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Real estate licence and RERA brokerage registration in Dubai
Real Estate Licence Dubai

Real Estate Licence in Dubai: RERA Brokerage & DLD Registration

Launch your property business in Dubai with the correct RERA brokerage licence, agent card, or developer registration. We handle the full licensing process from DED trade licence to DLD approval.

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Dubai's property market is one of the most active and transparent in the world, governed by a robust regulatory framework under the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) and the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Anyone wishing to operate a real estate brokerage, act as a property agent, or conduct off-plan sales in Dubai must hold the appropriate real estate licence and comply with RERA's ongoing professional standards. Whether you are establishing a new brokerage, transitioning from another jurisdiction, or expanding an existing property business into Dubai, Probus Pleion Middle East Limited provides comprehensive real estate licensing support — covering DED trade licence applications, RERA registration, broker card issuance, and DLD compliance setup. Once licensed, see our corporate banking page for guidance on opening your business bank account, and our accounting services for ongoing financial compliance. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Real Estate Licence Application Process

1

Activity Assessment & Planning

We assess your intended real estate activities (brokerage, development, management, or consultancy) and determine the precise licence types, regulatory approvals, and office requirements needed before any application begins.

2

DED Trade Licence Application

We prepare and submit the DED trade licence application with real estate brokerage as an approved activity, managing initial approvals from RERA and other relevant authorities.

3

Office Setup & Ejari Registration

We assist with identifying compliant physical office space and registering the tenancy agreement through Ejari — a mandatory requirement for RERA brokerage registration.

4

RERA Trakheesi Registration

We register the brokerage company in the RERA Trakheesi system, obtaining official RERA approval to operate as a licensed real estate brokerage in Dubai.

5

Broker Card Applications

We coordinate DREI training registration, exam preparation support, and individual broker card applications for all agents who will operate under the brokerage licence.

6

DLD Registration & Operational Setup

We complete DLD registration, set up access to the required transaction platforms, and assist with banking, residency visas, and any remaining operational requirements.

Requirements for a Real Estate Licence in Dubai

  • DED mainland trade licence with real estate brokerage activity approval
  • Physical office in Dubai with valid Ejari-registered tenancy contract
  • RERA Trakheesi registration for the brokerage company
  • DREI certified training completion for all individual agents
  • Passing score on the RERA broker exam for each agent
  • Valid passport and UAE residence visa for all agents
  • Emirates ID for all licensed agents
  • Good conduct certificate (may be required for shareholders and managers)
  • Security deposit (applicable to certain brokerage registrations)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a physical office for a real estate brokerage licence?
Yes. RERA requires all licensed brokerage companies to maintain a genuine physical office in Dubai. Virtual offices, co-working memberships, and flexi-desks do not satisfy this requirement. The tenancy agreement must be registered through Ejari and submitted as part of the RERA Trakheesi registration.

Can foreigners own a real estate brokerage in Dubai?
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is permitted for real estate brokerage companies established in Dubai under the current ownership regulations. There is no requirement for a UAE national partner or local sponsor.

How long does the RERA broker card process take?
Once training and the RERA exam are completed, broker card issuance typically takes a few working days through the Trakheesi system. The DREI training itself is a multi-day course, and exam availability depends on scheduling. We help plan the process to minimise overall turnaround time.

Can a free zone company conduct real estate brokerage in Dubai?
Generally, no. Actual real estate brokerage — facilitating the buying, selling, or leasing of properties — requires a DED mainland trade licence and RERA registration. Free zone licences are typically limited to real estate consultancy activities and do not authorise transactional brokerage.

What is the Trakheesi system?
Trakheesi is RERA's online portal for managing real estate licences, broker card registrations, property listings, and permit applications. All licensed brokerages and agents must be registered in Trakheesi, and all property advertisements must display a valid Trakheesi permit number.

Is there a difference between a real estate licence and a property management licence?
Yes. A real estate brokerage licence covers the facilitation of property sales and leases. A property management licence covers ongoing management of properties on behalf of owners. Many firms obtain both activities under a single trade licence to offer comprehensive services.

What are the ongoing costs for maintaining a real estate licence?
Annual costs include DED trade licence renewal, RERA brokerage registration renewal, and individual broker card renewals for all agents. These costs vary depending on the business structure and the number of licensed agents. Our team provides a full cost estimate as part of the initial planning process.

What is the RERA exam fee for someone without a degree?
For applicants without formal educational qualifications (no secondary school certificate), the RERA exam fee is approximately AED 15,750. For applicants with secondary education but no bachelor's degree, the fee is approximately AED 6,300. For bachelor's degree holders, the fee is approximately AED 3,200. These fees are in addition to the mandatory DREI training course costs and the RERA processing fee of approximately AED 3,520 for broker card issuance.

What is the Trakheesi permit number and why is it required on listings?
The Trakheesi permit number is a unique reference issued by RERA for each property listing in Dubai. All property advertisements — on portals such as Property Finder, Bayut, and Dubizzle, as well as in print and social media — must display a valid Trakheesi permit number. This requirement protects buyers and tenants by ensuring only listings by licensed brokers of verified available properties are published. Listing without a Trakheesi permit is a regulatory violation.

How long is a RERA broker card valid?
A RERA broker card is valid for one year from the date of issuance. It must be renewed annually through the Trakheesi system. Renewal requires completion of DREI CPD training and payment of renewal fees. RERA recommends beginning the renewal process at least one month before the card's expiry date to avoid any gap in licensed status.

Can a GCC national own a real estate brokerage in Dubai?
Yes. GCC nationals (from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman) are generally permitted to establish and own real estate brokerages in Dubai on terms comparable to UAE nationals in many respects. GCC nationals can obtain RERA broker cards following the same process as other applicants and may benefit from certain facilitation measures for business ownership. We advise GCC national clients on the specific requirements and any preferential provisions applicable to their nationality.
The information on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional advice. Regulations in the UAE may change. Please contact us or consult a licensed professional for specific advice tailored to your situation.