How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Real Estate Business in Dubai
Topic Summary
Base License Fee Starts at AED 12,500
The Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone trade license begins at AED 12,500, but total costs rise based on shareholder count, office type, employee visas, and bank account assistance. A flexi-desk option is available to help manage initial overhead.
RERA Pre-Approval Is Mandatory for Core Activities
All primary real estate activity codes — including brokerage, consultancy, valuation, and mortgage services — require pre-approval from the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). This dual-track requirement applies regardless of the free zone license obtained.
Six Key Activity Codes Cover Most Real Estate Work
Dubai South Business Hub recognises six recommended codes spanning buying and selling, consultancy, valuation, property management, and mortgage brokerage. Each carries its own RERA pre-approval requirement and associated government fees.
Real Estate Consultancy Is the Most Versatile Code
Activity code 6820.93 covers investment analysis, market research, due diligence, and strategic advisory, making it the go-to starting point for property advisory businesses. It also carries potential DNFBP and anti-money laundering compliance obligations.
RERA Fees Vary by Qualifications and Activity Type
RERA pre-approval fees are not fixed — they depend on the specific activity codes applied for and the professional credentials of the applicant. RERA may also require designated real estate practitioner certifications before granting approval.
Dubai Attracts Capital From Over 180 Nationalities
The emirate is a global benchmark for transaction volume and investor yield across both residential and commercial segments. This international demand makes formal licensing and regulatory compliance especially important for practitioners entering the market.
Use a Cost Calculator for Full Pricing Transparency
An itemised cost calculator is available to provide a clear breakdown of license and RERA-related fees before committing to an application. The Dubai South Business Hub team can also supply a detailed estimate that accounts for variable pre-approval costs.
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 Dubai South Business Hub 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 fromRERA. | 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 fromRERA. | 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 fromRERA 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 fromRERA 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
