Real Estate Brokerage Company in Dubai – Setup Guide
Let's Talk
Free Consultation
Let's Talk
Free Consultation
Real Estate Brokerage Company in Dubai
Dubai’s property market is one of the most exciting and profitable sectors in the UAE. With growing investor interest, stable laws, and strong rental returns, it’s no surprise that more entrepreneurs are choosing to set up a real estate brokerage company in Dubai.
Dubai’s real estate market moves fast. Thus, getting your brokerage up and running means moving faster. This guide walks you through everything it takes to start a real estate brokerage company in Dubai, including the licenses, approvals, and paperwork involved. We’ll also show you how Elevate Accounting & Auditing can make the entire process quicker and more efficient.
Why Start a Real Estate Brokerage Company in Dubai ?
Starting a real estate brokerage company in Dubai gives you access to one of the world’s most dynamic and investor-friendly property markets. The city combines opportunity, modern infrastructure, and clear legal structures. These are all essential for sustainable growth in real estate.
Here’s why now is a great time to start a real estate business in Dubai:
- 100% foreign ownership is allowed under DED mainland licenses
- Strong demand in residential, commercial, and off-plan sectors
- Attractive commission-based earning potential
- No personal or corporate income taxes
- Business owners can sponsor both residence visas and staff
Dubai’s regulated real estate market welcomes new brokers with clear guidelines, transparency, and strong long-term potential. If you’re serious about building a real estate brokerage company in Dubai, the conditions are firmly in your favour.
Authorities Involved in Real Estate Company Formation in Dubai?
To legally start and operate a real estate business in Dubai, your company must obtain approvals from the following government/regulatory bodies:
- Dubai Land Department (DLD): Oversees all real estate transactions and regulations.
- Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA): Handles licenses and broker certifications.
- Dubai Economy (DED): Issues the main trade license.
- Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI): Provides the required RERA training course and exam.
Step-by-Step Process to Open a Real Estate Brokerage Company in Dubai
Starting a real estate brokerage company in Dubai involves several steps. With the right guidance, it can be completed quickly and without unnecessary back and forth. If you’re looking to start a real estate business in Dubai, follow this detailed process for full legal setup and RERA compliance.
Choose a Legal Structure
Your first decision is selecting the legal structure for your real estate company. This step defines your ownership rights, liabilities, and eligibility for UAE residency visas.
Common options include:
- LLC (Limited Liability Company): Ideal for foreign investors who want flexibility, profit-sharing, and the ability to open a mainland real estate firm in Dubai.
- Sole Establishment: Suitable for individual UAE residents running their own brokerage.
Select a Trade Name
Pick a trade name that reflects the nature of your property business in Dubai and meets all DED regulations. Your trade name must:
- Follow DED naming rules
- Be unique and available for registration
- Avoid religious or offensive words.
Obtain Initial Approval from DED
Once your trade name is ready, apply for initial approval with the Dubai Department of Economy (DED). This step confirms your business activity and allows you to move forward with the next licensing requirements.
Details include:
- Activity Code: 701001
- Be unique and available for registration
- Avoid religious or offensive words.
Complete RERA Training and Exam via DREI
To legally operate, all real estate brokers (including company owners) must complete the RERA certification process. The process includes:
Details include:
- Attending the 4-day DREI (Dubai Real Estate Institute) course.
- Passing the official RERA exam in Dubai.
- Receiving your certified RERA Broker Card.
Lease Office Space and Register with Ejari
A physical office is a legal requirement to operate a brokerage firm. Virtual offices or flexi-desks are not accepted by RERA for this license type. You must:
- Lease commercial office space.
- Register the tenancy contract through Ejari.
- Ensure the office meets minimum space requirements (typically 200+ sq. ft.).
Draft and Notarize the Memorandum of Association (MOA)
The MOA must be legally notarized before final submission. This is especially important when forming an LLC real estate company in Dubai.
Your company’s Memorandum of Association (MOA) outlines the internal structure of the business. It’s a legal document that defines:
- Shareholder ownership.
