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. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do I need a RERA broker card to operate as a real estate agent in Dubai? 

Yes. Every individual practising as a real estate broker in Dubai must hold a valid RERA-issued broker card. This requires completing the Certified Training for Real Estate Brokers course run by RERA. 

Can a foreign national get a RERA broker card in Dubai? 

Yes. Foreign nationals can complete the RERA certification and obtain a broker card. UAE residency is required to hold a broker card, which your investor visa through Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone provides. 

Can a foreigner own 100% of a real estate brokerage in Dubai? 

Yes. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone permits full foreign ownership with no UAE national partner required. 

What is the minimum cost to set up a real estate brokerage in Dubai? 

The free zone license starts from AED 12,500 per year. RERA broker card fees are an additional cost charged directly by RERA. 

How long does it take to get a real estate broker license in Dubai? 

The free zone company license can be issued within one business day. The RERA company registration and individual broker card process runs in parallel and timelines depend on RERA processing schedules at the time of application. 

Can a real estate brokerage based in a free zone transact mainland Dubai properties? 

Yes. Dubai free zone real estate brokerages with valid RERA registration can transact freehold and leasehold properties across Dubai, including mainland areas, once they have the required RERA approvals in place. 

How many staff can a real estate brokerage hire? 

Your staff visa allocation depends on your workspace arrangement. For growing brokerages with larger teams, dedicated office space options are available at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. 

Is VAT applicable to real estate brokerage commissions in Dubai? 

Residential property sales and leases are generally exempt from VAT in the UAE. Commercial property transactions and brokerage commissions on commercial deals may be subject to 5% VAT. Confirm your specific VAT position with a qualified adviser. 

What continuing education is required to maintain a RERA broker card? 

RERA broker cards are renewed annually and require completion of ongoing training as specified by RERA at the time of renewal. Requirements are subject to change; confirm current renewal requirements directly with RERA. 

Can I operate a real estate brokerage from a flexi-desk in Dubai?

A flexi-desk arrangement is sufficient for free zone license registration. RERA may have specific office requirements for brokerage registration approval. Confirm with the Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone team whether a dedicated space is recommended for your RERA application.