Real Estate Brokerage License in Dubai: RERA & Costs
November 12, 2026
Dubai’s real estate market continues to attract property investors, international buyers, landlords and entrepreneurs from around the world. With opportunities in residential sales, commercial properties, leasing and off-plan developments, starting a real estate brokerage business in Dubai can be an attractive opportunity for investors.
However, establishing a real estate agency is different from setting up an ordinary consultancy or service company. Real estate brokerage is a regulated business activity that requires the appropriate trade licence, registration with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), regulatory compliance and individual broker registrations.
If you are planning to open a real estate agency in Dubai, it is important to understand the difference between a company trade licence, RERA registration and an individual RERA broker card.
This guide explains how to obtain a real estate brokerage licence in Dubai, the documents required, RERA approval procedures, broker examination fees and estimated business setup expenses.
A real estate brokerage licence is an official business licence that allows an authorised company to carry out approved property brokerage activities in Dubai.
The licence is generally issued through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for mainland businesses, with the relevant real estate regulatory registration and requirements handled through the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and its Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).
Depending on the approved business activities, a real estate brokerage company may provide services such as:
Residential property sales and purchases.
Commercial property sales and purchases.
Residential property leasing brokerage.
Commercial property leasing brokerage.
Property marketing and client representation within approved activities.
Connecting property owners, buyers, landlords and tenants.
The exact activities must be approved and reflected in the company’s licence.
It is important to understand that a general business consultancy licence does not automatically authorise a company to conduct real estate brokerage activities.
Entrepreneurs often get confused about the roles of these three authorities.
Understanding their responsibilities makes the licensing process easier.
DET is responsible for issuing the mainland commercial trade licence.
The company must select the appropriate real estate brokerage activity and complete the applicable business registration procedures.
DLD is the government authority responsible for Dubai’s real estate sector.
It oversees real estate registration, property transactions, real estate licensing services and the regulatory systems used by property professionals.
RERA operates under Dubai Land Department and regulates real estate activities in Dubai.
Its regulatory responsibilities include broker registration, professional practice requirements and oversight of real estate brokerage activities.
In simple terms: DET issues the company’s trade licence, while DLD/RERA registration and individual professional cards are essential for authorised real estate brokerage operations.
Official reference: https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/eservices/real-estate-licensing-application/
Before applying for a licence, you should identify the type of real estate services your company intends to provide.
Some of the relevant real estate brokerage activities include:
This activity is suitable for companies involved in facilitating property sales and purchases.
Services may include:
Residential property sales.
Apartment and villa sales.
Commercial property transactions.
Buyer and seller representation.
Property investment opportunities.
This activity focuses on connecting landlords and tenants for rental transactions.
Services may include:
Residential property rentals.
Commercial property leasing.
Tenant sourcing.
Landlord representation.
Rental property marketing.
Entrepreneurs planning to expand beyond traditional brokerage should check the separate licensing requirements for activities such as:
Real estate consultancy.
Real estate development.
Property valuation.
Property management.
Mortgage brokerage.
Real estate project marketing.
These activities may require separate business activities, professional cards or additional approvals.
You should not assume that a standard brokerage licence automatically covers all real estate-related services.
Starting a real estate brokerage company involves company registration, regulatory registration and compliance with the requirements applicable to the proposed activity.
The main requirements generally include the following.
Choose the correct real estate brokerage activity based on your intended operations.
For example, if your company plans to facilitate property sales and rentals, you should confirm whether both activities need to be included in the licence.
Select an appropriate company structure based on the ownership arrangement and applicable licensing requirements.
The structure may depend on:
Number of shareholders.
Nationality and residency of investors.
Proposed business activities.
Ownership and management arrangements.
Choose a suitable business name and submit it for approval.
The proposed name must comply with UAE trade name regulations and the requirements of the licensing authority.
Submit the necessary shareholder information and company details to proceed with the initial approval process.
A real estate brokerage company should plan for suitable business premises and the required tenancy documentation.
