Dubai’s real estate market is one of the most exciting and active in the world – and in 2026, it’s showing no signs of slowing down. Dubai has officially crossed the 4 million residents mark, and the city is buzzing. In 2025 alone, the market saw a mind-blowing AED 541.5 billion in sales, surpassing all previous records. This growth has created a strong demand for licensed real estate brokers who understand the market, follow regulations, and can confidently guide buyers, sellers, and investors through every transaction.
However, a real estate broker license in Dubai is a mandatory legal requirement for anyone looking to operate as a professional intermediary in the property market. A real estate broker license is issued by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) and regulated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). This license allows brokers to legally market properties, close deals, and earn commissions across Dubai.
Becoming a licensed real estate broker in Dubai is a highly lucrative opportunity right now. So, here’s the step-by-step process to obtain this license.
What Is a Real Estate Broker License in Dubai?
A real estate broker license in Dubai is an official permit that allows individuals or companies to legally operate in Dubai’s property market. This license is issued by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) and regulated by RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) under the Dubai Land Department. If you want to buy, sell, lease, or market properties on behalf of others in Dubai (and earn commissions), you must hold this license.
Activities Permitted Under a Real Estate Broker License in Dubai
Once licensed, a real estate broker in Dubai can legally carry out a wide range of property-related activities, including:
- Property Sales: Act as an intermediary between buyers and sellers for apartments, villas, and commercial spaces.
- Leasing/Rentals: Help landlords find tenants and assist residents in finding their perfect home.
- Off-Plan Sales: Represent major developers (like Emaar or Nakheel) to sell properties that are still under construction.
- Market Consultations: Provide expert advice on property values, trends, and legal procedures to clients.
Real Estate Broker vs Real Estate Agent in Dubai: What’s the Difference?
In everyday conversation, the terms broker and agent are often used interchangeably – but legally in Dubai, there is a difference.
Feature |
Real Estate Agent |
Real Estate Broker |
| The Role | This is the individual person (you!) working on the ground. | This is usually the Company (Agency) you work for. |
| Licensing | You hold a RERA Practitioner Card tied to a specific company. | The company holds the Trade License and the corporate RERA license. |
| Autonomy | You must work under a licensed brokerage firm. | A broker/company can employ multiple agents. |
| Responsibility | Responsible for daily sales and client interactions. | Responsible for all legal liabilities and ensuring agents follow RERA rules. |
Who Can Apply for a Real Estate Broker License in Dubai?
Both individuals and companies (UAE nationals as well as expatriates) can apply for a real estate broker license, as long as they meet certain requirements set by the authorities.
Eligibility Criteria for Individuals & Companies:
You can apply for a real estate broker license in Dubai either as:
- An individual (sole establishment): This is ideal for independent brokers or professionals starting on their own. You apply for a Practitioner Card (Real Estate Agent) and must be linked to a licensed company.
- A company (LLC): This is suitable if you plan to build a real estate brokerage firm with partners or employees
Nationality Requirements:
- UAE Nationals: UAE nationals can apply without restrictions and may also choose certain business structures that are exclusive to citizens.
- Expatriates (Foreign Nationals): Expats are fully allowed to apply for a real estate broker license in Dubai. In fact, a large percentage of brokers in Dubai are foreign nationals. However, you must have a valid UAE Residency Visa and an Emirates ID.
Educational Background (If Applicable):
There is no specific degree requirement to become a real estate broker in Dubai. However:
- You must complete the RERA Real Estate Broker Training Course
- You must pass the RERA exam, which tests knowledge of property laws, ethics, contracts, and market practices
Age and Legal Standing:
- Minimum Age: You must be at least 21 years old.
- Good Conduct: You need a Police Clearance Certificate (also called a Good Conduct Certificate). This proves you have no criminal record and are a trustworthy person to handle large financial transactions.
Mainland vs Free Zone: Where Should You Register?
When you decide to start your real estate career, one of the most important choices you’ll make is where to register your license. In Dubai, this comes down to two main options: Mainland and Free Zones.
Real Estate Broker License in Dubai Mainland
The Mainland is the standard path for most real estate brokers. A Mainland company is licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and regulated directly by RERA.
Why Mainland is essential for real estate brokers:
- You can operate anywhere in Dubai
- You are legally allowed to deal with Dubai-based properties
- Mandatory RERA registration and broker ID is available only for mainland entities
- You can work directly with developers, landlords, buyers, and tenants
Can You Get a Real Estate Broker License in a Free Zone?
