Who can let short-term
- An owner registers an account in the Holiday Homes system in their own name, which must match the Title Deed. An owner can register up to 8 units.
- An operator is a company whose trade licence lists Vacation Homes Rental. It manages units under the owner's Property Management Letter, and the permit dates match that letter.
- A unit cannot be listed on booking platforms without a DET permit: all apartments and villas are registered and approved before listing.
Documents
- Title Deed or a DLD-approved sale and purchase agreement.
- Developer NOC, where the building requires one.
- Owner's passport or Emirates ID; for a company, a trade licence copy and the authorised signatory's ID.
- Property Management Letter on the DET template.
- A current DEWA bill.
Before buying a unit for short-term letting, check the building and contract rules: some buildings restrict this use.
What the permit costs
- Registration in the Holiday Homes system: AED 1,500 + AED 10 + AED 10, total AED 1,520. There is no renewal fee, but details such as the licence are updated yearly.
- Unit permit: AED 300 per bedroom + AED 50 classification certificate + AED 10 + AED 10. For a one-bedroom unit that is AED 370, up to AED 1,200 per unit a year. The permit runs for a year, and applications are reviewed within one business day.
- Amounts are from the DET website as of October 2026. Check them on the portal on your application date.
Tourism Dirham and operating rules
- Guests pay the Tourism Dirham per room per night regardless of the number of guests: AED 15 for Deluxe and AED 10 for Standard. The owner sets the category through self-classification.
- The permit must be displayed in the unit.
- If you stop letting short-term, cancel the permit through the Holiday Homes portal.
Costs, and comparison with long-term letting
Short-term letting is more work: cleaning, linen, guest communication, booking-platform commissions, and utilities stay with the owner. Many owners hand this to an operator for a share of the income. Long-term letting with an Ejari contract is simpler, and the tenant usually pays utilities. Owner costs are in the yearly cost of owning; ready vs off-plan in off-plan or ready.
The UAE has no personal income tax, but short-term letting can be subject to 5% VAT once turnover over 12 months exceeds the mandatory registration threshold (AED 375,000). The income may also be taxed in your country of tax residence. Check with a tax adviser; see also Dubai property taxes. This is general information, not an income forecast.