The premises documentation may be required as part of the real estate registration and licensing process.
Do not commit to a commercial property before confirming its suitability for the intended business activity.
After obtaining the appropriate trade licence, complete the relevant real estate licensing and registration procedures through the Dubai Land Department’s Trakheesi system.
The company must meet the applicable regulatory requirements before conducting brokerage activities.
Employees who will perform regulated brokerage activities must complete the applicable qualification and registration requirements and obtain the relevant professional practice cards.
RERA approval is an important part of establishing and operating a real estate brokerage business in Dubai.
A company trade licence alone does not mean that every employee can immediately start working as a property broker.
The company and its individual brokers must satisfy the relevant regulatory requirements.
The registration process generally involves:
Having the appropriate real estate business activity on the company licence.
Registering the real estate establishment through the applicable DLD system.
Completing the required broker qualification process.
Passing the applicable broker examination.
Obtaining individual real estate broker cards.
Maintaining valid company and professional registrations.
The broker card is particularly important because an individual must obtain the relevant professional registration before practising the regulated activity.
Official reference: https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/eservices/request-for-issuing-a-real-estate-activity-practice-card/
If you plan to recruit real estate agents or work as a registered property broker, you must understand the broker registration process.
Applicants must satisfy the qualification and training requirements applicable to their category.
Dubai Land Department provides real estate training and examination services covering topics such as:
Real estate regulations.
Brokerage procedures.
Property sales and leasing.
Real estate contracts.
Professional ethics.
Property rights and responsibilities.
The relevant broker examination assesses knowledge of Dubai’s real estate laws, brokerage procedures and professional responsibilities.
The examination must be completed according to the applicable DLD requirements.
A certificate of good conduct issued by Dubai Police and addressed to the relevant real estate authority is among the requirements identified by DLD.
The applicant may be required to submit:
Passport copy.
Emirates ID copy.
UAE residence details, where applicable.
Recent personal photograph.
Real estate qualification or training documentation.
Examination result.
Certificate of good conduct.
Employment or company-related documents, where applicable.
The precise eligibility conditions and document requirements depend on the applicant’s category and current DLD procedures.
The application is submitted through the Dubai Land Department’s Trakheesi system.
The process generally involves:
Logging into the system.
Selecting the relevant professional practice card service.
Entering the applicant’s details.
Uploading the required documents.
Completing the review process.
Paying the applicable fees.
Receiving the electronic professional practice card.
A valid broker card is required before the individual practises the regulated brokerage activity.
The cost of opening a real estate agency in Dubai depends on the business structure, office location, licence fees, number of brokers, employee visas and operational requirements.
There is no single fixed price for every brokerage company.
However, Dubai Land Department publishes specific fees for real estate licensing and professional practice cards.
| Item | Published fee |
|---|---|
| Real estate activity licensing – other activities category | AED 5,000 annually |
| Knowledge and Innovation fees | AED 20 |
| Individual real estate broker card | AED 500 |
| Real estate broker examination | AED 700 |
| Examination Knowledge and Innovation fees | AED 20 |
| ERES fee | AED 50 + VAT |
The AED 5,000 annual real estate activity fee is listed under the DLD’s ‘Other Activities’ category. It should not be confused with the complete DET company trade licence cost.
The broker examination and professional card fees are separate from the company registration expenses.
Official fee reference: https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/eservices/real-estate-licensing-application/
In addition to the published regulatory charges, you should budget for:
1. DET trade licence and company registration
The cost depends on the approved activities, legal structure and applicable registration charges.
2. Office rent and Ejari
The rental expense depends on the location, office size and tenancy arrangement.
3. Employee visas and establishment requirements
If you plan to recruit property consultants and administrative staff, include applicable visa, work permit, medical examination and Emirates ID expenses.
4. Broker training and examination
Every relevant employee must satisfy the applicable professional registration requirements.
5. Website and marketing
Real estate agencies generally need a professional website, property listing infrastructure, digital marketing and customer enquiry management.
