How to Get a Real Estate Broker License in Dubai: RERA Requirements and Costs
Topic Summary
Understand What the License Actually Covers
A real estate brokerage license in Dubai permits your business to handle buying, selling, leasing, consultancy, valuation advisory, and property management services. It legally authorizes your company to act as an intermediary in UAE property transactions.
Every Broker Needs Their Own RERA Card
Individual RERA broker cards are issued per person, not per company, meaning every practising broker within your firm must hold their own valid card. Each card requires completing the Certified Training for Real Estate Brokers course approved by RERA.
Three Core Requirements Before You Can Operate
You need a RERA broker card for each individual, a RERA-approved company registration, and enrollment on the Dubai Real Estate Self-Transaction (Dubai REST) platform. Missing any one of these means your brokerage is not legally compliant to trade.
Know the Correct Business Activity Codes
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone uses specific activity codes for real estate businesses, including 6810.99 for buying and selling, 6820.93 for consultancy, and 702001 for brokerage specifically. Selecting the right codes at setup ensures your license covers all intended services.
Budget for Both License and RERA Fees Separately
The free zone trade license starts from AED 12,500 per year, while RERA course and broker card fees are an additional AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 per broker, paid directly to RERA. These are distinct costs, so factor both into your startup budget.
The Free Zone License Process Takes One Business Day
Once your company name is confirmed and documents are submitted, the digital free zone licensing process at Dubai South Business Hub can be completed in a single business day. After that, you can proceed with RERA company registration and individual broker card applications.
Dubai South Location Offers Strategic Market Access
Brokers based at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone are positioned to serve the Dubai South residential community, Al Maktoum area developments, and surrounding growth corridors. The free zone structure also provides 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and full profit repatriation.
Real estate brokerage in Dubai is a licensed and regulated profession. The emirate's property market transacts billions of dollars annually, and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency has established a clear framework governing who can legally act as a broker, what training is required, and how businesses must be structured to operate in the sector. For professionals building a real estate brokerage business, understanding the difference between the RERA broker card, the company license, and the operational requirements is essential before you start. This guide covers what you need, what it costs, and how to structure your brokerage at Dubai South.
What Does a Real Estate Brokerage License Cover?
A real estate brokerage license covers the buying and selling of real estate on behalf of clients, property leasing and rental services, real estate consultancy, property valuation advisory, and related property management services. The license permits your business to act as an intermediary in UAE property transactions. For related financial and consultancy services that often accompany real estate businesses, the financial services hub and consultancy hub pages provide useful context.
Real Estate Broker License Requirements in Dubai
A real estate broker license in Dubai involves both a company license from your chosen jurisdiction and individual certification from RERA. The key requirements are:
RERA broker card, each individual practising as a broker must hold a valid RERA-issued broker card, obtained by completing the Certified Training for Real Estate Brokers course
Dubai REST registration, your brokerage must be registered on the Dubai Real Estate Self-Transaction platform
RERA-approved company, the brokerage company must be registered and approved with RERA
Standard free zone documents: passport copy, proof of address, proposed company name
Individual RERA broker cards are issued per person, not per company. Every licensed broker working within your firm must hold their own card.
Relevant Real Estate Brokerage Business Activity Codes
Activity codes for real estate brokerage businesses at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone:
6810.99, Buying and Selling of Real Estate
6820.93, Real Estate Consultancies
6820.94, Real Estate Valuation Services
6820.99, Jointly Owned Property Management Services
702001, Real Estate Buying and Selling Brokerage
Browse all real estate activity codes on the business activities page.
Cost of a Real Estate Broker License in Dubai
The free zone trade license at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts from AED 12,500 per year. RERA course and broker card fees are additional costs charged by RERA directly and are typically in the range of AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 per broker. Use the cost calculator to generate an itemised estimate for your company license, visa costs, and any selected add-on services.
Setting Up Your Real Estate Brokerage
Begin by confirming your company name on the name check tool. Once your free zone license is issued, you can proceed with RERA company registration and your individual broker card application. The digital free zone process for the license itself takes one business day. With your license in place, your brokerage operates with 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and full profit repatriation, with no UAE national sponsor required. For a detailed guide on the RERA licensing process specifically, the RERA guide covers the certification steps in full.
Operating a Real Estate Brokerage from Dubai South
Dubai South's own master-planned development within Dubai South is one of the emirate's most significant residential and commercial projects. Brokers based at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone are well positioned to work across the Dubai South residential community, Al Maktoum area developments, and the broader Dubai south corridor, which is seeing sustained off-plan investment activity as the airport expansion and Expo Legacy projects continue to drive demand.
Related Activities
Real Estate Mortgage Consultancy Business License
Mortgage Advisers And Brokers Business License
Mortgage Consultancy Business License
Frequently Asked Questions
