All About Application for a Planning Permit in Dubai
Dubai’s real estate industry is known for its transparent and convenient processes. Ranging from land allocation to building construction, everything needs approval from the authorities. One such approval is the planning permit issued by the Executive Planning Department. The permit allows owners to build a property that is different from the planning legislation.
Let’s take a closer look at the planning permit in Dubai and the process to submit an application for it.
Application for Planning Permit in Dubai
To obtain a planning permit from Dubai Municipality, it is necessary for the owners to submit an application. Before applying, remember that the permit is only issued when the following sub-services are approved.
- Utilisation of residential villas for conditional commercial activities
- Addition of conditional commercial activities to industrial plots or labour camps
- Amalgamation and modification of plot dimensions, plot splitting and hotel facilities permission
- Changes in zoning regulations like parking spaces, land use, height, GFA, FAR and setback
- Land-use partial changes
- Permitting the existing condition
- Addition of residential units in a private plot
- Public facilities plots access
- Building investment villas
- Transfer or renewal of special approvals
- Special approval fees calculator
- Renewal or transfer of previous permits including initial approval fee calculation

Process to Submit Application for Planning Permit
Now that you are aware of the planning permit in Dubai and the prerequisite for the application, let’s move towards the submission process. These steps are necessary to submit an application for a planning permit in Dubai.
- Step 1: Log in to ‘Planning Service Website’.
- Step 2: Search ‘Planning Permit’ and provide all the required information and documents (detailed below).
- Step 3: Submit the application.
- Step 4: Wait for the response (Approved, rejected, to be amended or completed).
- Step 5: In case of approval, submit the required fee (detailed below).
- Step 6: Receive the permit via the Dubai Municipality website.
The application approval criteria for each sub-service are different, it is recommended to visit the Dubai Municipality’s official website to learn more about the approval criteria.
Documents Required to Apply for a Planning Permit in Dubai
The documents required to apply for a planning permit in Dubai vary according to the sub-service. Here are all the documents required for the application submission.
Sub-Service | Documents Required |
|---|---|
Sub-Service Utilisation of Conditional Commercial Activities (Residential Villas) | Documents Required A setting out plan elaborating on the proposed location. A parking layout within the plot limit featuring a table of calculations (in the case of a restaurant or coffee shop). |
Sub-Service Utilisation of Conditional Commercial Activities (Industrial Plots) | Documents Required Architectural drawings clarifying proposed location along with table of calculations. |
Sub-Service Utilisation of Conditional Commercial Activities (Labour Camps) | Documents Required A setting out plan elaborating on the proposed location, parking layouts and table of calculations. |
Sub-Service Plot Splitting | Documents Required Splitting proposal architectural drawing. |
Sub-Service Plot Amalgamation | Documents Required Proposed project’s architectural drawing and area calculations (if any). |
Sub-Service Zone Regulation Changes | Documents Required Proposed project’s architectural drawing and area calculations (if any). |
Sub-Service Existing Condition Permit | Documents Required Licence of previous activities (if any). |
Sub-Service Partial Change of Use | Documents Required Architectural drawings clarifying proposed location along with table of calculations. |
Sub-Service Public Facilities Plots Access | Documents Required Proposed access architectural drawing (if any). |
Sub-Service Hotel and Hospitality Usage Permit | Documents Required Proposed project’s architectural drawing (if any). |
Sub-Service Addition of Residential Units in a Private Plot (Social Needs) | Documents Required Current residence proof |
Sub-Service Addition of Investment Villas in a Residential Plot | Documents Required Proposed project’s architectural drawing (if any). |
Sub-Service Unblocking Transaction for Frozen Blocks | Documents Required Authorised entity’s NOC letter |
Service Fee for Planning Permit in Dubai
The service fee for applying for a planning permit in Dubai varies according to the type of sub-service. However, AED 20 is charged as an Innovation and Knowledge fee. Please remember that the plot division of land use change fee is 1% of the property’s value.
The fee for the planning permit can be paid through the following channels.
- Dubai Smart Government Portal
- An Ansari Exchange
- My Wallet
- Direct Debit
- Apple Pay
- Samsung Pay
- Credit Card

Terms and Conditions to Submit Land Permission Permit in Dubai
Now that you are aware of planning permit application fees in Dubai and the complete process, let’s move towards the terms and conditions.
Following are the terms and conditions that must be catered prior to submitting the permission permit in Dubai.
- The application must be submitted again in case the submitted application was incomplete or had any remarks.
- The procedures related to other services must be completed after acquiring a planning permit.
- Prior to obtaining a new planning permit, any change different from the permit should not be applied.
- Dubai Municipality’s planning and building requirements must be catered.
- All the building requirements and operative planning regulations approved by Dubai Municipality should be catered to.
- Delays in due fee payment will lead to application cancellation.
FAQs
Can I use my residential land for commercial activities in Dubai?
No, the usage of residential land for commercial activities is not permitted in Dubai.
Can landlords build private offices in their residences?
Yes, landlords are allowed to build private offices in their residences, but terms and conditions are applied to it.
Can I use my villa for activities related to people of determination?
No, villas can not be used for activities related to people of determination.
Can I buy a newly built property in Dubai as an expat?
Yes, expats are allowed to buy newly built properties in the freehold areas of Dubai. However, here are some pros and cons of buying newly built properties that you must be aware of.
This was all about applying for a planning permit in Dubai, its terms, conditions and fee details. The planning permit allows landowners to construct their plots differently from the approved design. Bringing changes in the construction allows investors to increase the returns on their property. If you are also planning to invest in real estate, here are some plots for sale in Dubai that you can choose from.
Besides, if you are planning to construct a building on a plot, here is how to apply for a building permit in Dubai.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s property blog for more information on residential plots in Dubai.