How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Real Estate Business in Dubai

Establishing a regulated property practice at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone requires a dual-track approach: a trade license starting from AED 12,500 and mandatory professional accreditation from the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). Pre-approval fees that apply to all core real estate activity codes. 

Dubai’s real estate sector is a global benchmark for transaction volume and investor yield, attracting capital from over 180 nationalities and across residential and commercial segments. Real estate professionals looking to formalise their UAE practice need both a Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone trade license and RERA approval for core real estate activities. 

This article breaks down the full cost of establishing a real estate business at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, covering which activity codes require RERA pre-approval, what those costs typically involve, and how the overall process is structured. 

For a broader overview of UAE business setup costs, read how much it costs to start a business in Dubai guide. 

Recommended Real Estate Business Activity Codes 

• 6810.99   Buying and Selling of Real Estate (RERA (Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Agency) pre-approval required) 

• 6820.93   Real Estate Consultancies (RERA pre-approval required) 

• 6820.94   Real Estate Valuation Services (RERA pre-approval required) 

• 6820.99   Jointly Owned Property Management Services (RERA pre-approval required) 

• 6619.94   Real Estate Mortgage Consultancy (RERA pre-approval required) 

• 6619.96   Real Estate Mortgage Broker (RERA pre-approval required) 

Real Estate Business Cost Estimate 

Financial transparency is a prerequisite for regulated professional services. While the base DSBH license starts at AED 12,500, your total investment will include RERA government fees and potential professional certification costs.  

The cost calculator provides an itemised estimate with transparent breakdown of price, while our team can help you with a detailed pricing structure with RERA-specific variable and pre-approval fees. 

Understanding the Full Cost of a Real Estate Business License  

The total cost of establishing a real estate business at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone comprises two distinct components: the standard Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone license cost and the applicable RERA pre-approval fees. 

The base license fee starts at AED 12,500. However, the number of shareholders, type of office space (flexi-desk available), number of employees visas required and bank account assistance, all increases the overall cost.  

RERA pre-approval pricing involves separate government fees that vary depending on the specific activity codes applied for and the professional qualifications and certifications of the applicant. RERA may also require applicants to hold designated real estate practitioner credentials prior to approval. 

Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone guides applicants through the RERA process and provides a full cost estimate at the point of application. You can also utilise the cost calculator to find out the clear pricing breakdown. 

Real Estate Consultancy License - 6820.93 

Real Estate Consultancies (6820.93) is the primary code for real estate advisory businesses. It covers investment analysis, market research, property due diligence, development advisory, and strategic property consultancy. RERA pre-approval is required. This is the most commercially versatile real estate consultancy code and is typically the starting point for property advisory practices. 

Third-Party Approval: Pre-approval from RERA.  |  AML / DNFBP: May include DNFBP obligations. Seek AML compliance guidance. 

Buying, Selling, and Brokerage - 6810.99 

Buying and Selling of Real Estate (6810.99) covers the commercial trading of property assets. This code is appropriate for investment companies and developers that buy and sell real estate commercially. RERA pre-approval is required. Real estate transaction businesses may also be subject to DNFBP anti-money laundering obligations. 

Third-Party Approval: Pre-approval from RERA.  |  AML / DNFBP: May include DNFBP obligations. Seek AML compliance guidance. 

Valuation and Property Management License - 6820.94 / 6820.99 

Real Estate Valuation Services (6820.94) covers professional property valuation for investment, lending, and transactional purposes. Jointly Owned Property Management Services (6820.99) covers the professional management of jointly owned residential and commercial developments. Both require RERA pre-approval and relevant professional qualifications or demonstrated experience in the respective discipline. 

Third-Party Approval: Pre-approval from RERA for both.  |  AML / DNFBP: Seek compliance guidance.

Mortgage Advisory and Brokerage License - 6619.94 / 6619.96

Real Estate Mortgage Consultancy (6619.94) covers advice on property financing options. Real Estate Mortgage Broker (6619.96) covers the active arrangement of mortgage finance with UAE lenders on behalf of buyers. Both require RERA pre-approval. Mortgage advisory is a growing service category as Dubai's owner-occupier residential market expands. 

Third-Party Approval: Pre-approval from RERA for both.  |  AML / DNFBP: Seek compliance guidance. 

Dubai's Commercial Case for Real Estate Professionals  

Dubai's property market consistently ranks among the most active in the world by transaction volume, international investor participation, and price performance. The city draws real estate investment from over 180 nationalities, with sustained demand across residential, commercial, and hospitality property segments. 

