How to Set Up a Real Estate Brokerage in Dubai
Starting a real estate brokerage in Dubai requires obtaining a commercial license from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) with formal regulatory approval from the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), an arm of the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Key prerequisites include completing the certified RERA real estate training course, passing the RERA broker examination, leasing an approved commercial office with Ejari, and securing RERA Broker Cards for all individual sales agents.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Real estate brokerage is one of the most strictly regulated commercial sectors in Dubai, overseen directly by RERA and DLD.
- ✓The company manager or designated real estate broker must pass the official RERA certification examination before license approval.
- ✓A physical commercial office registered with Ejari is mandatory; virtual desks or residential addresses are not accepted for brokerages.
- ✓Every real estate agent must hold an active individual RERA Broker Card linked to the company’s brokerage license.
- ✓Advertising properties online (on portals like Property Finder or Bayut) requires individual RERA advertising permits (Trakheesi permit system).
1. The Dubai Real Estate Market Dynamics
Dubai’s property sector is a major engine of the UAE economy, setting historical records in transaction volumes, off-plan developer sales, and luxury secondary transactions. Establishing a real estate brokerage allows founders to tap into substantial commission revenues from residential, commercial, and industrial leasing and sales.
2. The RERA Regulatory Framework
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), established under Law No. 16 of 2007 as the regulatory arm of the Dubai Land Department, governs all brokerage firms, real estate agents, developers, and property marketing activities.
RERA enforces strict ethical standards, transparent fee structures, and standardized contract formats (Form A, Form B, and Form F/MoU) to safeguard buyers, sellers, and agents.
3. Step-by-Step Brokerage Formation Process
Launching a brokerage involves integrated DET and RERA clearances:
1. Reserve trade name with DET for "Real Estate Buying & Selling Brokerage" or "Real Estate Leasing Brokerage".
2. Obtain initial approval from DET.
3. Complete RERA training course and pass the broker examination at the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI).
4. Lease an approved commercial office space in Dubai and obtain the official Ejari certificate.
5. Submit RERA approval application through the DLD portal to receive the RERA Commercial NOC.
6. Finalize payment with DET to issue the Trade License.
7. Register on the DLD Trakheesi portal to generate company credentials and issue individual RERA Broker Cards for sales staff.
4. The Certified RERA Training Course & Examination
Prospective brokerage managers and individual agents must complete the Certified Real Estate Broker training course and achieve a passing score on the official RERA exam. The curriculum covers property sales contracts, leasing legalities, escrow accounts, code of ethics, and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance.
5. The Trakheesi Property Advertising System
Under RERA regulations, no brokerage or agent is permitted to publish a property listing—whether on social media, billboards, or portals like Property Finder or Bayut—without first obtaining an electronic Trakheesi Advertising Permit for each specific property unit. Violations result in heavy administrative fines.
This guide is compiled by our editorial team strictly from official UAE government portals, statutory decrees, and licensing authorities. We do not invent figures or quote unverified third-party claims.
- •Dubai Land Department (DLD) / RERA Portal(Dubai Land Department)
- •Trakheesi Real Estate Permitting System(RERA Dubai)
Frequently Asked Questions
Objective answers to commonly asked questions based on official guidelines.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a real estate brokerage in Dubai?
Yes. Under the amended Commercial Companies Law, foreign investors can own 100% of a real estate brokerage on the Dubai mainland.
Can real estate agents work without a RERA card?
No. Conducting property negotiations or signing client contracts without an active individual RERA Broker Card is strictly illegal and leads to immediate fines and potential blacklisting.
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