- Business activity (as per your DED license).
- Capital contribution.
- Profit-sharing rules.
Final License Issuance (DED and RERA)
With documents in hand, you’re now ready to obtain your final Dubai real estate brokerage license. This includes:
- Commercial license issued by DED.
- Broker and office registration with RERA.
- Approval for your brokerage to operate legally in Dubai.
Open a Bank Account and Apply for Visas
The final step involves making your company operational. After receiving your license, complete the following:
- Create your company stamp.
- Open a corporate bank account in UAE.
- Apply for UAE residence visas for partners and employees under your license.
This phase is critical for managing finances, securing office space, and sponsoring a team under your new real estate business in Dubai.
A trusted partner like Elevate Accounting & Auditing can speed up these final steps, saving you time and helping you avoid common setup delays.
Estimated Cost to Start a Real Estate Brokerage Company in Dubai (2025)
Here’s a breakdown of typical startup costs:
| 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 |
Important Note: These figures may vary based on office size, location, and sponsor arrangements
Why Choose Elevate Accounting & Auditing?
Setting up a real estate brokerage company in Dubai is a great opportunity. However, the process can get technical and time-consuming. That’s exactly where we come in.
Elevate has already assisted over 100 real estate professionals in successfully opening fully compliant brokerage companies across Dubai and the wider UAE. Starting from licensing – all the way to approvals, we make every step smoother and more reliable.
Our Services Include:
- DED License Application.
- RERA Certification Support.
- MOA Drafting & Notarization.
- Office Space Advisory.
- Visa & Immigration Handling.
- Corporate Bank Account Opening.
Why Businesses Trust Elevate:
- 13+ Years of Experience.
- Transparent Pricing.
- Experts in RERA & DED Compliance.
- Fast Turnaround.
- Support for Local and International Entrepreneurs.
- Dedicated Account Manager for Each Client.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) –
Can a foreigner open a real estate company in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can open a real estate company in Dubai. The law allows 100% ownership, as long as you obtain RERA certification and a valid UAE residence visa.
Is a physical office space mandatory for real estate brokerage?
Yes, leasing a physical office is required for a Dubai real estate license. Virtual offices or flexi-desks are not accepted for brokerage companies.
How long does it take to open a real estate company in Dubai?
Usually, it takes 1 to 2 weeks—provided your paperwork is complete and your RERA training is done.
Can I sponsor visas under a real estate brokerage license?
Absolutely. Once your Dubai real estate license is active, you can apply for visas for yourself, your partners, and your employees.
What topics are covered in the RERA certification exam?
The RERA exam covers Dubai property laws, brokerage ethics, and deal management. The DREI course helps you prepare effectively for the exam.
Do I need a local sponsor to open a real estate brokerage in Dubai?
No, a local sponsor is generally not required to open a real estate brokerage in Dubai. In fact, foreign investors are now allowed to fully own 100% of their real estate brokerage businesses. This change applies to both mainland and free zone setups. However, depending on the structure you choose and the jurisdiction you operate in, there may still be some specific regulatory requirements to meet.
Can I start a real estate company in a free zone and still sell in Dubai?
No. Free zone companies are not allowed to broker mainland Dubai properties. To legally operate, you’ll need a DED license with RERA approval.
What are the annual costs of running a real estate company in Dubai?
The annual cost of running a real estate brokerage company in Dubai typically ranges between AED 100,000 to AED 500,000 or more. However, this can vary significantly depending on several key factors. These include trade license and renewal fees, office rental, RERA certification and training, staff salaries, visa costs, marketing expenses, and general operational overheads.
Start Your Real Estate Brokerage Company in Dubai with a Partner Who Gets It
Setting up a Real Estate Brokerage Company in Dubai is more than just filling out forms. You need approvals, licenses, bank accounts, and a process that doesn’t waste your time or money. That’s where our expertise comes in handy.
We help you launch with complete clarity.
Work with Elevate Accounting & Auditing
We know the process. We know the market. We know how to get things moving.