| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Permitted with registration |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — holiday home permit, issued per emirate |
| Tax Rate | 5% VAT plus emirate tourism fees |
| Permit Fee | Varies by emirate and unit size |
| Penalties | Fines, listing removal, blacklisting (varies by emirate) |
| Primary Residence Required | No |
Short-term rental operations in Nationwide are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — holiday home permit, issued per emirate. The associated permit fees are Varies by emirate and unit size.
Short-term rental operators in Nationwide should be aware of these tax obligations: 5% VAT plus emirate tourism fees. Yes (Tourism Dirham/tourism fee; 5% VAT applies).
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Nationwide include: Primary residence requirement: No.
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Nationwide: Building/developer approval (NOC) often required. Insurance: Recommended/required depending on emirate.
Hosts who fail to comply with Nationwide's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Fines, listing removal, blacklisting (varies by emirate).
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Nationwide: Platforms must verify/display valid permit numbers.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Nationwide with proper registration and permits. Permit mandatory across all emirates; each emirate runs its own licensing authority
Yes. Nationwide requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — holiday home permit, issued per emirate.
Short-term rental hosts in Nationwide are subject to the following tax obligations: 5% VAT plus emirate tourism fees.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Nationwide may face enforcement. Fines, listing removal, blacklisting (varies by emirate).
STRs classified as 'holiday homes'; regulation devolved to individual emirates
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