Setting up a real estate business in the UAE is a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs, investors, and property professionals. The process involves securing a RERA brokerage license, completing DED company registration, and activating a Trakheesi portal permit through the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Whether you’re starting a property brokerage, real estate consultancy, or a full-service real estate agency, we provide complete support from legal compliance and licensing to setup and registration ensuring your business is ready to operate legally and successfully in Dubai or any Emirate.
Launching a real estate business in the UAE is a prime opportunity backed by a robust market and global investor confidence. In 2024, Dubai recorded AED 761 billion in real estate transactions, making it a top-tier destination for real estate entrepreneurs. Through streamlined regulations, including 100% foreign ownership of mainland real estate companies, and strong digital infrastructure (Trakheesi, Ejari, RERA certification), the UAE offers a clear path for launching brokerages, consultancies, property management firms, and development companies.
| Catalyst | Market Impact |
|---|---|
| Golden Visa Threshold (AED 2M) | Attracts long-term investors, leading to increased capital inflow. |
| High Rental Yields (6–8% in prime communities) | Appeals to yield-focused property investors globally. |
| 100% Foreign Ownership (2021 Reform) | Eliminates need for local sponsors, boosting foreign business setups. |
| Tax-Free Returns & Capital Gains | Encourages portfolio diversification from mature, taxed markets. |
| Strategic Infrastructure (Airport, Metro, Roads) | Enhances livability and long-term asset value. |
| RERA-Regulated Environment | Builds investor confidence through transparent policies. |
The UAE’s regulatory framework clearly delineates between different real estate activities, each requiring a specific license.
| Business Type | Primary Activities | Key Regulator (Dubai) | Estimated Initial Investment (AED) | Revenue Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Brokerage | Intermediating sales & leases | RERA / DET | 250,000 – 850,000+ | Commission on transactions |
| Property Management | Tenant screening, rent collection | RERA / DET | 150,000 – 400,000+ | Management fees (% of rent) |
| Real Estate Development | Land acquisition, construction | RERA / DLD / DET | 5,000,000+ | Profit from property sales |
| Real Estate Consultancy | Market research, advisory | DET (RERA oversight) | 100,000 – 250,000+ | Fixed fees, retainers |
For most real estate activities, a mainland license is the only viable option.
A mainland license, issued by the respective emirate’s Department of Economic Development (e.g., Dubai’s DET), is essential for any real estate brokerage, property management, or development company.
A free zone setup is not suitable for conducting real estate brokerage for properties located in mainland UAE.
A Mainland LLC (Limited Liability Company) is the standard and required structure for any real estate business dealing with properties within the UAE. It is the only framework that allows for full compliance with DLD and RERA regulations.
1️⃣ Develop a Comprehensive Business Plan:
2️⃣ Choose Legal Structure & Trade Name:
3️⃣ Obtain Initial Approval from DET:
4️⃣ Complete Mandatory RERA Training & Exam:
5️⃣ Secure a Physical Office and Register Ejari:
6️⃣ Apply for Final Real Estate License from DET:
7️⃣ Register with DLD, RERA, and Trakheesi:
8️⃣ Hire and Certify Agents:
The UAE real estate sector is highly regulated to ensure transparency and protect all parties. Compliance is not optional.
Real estate companies are Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) and have stringent AML obligations, including:
Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, including substantial fines and license loss.
Licensing and Registration Fees:
| Fee Type | Cost Range (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade License Fee (DET) | 12,500 – 30,000 | For a brokerage license in Dubai. |
| RERA Approval Fees | 5,000 – 10,000 | Additional fees for RERA registration. |
Training and Certification Costs (per person):
| Fee Type | Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RERA Training Course | 3,000 – 5,000 | Mandatory DREI course. |
| RERA Exam Fee | 3,200 – 6,300 | Tiered based on educational qualifications. |
Office and Visa Costs:
| Fee Type | Cost Range (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Office Rent (Annual) | 80,000 – 300,000+ | Varies drastically by location. |
| Visa Costs (per person) | 20,000 – 25,000 | For owner and initial staff. |
Fixed Monthly Expenses:
| Expense | Cost Range (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Office Rent | 8,000 – 25,000+ | Monthly equivalent. |
| Staff Salaries | Variable | Competitive base can be AED 10k-20k + commission. |
| Portal Subscriptions | 5,000 – 20,000+ | For Bayut, Property Finder, etc. |
Variable Monthly Expenses:
| Expense | Cost Range (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing & Advertising | 10,000 – 50,000+ | Digital ads, lead generation. |
| Expense Category | Low-End Estimate (AED) | High-End Estimate (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing & Registration | 25,000 | 50,000 |
| RERA Training & Exam (for 3 agents) | 18,600 | 35,100 |
| Office Rent (Annual) | 80,000 | 300,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | 75,000 | 150,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | ~300,000 | ~800,000+ |
Choosing the right location for a real estate brokerage is a critical strategic decision that directly impacts brand perception, client accessibility, and operational focus. The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan provides a long-term vision for the city’s growth, creating distinct opportunities across established, developing, and future-focused zones.
