirham fees each month based on your property’s occupancy, and submit guest passport copies at check-in.
Managing all these responsibilities can be a lot of work, but it’s essential to abide by the DET’s standards if you want to list your property for short-term rental. Fortunately, Central Cove Dubai can help. Our dedicated support teams will ensure your property meets all the required guidelines, and take care of the entire rental process for you, so you can maximize your profit with minimal hassle.
Want to know how much your property could earn? Use our revenue calculator for an accurate estimate.”
A holiday home license is a certification that allows property owners or tenants to lease their property as a short-term rental. It confirms that the property meets the technical specifications and legal requirements for short-term rental in Dubai.
Homeowners and tenants in Dubai can apply for a holiday home license to lease their property as a short-term rental.
To obtain a holiday home license in Dubai, you will need to provide the DET with your important documentation and register your property on their portal. Required documents include the title deed, passport or Emirates ID, a property management letter, a recent DEWA bill, and a tenancy contract if applicable.
There is a one-time application fee of AED 1,500 for a holiday home license in Dubai, in addition to an AED 10 knowledge fee and AED 10 innovation fee. Tourism Dirham fees must also be paid each month based on your property’s occupancy.
The DET, formerly known as the DTCM, is the principal authority for short-term property rental in Dubai. It is responsible for issuing holiday home permits, as well as hotel classification and tour guide permits. The DET also regularly inspects properties to ensure they meet the technical requirements and standards outlined in the Holiday Home Regulation Guide.
To ensure your holiday home is fully compliant with Dubai regulations, make sure to pay Tourism Dirham fees each month based on your property’s occupancy, and submit guest passport copies at check-in. You may also consider working with a company like Central Cove Dubai, which offers dedicated support to help ensure your property meets all the required guidelines and manages the rental process for you.