6. Accounting and compliance
Include accounting, bookkeeping, corporate tax and VAT compliance expenses where applicable.
Do not calculate the entire business setup investment using only the AED 5,000 DLD fee.
The final investment also depends on the DET licence, office rental, number of employees and operational requirements.
It is advisable to obtain a complete quotation based on your proposed activities and company structure before making financial commitments.
Foreign investors can explore establishing real estate brokerage businesses in Dubai, subject to the applicable company ownership and real estate licensing requirements.
Dubai Land Department’s published FAQ specifically states that an expatriate can own a real estate brokerage licence, provided there is a citizen services agent.
The ownership and licensing arrangement should therefore be checked against the current requirements before proceeding.
Foreign investors should also consider:
Shareholder eligibility.
Legal business structure.
Manager appointment requirements.
Applicable residency arrangements.
DLD/RERA registration.
Individual broker qualification requirements.
A foreign investor owning a brokerage company and an individual working as a registered property broker are two different regulatory matters.
Do not assume that company ownership automatically gives the investor permission to practise as a broker.
Official reference: https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/frequently-asked-questions
Some entrepreneurs consider free zone company formation when establishing a real estate-related business.
However, free zone company registration does not automatically authorise a company to carry out mainland real estate brokerage activities.
Dubai Land Department’s real estate licensing service specifies that free zone licence holders must obtain a No Objection Certificate from their licensing authority.
The proposed activity and operating arrangements must also satisfy DLD requirements.
Before choosing a free zone, verify:
Whether the free zone permits the proposed real estate activity.
Whether the relevant DLD registration is available.
Whether an NOC is required.
Whether the proposed brokerage operations are permitted.
Whether additional approvals or arrangements are necessary.
For entrepreneurs planning to operate a conventional real estate brokerage serving Dubai’s property market, mainland company formation is generally a practical starting point.
Explore our Mainland Company Formation in Dubai and Free Zone Company Formation in Dubai services.
Real estate marketing is another important compliance area.
A brokerage company should not assume that having a trade licence automatically authorises every type of property advertisement.
Depending on the property, advertisement and marketing activity, the applicable DLD/RERA advertising permit must be obtained through the relevant system.
Before publishing property advertisements, check the requirements for:
Property listing advertisements.
Online property portals.
Social media property promotions.
Off-plan property marketing.
Project-specific advertising.
Required advertisement permit information.
For off-plan developments, the developer and marketing parties must comply with the relevant project registration and advertising permit requirements.
The applicable permit should be obtained before publishing an advertisement where required.
Official reference: https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/frequently-asked-questions
Here is a simplified overview of the setup process.
Identify whether your company will focus on residential sales, commercial properties, leasing or a combination of approved brokerage activities.
Confirm the correct real estate brokerage activity with the licensing authority.
Decide on the shareholders, ownership arrangement and management structure.
Submit the proposed company name for approval.
Complete the initial company registration requirements.
Secure suitable commercial premises and complete the applicable tenancy documentation.
Complete the company registration and obtain the approved commercial trade licence.
Register the real estate establishment through the relevant Dubai Land Department system and complete the applicable requirements.
Arrange the required qualification, examination and professional practice cards for the relevant employees.
Prepare your website, property listing systems, customer enquiry process, marketing arrangements and accounting systems.
Once the necessary licences and registrations are in place, your company can commence the approved real estate brokerage operations.
Opening the company is only the beginning. Real estate brokerage businesses must also maintain ongoing compliance.
Some important areas include:
Maintain a valid commercial trade licence and complete the applicable renewal procedures.
Individual professional practice cards must be kept valid. DLD identifies continuing education documentation as part of the broker card renewal process.
Brokerage contracts should clearly identify the parties, property details, agreed commission and relevant transaction terms.
Real estate businesses must understand and comply with applicable UAE anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing obligations.