These are mature, high-demand areas that form the core of Dubai’s real estate market. They offer high visibility and access to affluent client networks but come with higher operational costs and intense competition.
Business Bay & Downtown Dubai: The commercial and luxury heart of Dubai. Business Bay consistently dominates office sales and leasing transactions, making it an ideal location for a brokerage with a strong commercial real estate focus. The proximity to Downtown Dubai attracts high-net-worth individuals seeking premium residential properties. Average property prices here are in the premium bracket, often exceeding AED 2,000 per sq. ft.
Dubai Marina & JBR: The premier waterfront lifestyle destination. Dubai Marina remains the top-searched community for apartments, attracting a diverse mix of expatriate professionals and tourists. It offers consistently high rental yields (6-8%) and strong potential for capital appreciation. A brokerage located here would specialize in luxury apartments, waterfront properties, and the lucrative short-term rental market.
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC): The engine of the mid-market segment. JVC consistently ranks highest in off-plan apartment sales and offers some of the best rental yields in Dubai (6-8%). Its affordability and family-friendly amenities make it a high-volume market. A brokerage specializing in JVC can cater to first-time homebuyers, families, and investors seeking reliable rental income.
These areas offer a blend of established communities and new growth potential, often providing more accessible entry points with strong rental demand.
Al Karama & Deira: Representing the traditional heart of Dubai, these established communities are experiencing a rental surge. Driven by their central location, affordability, and access to public transport, areas like Deira have seen rental price hikes of up to 48% for apartments. For a brokerage, specializing in Al Karama offers a focus on high-volume leasing and sales to a dedicated community of long-term residents and businesses seeking value and convenience. It’s a market driven by consistent demand and attractive rental yields.
The most significant long-term opportunity lies in Dubai South, which is being transformed by the Dubai 2040 Plan and the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport.
The Vision: The AED 128 billion airport expansion aims to create the world’s largest airport, handling 260 million passengers annually. This mega-project is the catalyst for creating a self-sustaining “Aerotropolis” – a city built around the airport, with a projected population of one million people.
Market Dynamics: The impact is already being felt. In the first five months of 2025, Dubai South recorded over AED 15 billion in property transactions. Rental rates surged by 20% in the same period, with buyer and tenant inquiries increasing by over 20% month-on-month.
Investment Potential: Despite this growth, property prices in Dubai South remain up to 60% lower than in prime districts like Downtown Dubai, with average prices around AED 750-850 per sq. ft. This presents a massive opportunity for capital appreciation. Analysts forecast near-term price increases of 15-20%.
New Projects: The area is a hotbed for new developments, including master-planned communities like Emaar South, and major projects such as Azizi Venice and the multi-phase South Bay lagoon community.
Strategic Focus: A brokerage specializing in Dubai South would target off-plan sales, long-term investors, and the future residential and commercial demand generated by the airport’s workforce. Enhanced connectivity via the upcoming Metro Blue Line and Etihad Rail further solidifies its long-term viability.
Office Layout: A professional setup with a reception area, meeting rooms, and workstations for agents is standard.