This is a very common question, and the answer is no, not in the traditional sense. Legally, a Free Zone company is meant to operate inside that specific zone or internationally. If you want to sell or lease properties across the Mainland (which is where most of the houses and apartments are), you usually cannot do it directly through a Free Zone license.
Most Free Zone real estate firms focus on Property Consultancy, Market Research, or International Investment. If they want to perform actual brokerage (buying/selling) on the mainland, they often have to open a Mainland branch or work through a Mainland partner.
RERA Approval: The Most Important Requirement
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) is the regulatory arm of the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Launched in 2007, its main job is to keep the market honest. It sets the rules, monitors all real estate activities, and ensures that both brokers and developers are following the law.
Why Is RERA Certification Mandatory?
RERA certification is mandatory because real estate in Dubai is a high-value and highly regulated industry.
- Legal Protection: It protects you, your agency, and your clients.
- Anti-Fraud: It ensures that only qualified professionals are handling millions of dirhams in transactions.
- Market Trust: It is what makes Dubai one of the most transparent and trusted real estate markets in the world.
- Access: Without a RERA card, you cannot access official government portals like Trakheesi (for advertising permits) or Dubai REST (the official real estate app).
Overview of the RERA Real Estate Broker Course:
Before taking the exam, applicants must complete the RERA Real Estate Broker Training Course, which is designed to prepare brokers for real-world property transactions in Dubai.
Provider: The course is delivered by the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI) or its authorised training partners (like Innovation Experts).
Duration: Usually 4 to 5 days (roughly 10–20 hours of learning).
Format: You can choose between in-person classroom sessions or online instructor-led webinars.
Key Modules:
- Ethics: The professional code of conduct.
- Real Estate Laws: Deep dive into Dubai’s property and rental laws.
- Sales & Leasing Procedures: How to fill out the standard RERA forms (Form A, B, and F).
- Market Knowledge: Understanding property cycles and valuation basics.
RERA Exam Structure and Passing Criteria:
After completing the course, candidates must pass the RERA exam, which tests their understanding of the Dubai property market and regulations.
- Exam Format: It is a computer-based test consisting of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Duration: You have 2 hours to complete it.
- Total Questions: Typically around 60 to 70 questions.
- Passing Score: You need a minimum of 70% to pass.
- Cost: The fee is approximately AED 772.5 (including VAT and innovation fees).
Note: If you have a Bachelor’s Degree (attested), the exam fee might be lower, but for most expats, the AED 700+ fee is the standard for the first attempt.
How to Obtain a Real Estate Broker License in Dubai?
Once you’ve met the basic eligibility criteria, the process of getting your license is actually quite structured. Here is the step-by-step process for getting your real estate broker license in Dubai:
1. Secure Your Residency Visa and Emirates ID
You cannot be a freelance or tourist broker in Dubai. Most people apply for a job at a registered real estate agency first. Once hired, the company will sponsor your Employment Visa. After your medical test, you’ll receive your Emirates ID. This ID is the key to every other step.
2. Enrol in the DREI Training Course
Before you can take the official exam, you must attend a mandatory 4-day training program. You can take this at the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI) or an approved partner like Innovation Experts. Expect to pay between AED 2,500 and AED 3,000 for the course.
3. Pass the RERA Exam
You book this online via the Dubai Land Department (DLD) website. It’s a multiple-choice exam. You generally need a score of 70% or higher to pass.
4. Apply for Your Broker Card (Trakheesi)
This is the final administrative step where everything comes together. Your employer (the real estate agency) will log into the Trakheesi system on your behalf. They will upload your exam result, training certificate, and police clearance. Within 2–3 working days, RERA will issue your Broker Card and your Broker Registration Number (BRN).
How to Start Your Own Real Estate Brokerage Company in Dubai?
If you’re looking to do more than just work as an agent and want to start your own real estate brokerage company, the process shifts from personal certification to business formation.
1. Choose Your Jurisdiction
Mainland is the most popular option for a real estate brokerage company. It allows you to trade and manage properties anywhere in Dubai without restrictions. You will need a Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) license. However, for free zones, to sell/rent mainland properties (like those in Downtown or Marina), a Mainland license is highly recommended.
2. Reserve Your Trade Name
Select a unique business name and get it approved by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET). The trade name must follow UAE naming rules and should ideally reflect real estate–related activities.
