Insights · Rental income
Holiday homes:
the permit first.
To rent a Dubai apartment or villa as a holiday home, Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) must register and approve it before you list it. Each unit needs its own Holiday Homes permit, and the permit runs for one year.
One unit, one permit
The permit is per property, not per owner. If you own two units and want to rent both short-term, each one needs its own approval from DET before it appears on any listing.
What you'll need to apply
- The property's title deed, or the DLD sales agreement.
- Your Emirates ID, or a signed passport copy.
- A recent DEWA bill for the unit.
- A Property Management Letter, on DET's own template.
- A no-objection certificate from the developer, if one applies to your building.
Renew it every year
A Holiday Homes permit lasts one year. Renew it before it expires, or stop renting the unit until you do. Put the date in your calendar the day the permit is issued.
Before you buy for holiday-home income
If short-term income is your plan, check the permit route for the specific building before you commit, and compare the numbers on a net basis: gross vs net yield explains how.
Questions buyers ask
Do I need a permit to rent my Dubai property short-term?
Yes. Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) requires each apartment or villa rented as a holiday home to be registered and approved before it is listed.
What documents do I need for a Holiday Homes permit?
The property's title deed (or DLD sales agreement), your Emirates ID or a signed passport copy, a recent DEWA bill, a Property Management Letter on DET's template, and a developer NOC if one applies.
How long does a Holiday Homes permit last?
One year. Renew it before it expires, or stop renting until you do.
Sources, checked 12 October 2026:
- DET, apply for a holiday home permit (registration and approval before listing)
- DET, issue a new Holiday Homes permit (documents)
- DET, renew a Holiday Homes permit (one year, renewal)