Essential Technology:
| License/Permit Type | Issuing Authority | Primary Purpose | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade License | DED (Department of Economic Development) | Foundational commercial operations across all sectors | Initial approval from DED, trade name registration |
| Real Estate Brokerage License | DLD / RERA | To legally buy, sell, rent, or manage properties on behalf of clients | Mandatory DREI training, RERA exam pass, physical office with Ejari, corporate documents |
| RERA Certification | RERA (via DREI) | To certify professional competence and adherence to real estate laws for individuals | Completion of DREI training, successful RERA exam pass |
| Ejari Registration | DLD (via Ejari system) | To register tenancy contracts for legal protection | Valid lease agreement for office or managed properties |
| Trakheesi Permit | DLD | Required to advertise properties across all media | Valid license, owner NOC/Form A, ad details |
| Property Management License | DED & DLD (under RERA) | To manage residential, commercial, or facility properties | RERA training, Ejari office, corporate documents |
| Real Estate Development License | DED & DLD | To develop land or build property for sale/investment | DED license, RERA project approval, escrow account, financial proof |
| Real Estate Consultancy License | DED & DLD | To offer real estate advisory services | RERA certificate, Ejari office, corporate papers |
A professional, RERA-certified team is the most valuable asset of a real estate brokerage.
The industry standard for real estate agents is a commission-only or low-basic-plus-high-commission structure. This incentivizes sales performance. A competitive base salary can range from AED 10,000 to AED 20,000, with commissions typically split between the agent and the brokerage.
Real estate licenses in the UAE are typically valid for one year and necessitate annual renewal to ensure continuous legal operation. Renewal fees for a real estate agent license can range from AED 5,000 to AED 10,000, depending on the specific license type.
Real estate investors and developers who invest in properties (whether off-plan or completed) with a purchase value of AED 2 million or more can qualify for a renewable 10-year UAE Golden Visa. This prestigious program extends its benefits to both individual and corporate investors, and developers also have the privilege to sponsor Golden Visas for their senior employees and eligible relatives.11 The Golden Visa program is a clear incentive designed to attract and retain high-net-worth individuals and long-term investors in the UAE real estate sector. It offers stability and long-term residency, which is a significant value proposition beyond just business opportunities. This initiative demonstrates the government’s proactive strategy to foster sustained growth in the real estate market by encouraging significant, enduring foreign investment and talent retention.
Businesses in the UAE real estate sector must comply with several ongoing tax and financial regulations to operate legally and sustainably.
A standard VAT rate of 5% applies to sales and leases of real estate. However, initial sales of residential units within three years of completion are zero-rated for VAT purposes.
Effective from June 1, 2023, corporate tax is imposed at 9% on profits exceeding AED 375,000, while profits below this threshold are taxed at 0%. Multinational Enterprises (with consolidated revenues over AED 3.15 billion) may be subject to a higher rate of 15%. Businesses must register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), file annual tax returns, and maintain accurate accounting records.
Real estate businesses must adhere to stringent AML regulations including:
This comprehensive regulatory framework demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to international standards, ensuring transparency and security. The tax structure encourages SMEs with a 0% bracket for smaller profits, while higher rates and strict AML measures uphold a robust and credible business environment, attracting legitimate investment and deterring illicit activities.
Businesses should carefully account for these ongoing compliance obligations as part of their operational costs and risk management strategies.
Establishing a brokerage in Dubai is a regulated, multi-layered process involving the Department of Economy & Tourism (DET), the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), the Dubai Land Department (DLD), and the UAE’s anti-money-laundering platform. Below is a step-by-step explanation in the order you will encounter these milestones.
Start by submitting your license request to the Department of Economic Development (DED) for mainland or the relevant Free Zone authority. This initiates the approval process.
Once approved, visit the official Trakheesi website — Dubai Land Department’s online portal for real estate licensing.
Create your account on Trakheesi, fill out the application form with all required business details, and upload mandatory documents such as trade license, Ejari tenancy contract, passports, and certifications.
After submission, download and print the approval form generated by the portal.
Return the printed approval form to the DED or Free Zone office to complete your licensing formalities.
Log back into Trakheesi to update your trade license number and any other necessary information to keep your profile updated.
| Our Commitment | What You Will Receive |
|---|---|
| ✅ Comprehensive real estate business setup | Complete licensing, Ejari-registered office lease, visa processing, and PRO support |
| ✅ Efficient and timely approvals | Get your brokerage operational within 3 to 5 weeks |
| ✅ Licensed operations across all key emirates | Business setup services in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and more |
| ✅ Transparent and all-inclusive pricing | Clear fee structure with no hidden costs, tailored packages to fit your needs |
| ✅ Full compliance with UAE regulations | Adherence to DET, DLD, RERA, and Ejari requirements for peace of mind |
| ✅ Golden Visa Assistance | Guidance and support to help you qualify for the UAE Golden Visa program |
Get expert guidance every step of the way. Our expert team is here to provide personalized assistance and ensure your application is handled smoothly from start to finish.
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