3. Obtain the RERA Manager Certification
Every brokerage firm must have a Certified Manager.
If you are the owner, you must take a more advanced version of the RERA course designed for managers and pass the exam. If you aren’t a real estate expert yourself, you can hire a RERA-certified manager to fulfil this requirement for the license.
4. Secure a Physical Office (Mandatory)
Unlike some tech startups, a real estate brokerage must have a physical office to get RERA approval. You must have a registered tenancy contract (Ejari) for the office. Virtual offices are typically not accepted for mainland brokerage licenses.
5. Get Initial Approval and DLD NOC
You need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Dubai Land Department (DLD). They will review your business plan and the qualifications of your manager before allowing the DET to issue your trade license.
6. Open a Corporate Bank Account
Finally, open a corporate bank account in the UAE under your brokerage company name. This allows you to receive commissions and manage business finances professionally.
Documents Required for a Real Estate Broker License in Dubai
To apply for a real estate broker license in Dubai, you’ll need to submit a set of documents to both the DET and RERA. Below are the documents typically required.
Personal Documents:
- Passport copy (all shareholders or the individual applicant)
- Passport-size photographs
- UAE residence visa copy (if already available)
- Emirates ID copy (if available)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from sponsor (Required if you are on an employment visa)
Educational & RERA-Related Documents:
- RERA Real Estate Broker Course completion certificate
- RERA exam pass certificate
- Broker ID application (for agents working under a brokerage)
Note: No specific university degree is required, but RERA certification is mandatory.
Business & Licensing Documents:
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Initial approval certificate from DET
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) (Applicable for LLC structures)
- Tenancy contract/office lease agreement
- Ejari registration certificate
What is the Cost of Obtaining a Real Estate Broker License in Dubai?
The cost of obtaining a real estate broker license in Dubai typically ranges between AED 20,000 to AED 45,000 or more, depending on whether you apply as an individual broker or set up a full real estate brokerage company.
Mandatory Training and Exam Fees:
Before you get your license, you must pay for the educational requirements.
DREI Training Course: The 4-day mandatory course typically costs between AED 2,500 and AED 3,000 (plus 5% VAT).
License Issuance and Registration:
Once you pass the exam, you pay for the actual physical and digital credentials.
- RERA Broker Card (Practitioner Card): Around AED 500 – AED 1,000. This card is your proof of registration and must be carried at all times during property viewings.
- DLD Registration Fee: Some agencies may ask the agent to cover a registration fee of approximately AED 5,000, though many top-tier firms cover this for their staff.
Additional Administrative Costs:
- Police Clearance Certificate: AED 220 (for UAE residents).
- Emirates ID & Medical: Medical fees are usually AED 3,000 – AED 4,000, though most reputable companies pay this on your behalf.
Ready to Become a Real Estate Broker in Dubai?
Getting a real estate broker license in Dubai opens the door to serious opportunities, but only when the process is done the right way. Dubai’s property market is highly regulated, and proper licensing through RERA and the relevant authorities is what separates professional brokers from the rest.
If you’d rather avoid the paperwork, approvals, and back-and-forth with authorities, AE Setup can take care of everything for you. From RERA registration and real estate broker licensing to office setup, visas, and ongoing compliance, AE Setup provides complete, end-to-end support. With expert guidance at every stage, you can grow your real estate business in Dubai with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I work as a real estate agent on a visit visa?
No. You must have a valid UAE Residency Visa and an Emirates ID to apply for a RERA license. Most agents get their residency sponsored by the brokerage firm they join.
2. Is a university degree mandatory to get a license?
No, a degree is not mandatory; a high school diploma is the minimum requirement. However, having an attested Bachelor’s Degree can significantly reduce your RERA exam fees (saving you roughly AED 3,000).
3. Can I work as a freelance real estate agent?
Technically, no. In Dubai, every agent must be registered under a licensed brokerage firm. You cannot legally represent properties or collect commissions independently without being tied to a company’s trade license.
4. What happens if I fail the RERA exam?
Don’t worry, you can retake it! However, you will have to pay the exam fee again for each attempt. Most candidates pass on their first or second try if they study the DREI course materials thoroughly.
5. Can I sell properties anywhere in Dubai with one license?
Yes, if you work for a Mainland brokerage firm. If your company is based in a Free Zone, your activities might be restricted to that specific zone unless the company has a mainland branch or special permissions.
