🧾 Introduction
Dubai’s thriving tourism industry has made it a hotspot for vacation rentals. To ensure quality and safety, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) mandates that property owners and managers obtain a holiday home license before renting out their properties short-term. This guide provides a detailed overview of the licensing process for 2025 and introduces how ChargeAutomation can assist in streamlining compliance and guest management
📋 Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Holiday Home License in Dubai
1. Register on the DET Holiday Homes Portal
Begin by creating an account on the DET’s Holiday Homes portal. This platform is the official channel for managing holiday home registrations and licenses in Dubai.
2. Prepare and Submit Required Documents
Depending on your status as an individual owner or a professional operator, you’ll need to gather specific documents:
- For Individual Owners:
- Valid Emirates ID or passport copy
- Property title deed or tenancy contract (if leased)
- Ejari registration certificate
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord or developer
- Recent DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) bil
- For Professional Operators:
3. Submit Application and Pay Fees
After uploading the necessary documents, submit your application through the portal. Upon approval, you’ll be required to pay the applicable fees to receive your license.
🗒 Licensing Fees Breakdown
The cost of obtaining a holiday home license in Dubai varies based on the property type and size. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Registration and Inspection Fees:
- Registration fee: AED 1,520 (includes Knowledge and Innovation fees)
- Inspection fee: AED 320
- Permit Issuance Fees:
🗒 Compliance and Operational Requirements
To maintain your holiday home license, ensure adherence to the following:
- Guest Registration: All guests must be registered with the DET system within 3 hours of check-in. Safety Standards: Properties must be equipped with fire safety equipment, smoke detectors, and meet hygiene standards.
- Tourism Dirham Fee: Collect and remit the Tourism Dirham Fee, which is AED 10-15 per bedroom per night, depending on the property’s classification.
- License Renewal: Licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed annually to avoid penalties.
❓How ChargeAutomation Automates Compliance For Property Managers & Hotels
Managing the licensing process and ensuring ongoing compliance can be complex. ChargeAutomation offers a suite of tools designed to simplify these tasks:
- Automated Guest Check-In: Streamline the check-in process with digital forms and ID verification, ensuring automated & timely guest registration to DET.
- Payment Collection: Securely collect payments and security deposits, reducing the risk of disputes.
- Digital Rental Agreements: Generate and manage rental agreements that comply with local regulations.
- Smartlock Integration: Provide guests with seamless access to properties, enhancing their experience.
- Compliance Tracking: Monitor license renewals and compliance requirements to avoid penalties.
👍🏼Conclusion
Obtaining and maintaining a holiday home license in Dubai is essential for legal operation and guest trust. By following the outlined steps and leveraging tools like ChargeAutomation, property managers can ensure compliance, enhance guest experiences, and optimize operations in the competitive Dubai vacation rental market.Ready to streamline your vacation rental operations in Dubai? Contact ChargeAutomation today to learn how our solutions can assist you in achieving compliance and delivering exceptional guest experiences.



