Setup a Real Estate Agency in Dubai: Licences, Documents and Costs

Last updated: 1 October 2026. Government fees and rules can change, so confirm them before you apply.

Key takeaways

•       A real estate agency in Dubai needs two layers of approval: a DET trade licence and DLD/RERA registration through Trakheesi.

•       Each agent or broker must hold an individual RERA broker card, which needs a Dubai Police good conduct certificate and a passed qualification exam.

•       DLD does not state a minimum share capital for brokerage. The main costs are licence fees, office rent, visas, and broker cards.

•       You cannot advertise any property without a permit number from Trakheesi.

•       AML registration on goAML and tax registration are part of running the agency, not optional extras.

Why setup a real estate agency in Dubai?

The market is large and still growing. Dubai recorded over 270,000 real estate transactions worth AED 917 billion in 2025, a 20% rise year on year. The same Dubai Government release reports 3.11 million real estate transactions in total, including sales, leases and services, up 7% from 2024. It also says resident investors made up 56.6% of investment activity. The Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033 aims to lift transaction value to AED 1 trillion.

More transactions mean more demand for licensed brokers. They also mean closer regulation, so getting the licences right from day one matters.

Which licences do you need to setup a real estate agency in Dubai?

DLD lists sales and purchase brokerage and leasing brokerage as separate licensable activities. Choose the one that matches your business model, or both if you plan to sell and lease. DLD describes two broker categories: brokerage in leasing, and brokerage in buying and selling.

The application starts at DET, then the licence is registered in Trakheesi, and the practice card is requested straight after the licence is approved. A general commercial brokerage activity does not cover real estate, so check the exact activity name and code at application.

Documents required to setup a real estate agency in Dubai

For the company licence (standard DET requirements):

•       Passport copies of all owners and managers

•       UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copies, where the owner or manager already lives in the UAE

•       Trade name reservation and initial approval

•       Memorandum of Association (MOA), where the legal form needs one

•       Registered Ejari tenancy contract for a commercial office

•       Passport photos of owners and managers

For the manager, partners, and brokers (DLD requirements):

•       A Dubai Police certificate of good conduct, addressed to the DLD or RERA.

•       Proof of passing the real estate qualification course, plus a passport copy and residency copy.

•       The person's residency must be on the same licence as the agency.

•       A manager or partner must be 18 or older, and cannot be a partner or manager on another brokerage licence.

Your office must be a proper commercial space. DLD states that a residential unit cannot be used as a commercial office. Commercial Ejari contracts must be issued under a licensed entity, not an individual.

If you choose a free zone, DLD requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the free zone licensing authority.

How much does it cost to setup a real estate agency in Dubai?

Official DLD fees

DLD lists the broker card at AED 500, the broker exam at AED 700 plus two AED 10 fees, and an ERES fee of AED 50 plus VAT. Renewal of a broker card costs AED 520 and requires a continuing education certificate. An additional branch needs a main office with at least 15 brokers and an annual fee of AED 5,000. Ejari registration through the app costs AED 100 plus two AED 10 fees.

What amount is required as capital?

DLD's licensing page does not state a minimum share capital for a brokerage. Be careful not to confuse brokerage with other real estate activities, which have different requirements. Leasing and managing third-party properties needs an AED 5 million bank guarantee, while development licences carry an AED 25,000 annual fee.

Costs that are not set by DLD

Advisers quote about AED 10,000 to 20,000 for a mainland commercial licence, and about AED 25,000 to 60,000 for a typical first year including an office and one visa. For real estate specifically, one adviser puts total startup costs between AED 20,000 and AED 150,000 or more, depending on structure and scope. Treat these as planning ranges only. Your final figure depends on your office, team size, and visa count.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Real Estate Agency in Dubai

1.      Decide your model. Choose sales brokerage, leasing brokerage, or both, and decide your legal form.

2.      Pick mainland or free zone. See the comparison below.

3.      Choose your trade name and secure initial approval from DET.

4.      Lease a commercial office and register the tenancy in Ejari.

5.      Complete the qualification course and exam for the manager and each broker.

6.      Get the Dubai Police good conduct certificate for all relevant people.

7.      Apply for the DET licence with the correct real estate brokerage activity.

8.      Register the licence in Trakheesi. The office is registered automatically when the licence is issued, and issuance takes one to two days when documents are complete.