For real estate professionals, this translates into a commercially active advisory environment with consistent transaction volumes and a client base that is genuinely international in scope. RERA's regulatory framework establishes the professional standards that give UAE real estate practices credibility with both local and international clients, providing a recognised and structured basis on which advisory and brokerage businesses can operate with confidence. 

The Licensing Process at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone  

The licensing process at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts by going through the business activities list to confirm your relevant activity codes.  

All real estate activity codes at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone require RERA pre-approval before a license is issued. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone manages the RERA application process as an integrated part of the overall setup, providing a single point of contact throughout. Once RERA approval is confirmed in writing, the Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone license is issued promptly. 

Businesses established at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone benefit from complete foreign ownership, no minimum capital requirement, and a zero personal income tax environment. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. How much does a real estate business license cost in Dubai? 

Licensing starts from AED 12,500 at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, plus applicable RERA pre-approval government fees. Use the cost calculator for a base license estimate and contact the Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone team for a full cost breakdown inclusive of RERA fees for your specific activity combination. 

Q2. Why do all real estate codes require RERA approval? 

RERA (Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Agency) regulates all real estate professional activities in Dubai. Pre-approval ensures that practitioners meet Dubai's professional competency and conduct standards for the real estate sector before they can operate commercially. It applies to all commercial real estate activities including consultancy, investment advisory, brokerage, valuation, property management, and mortgage advisory. RERA's regulation provides clients with confidence that UAE real estate practitioners meet a defined professional standard. 

Q3. What does the RERA pre-approval process involve? 

RERA pre-approval typically requires applicants to demonstrate relevant professional experience, submit educational qualifications and professional history, pass applicable RERA certification examinations, and satisfy RERA's documentation requirements for the specific activity type. Requirements vary by activity code and professional background. Beyond Hub manages the full RERA application process alongside the license application as an integrated service.  

Q4. Can I do real estate consultancy without transaction brokerage? 

Yes. Real Estate Consultancies (6820.93) covers investment analysis, market research, property due diligence, development advisory, and property strategy consulting without requiring you to actively broker individual property transactions. RERA pre-approval is still required for this code, but the consultancy model is distinct from transaction brokerage and suitable for advisors who provide strategic and analytical services rather than facilitating specific sales. 

Q5. Can a foreigner own 100% of a real estate business in Dubai? 

Yes. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone permits 100% foreign ownership of real estate businesses subject to RERA pre-approval for applicable activity codes. No local sponsor or UAE national partner is required. International real estate professionals from any country can establish a fully foreign-owned UAE real estate entity, provided they meet RERA's professional qualification, competency, and certification requirements for their chosen activity codes.

Q6. Are real estate businesses subject to AML rules in Dubai? 

Real estate is a designated sector under UAE AML regulations (DNFBP framework). Real estate businesses may have customer due diligence, beneficial ownership verification, transaction monitoring, and regulatory reporting obligations depending on the specific activities they conduct and the value of transactions handled. The DNFBP obligations vary by activity type and transaction threshold. Non-compliance with DNFBP obligations carries significant regulatory risk. Seek dedicated UAE AML compliance advice tailored to your specific real estate business model and activity codes before commencing commercial operations. 

Q7. Can I provide mortgage advisory alongside property consultancy? 

Yes. Real Estate Mortgage Consultancy (6619.94) and Real Estate Consultancies (6820.93) may be combined on a single Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone license with the applicable RERA approvals, enabling both property advisory and mortgage financing guidance to be delivered from one licensed UAE entity. 

Q8. Is there a minimum capital requirement for a real estate business? 

Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone requires zero paid-up capital for a DWC-LLC real estate entity at the licensing stage. RERA may impose separate financial standing or professional indemnity requirements as part of the professional approval process for specific activity types. Current RERA guidance on financial standing requirements for your intended activity combination should be sought as part of the pre-application process. 

Q9. How long does a real estate business license take to set up? 

The overall timeline is determined by RERA pre-approval processing. Once RERA approval is confirmed in writing, the Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone license is typically issued within one business day. The RERA application timeline depends on the completeness of documentation submitted, the applicant's qualifications, and RERA's current processing schedule. Beyond Hub manages the RERA application, documentation preparation, and follow-up as part of the integrated setup service. 

Q10. How do I start a real estate business at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone? 

Contact the Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone team for a full cost breakdown inclusive of RERA pre-approval government fees and a step-by-step guide to the RERA application process for your specific activity combination. Beyond Hub manages the full RERA and Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone application as an integrated service providing a single point of contact throughout.