If you're planning to work as a real estate agent or start a brokerage in Dubai, you need three separate licenses before you can legally operate. The Real Estate Brokerage License from Dubai Land Department (DLD), a RERA certification from the Real Estate Regulatory Agency, and a trade license from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
The process takes roughly four to six weeks from company formation to receiving your brokerage license, assuming you have all documentation ready. Costs vary significantly depending on whether you register on the mainland or in a free zone, and whether you're setting up a company or working as an individual agent.
This guide explains what each license actually allows you to do, the registration process step-by-step, mainland versus free zone differences, and what compliance looks like once you're operational.
What Licenses Do You Need to Start A Real Estate Business in Dubai
Dubai requires three separate licenses for real estate activities. Each serves a different regulatory purpose and comes from a different authority.
Understanding what each license enables helps you plan your setup correctly.
1. Trade License (Business Registration)
This is your basic business authorization issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), formerly known as DED. The trade license allows you to legally operate a business entity in Dubai and hire employees.
The trade license covers the following aspects:
- Legal authority to conduct business in Dubai
- Ability to open corporate bank accounts
- Authorization to sponsor employee visas
- Access to government services and contracts
However, keep in mind that you cannot buy, sell, lease, or broker properties with just a trade license. You need the Real Estate Brokerage License for any actual real estate activities.
The trade license normally takes 3 to 7 days after you complete company formation and costs between AED 15,000 and AED 25,000. The variation depends mainly on whether you register on the mainland or in a free zone.
2. Real Estate Brokerage License
This is the primary license that you require If you're setting up a brokerage company. The Real Estate Brokerage License from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) allows your business to engage in real estate transactions within the country.
Once you have this license, you can start buying, selling, leasing, and other operations such as property management.
Upon complete documentation submission, DLD typically processes the application within 3 to 5 days. The initial license costs between AED 10,000 and AED 15,000 and requires annual renewal.
3. RERA Certification
While the brokerage license is for your company, RERA certification is personal to you as an individual agent.
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency requires every agent conducting transactions to complete their training program and pass an exam. This exam covers Dubai's real estate regulations, ethics, and standard practices.
If you're opening your own brokerage and plan to broker deals yourself, you need RERA certification. Similarly, If you're hiring agents, they each need their own certification.
However, support staff who handle admin work but don't negotiate deals or sign documents don't need it.
Once you pass, you get access to Dubai REST App (the official platform for property listings), recognition by DLD for processing transactions, and a public broker registration number that clients can verify.
Requirements to Obtain A Real Estate License
Here are the key requirements to secure a real estate license in Dubai:
- Owner’s ID/valid passport and residence permit or visa
- Passport-sized photographs
- Educational Certificates
- Training Course Completion Certificate
- RERA Certificate
- Copy of Realtor’s License
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Trade License
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the licensing authority that allows property ownership for purchase (only for free zones)
Emerhub’s business advisors will gather the required documents and handle the necessary submissions on your behalf.
Steps to Apply for a Real Estate License in Dubai
Here's the complete process from company formation to receiving your brokerage license and beginning operations.
1. Register a Legal Entity
Before you can apply for a real estate license, you need to ensure that you have a legal entity in Dubai.
If you haven't established a legal entity yet, refer to our article on how to start a business in Dubai for more details on the topic.
It is important to note that depending on your business jurisdiction - Mainland or Free Zones, you will undergo different registration procedures with different documentation.
2. Complete RERA Training and Exam
Completing the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) Training is a requirement for all real estate agents.
The training comprises a four-day course with topics ranging from history and development to ethics and legal modules. This course can be done online or physically at the Dubai Land Department’s RERA Agent Registration Center.
After completing the training course, you will have to take the written RERA Registration Exam.
For degree holders, the exam fee is AED 3,200, and AED 6,300 for non-degree holders. For those without educational qualifications, the fee is AED 15,750.
3. Obtain Police Clearance Certificate
Dubai requires a police clearance certificate as evidence of good conduct for all real estate professionals. You can apply for the Police Clearance Certificate through Dubai Police website or Amer centers.
After submitting your documents and the fee payment, you will receive your certificate digitally within 1 to 2 working days.
4. Apply for Real Estate Brokerage License
With your trade license, RERA certification, and police clearance ready, you can now apply for the Real Estate Brokerage License from DLD.
Following are the documents you will need for this:
- Certified copies of your trade license
- RERA certifications for all agents
- Police clearance certificates
- Office lease agreement registered with Ejari
- Passport copies and photographs
- Educational certificates
- Memorandum of Association (for companies)
- Bank account details.
DLD reviews your documentation and may conduct an office inspection. The license is issued upon approval.
5. Register for RERA Real Estate Practice Card
Once your brokerage license is approved, each agent (including company owners if actively brokering) must obtain their RERA Real Estate Practice Card. Submit through Trakheesi System or Dubai REST App with your RERA certification, brokerage license, and personal documents. The card is issued within 1 to 2 business days with your unique Broker's Registration Number.
This card gives you legal authority to conduct transactions, access to Dubai REST App for listings, public verification of your broker status, and professional credibility with clients. The card validity is linked to your RERA certification (2 years).
Ongoing Compliance Requirements with UAE's Real Estate Regulations
Once operational, you have several annual obligations to maintain your licenses and stay compliant with Dubai's real estate regulations.
One of they primary obligations is renewing your licenses as per specified deadlines:
- Trade license needs annual renewal with DET (mainland) or your free zone authority. You must renew it within 30 days before expiry.
- Real Estate Brokerage License also renews annually with DLD, again within 30 days before expiry.
- RERA Certification renews every 2 years and requires completing refresher training and passing a renewal exam.
In addition to renewals, you are responsible for the following key aspects:
- maintain an active corporate bank account
- report all property transactions to DLD
- follow KYC procedures for all clients under anti-money laundering regulations
- register for VAT if your annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000.
Acquire Your Real Estate License in Dubai With Emerhub
Emerhub offers end-to-end services for investors planning to enter Dubai's real estate market, out. From setting up your company to acquiring relevant licenses, our local experts will handle the process on your behalf.
To discuss your needs and plans with our experts, you can fill out the form below and book a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work as a real estate agent in Dubai without RERA certification?
RERA certification is mandatory for all real estate agents in Dubai, regardless of whether you work for a brokerage or operate independently. Working without RERA certification is illegal and results in fines, potential deportation, and bans from the real estate sector.
What's the difference between mainland and free zone real estate licenses?
Mainland licenses allow direct access to Dubai's property market without restrictions. You can conduct business anywhere in the UAE and sign contracts directly with local clients. Free zone licenses are cheaper (approximately 50% lower cost) but face restrictions on direct mainland market access. Most free zone real estate companies focus on off-plan sales, international clients, or work through partnerships with mainland brokerages.
Can I operate from home or do I need a physical office?
If your business is in Mainland, then you must have a physical office space that meets DLD requirements (minimum size, proper zoning, commercial lease registered with Ejari). Working from home is not permitted. For free zone companies, some free zones offer virtual office or flexi-desk options, which satisfy license requirements without dedicated office space. However, conducting client meetings may require physical workspace.