Short-term rental in Dubai: licence, fees and rules in 2026
Short-term rental in Dubai requires a licence: every property rented for a period shorter than a year must have a Holiday Home permit from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Below we have gathered the most important rules and costs according to industry studies for 2026; it is worth confirming the rates with the DET before buying.
Holiday Home licence
According to industry studies, the annual permit fee is about AED 1,520 for an apartment or studio and about AED 3,570 for a villa or townhouse, and processing the application usually takes 10–15 working days. Before filing the application, the consent of the building’s management (NOC) is needed.
Owner’s fees and obligations
The operator collects the Tourism Dirham tourist fee from guests (about AED 15 per room per night) and pays the fee to Dubai Municipality (about 7% of rental revenue), and guests must be registered within 48 hours of check-in. The permit number must be visible in every listing, and a single stay can last a maximum of 90 days; longer ones are treated as long-term rental.
Non-residents and management
Owners without UAE residency usually use a licensed management company, which handles the permit and guest service. The management commission is usually 15–25% of gross revenue.
Is it worth it
For example, for a one-bedroom apartment in Dubai Marina, industry estimates show annual long-term rental of about AED 85,000 and net income from short-term rental of about AED 110,000–140,000, assuming 75% occupancy. These are estimates, not a guarantee: according to these studies, operating costs are about AED 45,000–70,000 a year, and occupancy depends on the season and location. Rental income must also be settled in line with tax rules in Poland, so it is worth consulting a tax adviser.
See also: Dubai districts – a guide, apartments in Dubai, houses in Dubai and a comparison of Dubai and Spain. Have questions? Contact us. Buying through World Residence carries no commission for the buyer.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to rent out an apartment in Dubai to tourists?
Yes. Every property rented for a period shorter than a year requires a Holiday Home permit from the DET, and the permit number must be on every listing.
Can a non-resident run a short-term rental in Dubai?
Yes, but usually needs a licensed management company, which handles the permit and guest service.
How much does managing a short-term rental cost?
The management company’s commission is usually 15–25% of gross revenue, plus the permit fees, the tourist fee and operating costs.
