Short-term rental authorization
In Dubai, if you want to rent out your property, whether an apartment or a villa, you need to obtain a Holiday Homes Permit from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
Where to apply
You can apply online fairly quickly, as the form is in English. The permit application takes a few days to be validated, sometimes within a day. If you use a rental management concierge service, this company will usually make the application on your behalf.
Process
To make the request, you need to book an appointment on the DTCM website, enter your contact details, register your property details, add the requested documents directly on the site and check that they are correct. Once all this is done, validate the request. Once the application has been accepted and validated by the DTCM, all you have to do is pay the required fees to finalize the permit.
Documents required
When you apply to the DTCM, you’ll need to provide information about the property, along with a number of official documents, including the title deed or a copy of your purchase contract, a copy of the owner’s passport or Emirates ID, an electricity bill, a copy of the property manager’s passport or Emirates ID, a rental contract if applicable, and a “Non Objection Certificate” from the property developer.
If the property is owned by a company, a copy of the company’s license is required.
If the property is managed by a real estate agency, a letter of authorization from the agency is required.
DTCM contact
If you need help, have problems or difficulties, you can contact them by phone or visit the DTCM offices. They are generally responsive and available.