9.      Apply for broker cards, then set up visas, Emirates IDs, and a corporate bank account.

In practice, advisers estimate the whole process at two to six weeks, depending on how ready your documents are.

Mainland or free zone for a real estate agency?

Most agencies that serve Dubai property buyers choose a Dubai Mainland Business setup. It gives a DET licence and direct market presence. Free zone licences are possible but need a DLD NOC, so check this before paying any free zone fees. If you want help comparing both, see our guide to Dubai Mainland Business setup.

DLD's FAQ also refers to a UAE national service agent for expatriate-owned brokerage licences. Rules on ownership have changed in recent years, so confirm the structure that applies to you with DET before you apply.

Compliance after you open

Advertising permits. Every real estate advert needs a permit through Trakheesi, and the permit number must appear on the advert. This covers online ads, print, billboards, open days and project launches.

Smart contracts and the Dubai REST app. Brokers must use the smart marketing and sales contracts (A, B and F) and download the Dubai REST app.

Green list. Brokers may only contact owners who appear on the green list, or they risk a violation.

Off-plan sales. Before marketing an off-plan project, confirm it is licensed, has an escrow account, and that a marketing contract exists between the developer and your agency.

Office classification. DLD classifies brokerage offices as gold, silver, bronze or general. Aim for the top grade, as it builds client trust.

Penalties. DLD can warn, fine, and apply black points to the office and the broker.

AML and goAML. Real estate agents and brokers must comply with UAE anti-money-laundering regulations, including goAML registration and appointing a compliance officer.

Tax. Check corporate tax and VAT with the Federal Tax Authority at tax.gov.ae. VAT applies to brokerage commission, and registration depends on your taxable turnover.

Commission. A broker is normally paid after the sale contract is registered with DLD, unless the brokerage contract says otherwise.

Common mistakes to avoid

•       Choosing a general brokerage activity that does not include real estate services.

•       Leasing a residential unit or flexi-desk that is not approved for the business activity.

•       Hiring agents before their good conduct certificates and exams are complete

•       Running adverts without a Trakheesi permit number

•       Forgetting annual renewals, including broker cards and the continuing education certificate

FAQs about setting up a real estate agency in Dubai

How much does it cost to setup a real estate agency in Dubai?

The DLD annual licence fee is AED 5,000 plus AED 20, while each broker card costs around AED 500. Include the DET licence, office, visa, and exam fees. Advisers quote a wide range of roughly AED 20,000 to AED 150,000 or more, depending on your size and location.

Is a licence required to start a real estate agency in Dubai?

Yes. You need a DET trade licence with a real estate brokerage activity, along with DLD and RERA registration through Trakheesi. Each broker must also obtain a RERA broker card.

Is there a minimum capital requirement for starting a real estate brokerage in Dubai?

DLD does not state a minimum share capital for a standard brokerage. An AED 5 million bank guarantee applies to third-party property leasing and management licences, which is a different activity.

How long does it take?

DLD states that the licence can be issued within one to two days once all documents are complete. The full setup, including office, Ejari, exams, and visas, often takes a few weeks.

Can a Dubai free zone company conduct real estate brokerage activities?

A free zone licence requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from DLD. Many agencies choose the mainland for simpler market access.

What documents do I need?

Passport and visa copies, trade name approval, MOA where needed, Ejari for a commercial office, a Dubai Police good conduct certificate, and proof of the qualification course for managers and brokers.

Can I advertise properties without a permit?

Every real estate advertisement must include a valid Trakheesi permit number.

Start your real estate agency with Pure Docs

Setting up a brokerage involves several authorities, strict document rules, and tight renewal dates. Pure Docs Business Consultants Services offers business setup services in the UAE, including mainland and free zone company formation, trade licensing, visas, and ongoing PRO support. Our team can guide you through DET, DLD, and RERA from your first application to your first listing. Speak to us today to setup a real estate agency in Dubai the right way, or explore our trade licence consultants in Dubai service.

References

•       Dubai Land Department, Real Estate Licensing Application

•       Dubai Land Department, Issuance of a Real Estate Professional Practice Card

•       Dubai Land Department, Frequently Asked Questions (Licensing, Ejari and Residence)

•       Real Estate Regulatory Agency, Real Estate Brokerage Practice Guide, 2nd Edition 2024

•       Dubai Department of Finance, Dubai's Real Estate Market Records Transactions Exceeding AED 917 Billion in 2025

•       Federal Tax Authority, tax.gov.ae