Depending on the activities and transactions, this can include customer due diligence, record keeping, internal controls and reporting obligations.
Use the appropriate advertising permits and follow applicable DLD/RERA marketing requirements.
Maintain proper accounting records and comply with applicable UAE corporate tax and VAT requirements.
Our Accounting Services in Dubai can help businesses understand their accounting and financial compliance requirements.
Starting a real estate agency requires coordination between company formation, business licensing, DLD registration and employee-related requirements.
Smart Business Solutions provides business setup and corporate services in Dubai to support entrepreneurs planning to establish their companies.
Our services include:
Mainland company formation.
Business activity selection guidance.
Trade name reservation assistance.
Initial approval assistance.
Trade licence registration support.
PRO and government transaction services.
Investor and employee visa assistance.
Emirates ID services.
Company licence renewal assistance.
Accounting and bookkeeping services.
Whether you are an international investor planning to enter Dubai’s property market or an experienced property professional looking to establish your own agency, our team can help you understand the business setup process and applicable requirements.
Explore our Business Setup Packages in Dubai or contact our team to discuss your requirements.
You must select the appropriate real estate brokerage activity, complete the company registration and obtain the required trade licence. You must then complete the applicable DLD/RERA registration procedures and ensure that individual brokers obtain the necessary professional practice cards.
Real estate brokerage businesses must comply with the applicable DLD/RERA licensing and registration requirements. Individual brokers must also obtain the relevant professional practice cards before conducting regulated brokerage activities.
DLD lists an annual AED 5,000 fee under its other real estate activities category, plus AED 20 in Knowledge and Innovation fees. Additional costs include the DET trade licence, office rental, broker cards, examinations, employee visas and other business expenses.
The DLD service page lists the individual real estate broker card issuance fee as AED 500. The broker examination is listed separately at AED 700, plus AED 10 Knowledge and AED 10 Innovation fees, with an additional ERES fee of AED 50 plus VAT.
Yes, foreign investors can establish real estate brokerage businesses subject to the applicable ownership and licensing requirements. DLD’s published FAQ specifies a citizen services agent requirement for an expatriate-owned brokerage licence. Confirm the current arrangement before registering.
Applicants must satisfy the applicable real estate qualification and examination requirements. DLD publishes broker examination services, and certain exemption categories may apply under its current rules.
Free zone options must be checked against the relevant DLD requirements. A free zone licence does not automatically authorise mainland brokerage operations, and DLD specifies an NOC from the free zone licensing authority for free zone licences.
A company can explore both sales and leasing brokerage activities, provided the relevant activities are approved and included in its licence and regulatory registration.
Individuals performing regulated real estate brokerage activities must obtain the applicable professional practice card and registration before practising.
The overall timeline depends on company formation, premises, registration and broker qualification requirements. DLD’s FAQ indicates that the relevant company licence can be issued in 1–2 days when the required documents are complete. This should not be treated as the guaranteed timeline for the entire company and broker setup process.
Opening a real estate brokerage company in Dubai can provide access to one of the region’s most active property markets. However, entrepreneurs must understand that obtaining a commercial trade licence is only one part of the process.
The appropriate real estate activity, DLD/RERA registration, individual broker cards, office arrangements and ongoing regulatory compliance are all important considerations.
Before investing in office premises or recruiting property agents, make sure your proposed business structure and activities meet the applicable licensing requirements.
With proper planning and professional business setup assistance, you can establish your real estate brokerage company in Dubai with a clearer understanding of the registration process and associated expenses.
Planning to open a real estate brokerage company in Dubai?
Let Smart Business Solutions help you understand your company formation, trade licensing, PRO services and business setup requirements.
Smart Business Solutions
Website: https://www.smartbusinesssolutions.ae/
Email: info@smartbusinesssolutions.ae
Phone: +971 433 800 43
Address: Oasis Tower, Next to Financial Center Metro Station, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.
Contact our team to discuss your real estate business setup requirements and take the next step towards establishing your company in Dubai.
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