Many entrepreneurs rush into starting a real estate brokerage company in Dubai, only to face hurdles with licensing, documentation, and compliance. Knowing what to expect upfront avoids these setbacks.
Here, we cover critical documents, expected expenses, and common pitfalls that entrepreneurs often miss when starting in Dubai.
Understanding the Legal Requirements
Dubai requires all brokers to follow strict regulations. You must:
- Complete a RERA course and pass the exam
- Register your trade license with the Department of Economic Development (DED)
- Maintain an office with a valid Ejari tenancy (While virtual office Ejari services are available, they are typically valid for specific free zones and may not be accepted for all types of business activities).
- Draft legal documents like the Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Obtain RERA registration and a broker card
Skipping or underestimating any of these steps can delay your real estate brokerage company setup in Dubai.
Estimated Costs of Setting Up
Understanding the cost of setting up a real estate business in Dubai is important. Here’s a typical breakdown:
| ITEM | COST (AED) |
| RERA Course & Exam | 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Trade License (DED) | 12,000 – 18,000 |
| Ejari Office Rent | 15,000+ |
| Legal Drafting & MOA | 2,000 – 4,000 |
| RERA Registration & Broker Card | 1,500+ |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED COST | 30,000 – 45,000 |
Â
Worth Noting: These figures vary based on office size, location, and sponsor arrangements.
Proper budgeting helps prevent surprises during setup. Many entrepreneurs find that engaging expert advisors reduces mistakes and hidden costs.
Choosing the Right Location and Office
Location matters. An office in a high-traffic area may cost more, but it adds credibility. Ensure the office meets RERA requirements for brokerage operations.
Short-term shared office solutions may seem cheap, but they can affect licensing. Planning ahead avoids re-registration hassles.
Heads Up: Entrepreneurs should also know that real estate brokerage company setup in Dubai Sharjah has slightly different requirements and fees compared to Dubai mainland.
Compliance and Documentation
Many startups overlook the importance of document accuracy:
- Legal drafting and MOA must align with your trade license and business activities.
- Ejari tenancy contracts must be valid and properly registered.
- Broker registration requires full personal and business documentation.
Even small mistakes in documentation can delay approvals. Elevate Accounting & Auditing helps businesses prepare these files correctly and submit them efficiently, minimizing back-and-forth with authorities.
Hidden Steps Entrepreneurs Often Miss
Beyond the basics, entrepreneurs frequently overlook:
- Aligning MOA clauses with real estate business activities
- Scheduling RERA exams early to avoid delays
- Preparing for ongoing compliance obligations post-setup
- Understanding costs beyond licensing, like broker training renewals
Awareness of these factors improves your setup experience and avoids extra fees.
Understated Advantages of Professional Guidance
While you can navigate the setup independently, professional guidance can streamline the process. Advisors like Elevate:
- Help review required documents
- Guide you on compliance steps and deadlines
- Provide clarity on costs and budget planning
This support reduces stress and prevents common pitfalls.
Conclusion
Setting up a real estate brokerage company in Dubai involves more than obtaining a trade license. Entrepreneurs must plan for licensing, RERA exams, office setup, documentation, and hidden compliance steps.
Careful planning, awareness of costs, and expert guidance help businesses launch smoothly and avoid costly mistakes. Understanding these overlooked areas ensures your Dubai real estate venture starts on solid ground.
