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Dubai stands as a worldwide prime destination for investments. The real estate sector has seen tremendous growth and keeps on growing. Not to forget numerous well-known personalities like Shahrukh Khan, David Beckham, Ambani family and others who hold stunning properties in the city. The real estate market in Dubai is huge and there are unlimited opportunities, making it a perfect place to start a real estate business in Dubai.
By doing so, you can not only unlock a wealth of profits but also gain access to unmatched benefits of Dubai’s stunning infrastructure, alluring tax policies, and robust government support. You can manage properties in the world’s most prime investment hub, and we present to you the ultimate guide that will walk you through every essential detail from registering your real estate business setup in Dubai to obtaining necessary licenses and beyond.
Dubai’s real estate sector has been showing constant and sustainable growth over the years. The sector aligns perfectly with the Emirate’s long-term vision for urban development, economic diversification, and global competitiveness. The confidence of both domestic and international investors in Dubai’s property segment reflects the city’s infrastructural excellence.
The market is growing across the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Additionally, demand for villas, apartments, land, office spaces, retail outlets, hospitality properties, factories, and other facilities remains strong. This creates the perfect opportunity for real estate businesses and agents. In the first quarter of 2025, total sales reached AED 142.7 billion, reflecting the sector’s upward trajectory.
The sector is promising, profitable, and characterized by never-ending demand. Moreover, the strong regulatory framework and close monitoring by RERA ensure that the sector remains secure and adheres to the best international quality standards.
Factors responsible for real estate sector growth in Dubai:
Dubai is also as one of the wealthiest and most desirable cities in the Middle East, boasting impressive residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Moreover, with its strategic location, excellent infrastructure, and a thriving economy supporting thousands of businesses, Dubai is a prime location for real estate ventures. You can get a RERA real estate license for many activities, including:
Likewise any other nation, the UAE has its own regulations that you must adhere to in order to start a business legally there. For a real estate business in Dubai, you need certain permits and authorizations that will allow you to commence your operations legally in the city. Here are the permits that you need to obtain for your real estate business:
To operate your real estate business legally in Dubai, you need to acquire a trade license from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or the respective freezone authority.
You will also need a real estate business license issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), which is mandatory for operating a property business in Dubai. Depending on your intended activities, you can obtain various types of licenses. The most sought-after license is the real estate brokerage license, which legally permits you to engage in real estate transactions in the UAE.
You or your employees acting as real estate agents must complete a mandatory training course offered by the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI). After completing the required training, passing a certification exam is necessary. Only then can you qualify for a real estate license. The certification is provided by Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).
The Ejari system regulates rental agreements in Dubai, ensuring all rental contracts are standardized and legally binding. If your firm plans to manage rental properties, registering with Ejari is necessary for both landlords and property managers to comply with local regulations and maintain legal validity of rental agreements.
The entire process has been broken down into steps to simplify your understanding. Here is how to open a real estate business in Dubai successfully:
A well-devised plan is crucial for any business, including real estate. In your plan, clearly define your goals, targets, strategies, market, operations, profit projections, etc. It is essential to analyse the market thoroughly to understand trends, demand, and, most importantly, your competition. You plan will act as your roadmap so it should cover all your marketing, financial and sales strategies along with your business objectives.
Next, decide where you want to conduct business: on the mainland or in a free zone. Each has its own attractions and advantages. Choose based on what aligns best with your business requirements and preferences.
Then, you will need to decide on a legal structure for your real estate business. Your choice of business structure in UAE determines how you will operate. You can choose to set up your business as a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a limited liability company (LLC).
You must finalize and register your trade name. When choosing a name, ensure it is attractive and follows naming guidelines and rules. Violations can result in penalties and other issues.
Next, you must prepare all the necessary paperwork. Depending on your chosen business structure, you will also need to prepare a Memorandum of Association (MoA). This document outlines your company’s structure and rules and must be notarized in court to be official.
The most important thing is securing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or the selected freezone authority. This certificate is a green signal that allows you to proceed further with the process.
Next, you must search and select a suitable office space for your business to rent. Consider factors such as available amenities, rental charges, and most importantly, location when making your decision. Make sure to secure a tenancy contract for the chosen space and register it on Ejari.
After completing the above steps, you must register your company and secure a UAE trade license from DET/freezone. This license is essential to start your business legally in the city.
To start a real estate business in Dubai, you will also need to secure a proper real estate license issued by RERA under the Dubai Land Department (DLD). This license allows you to legally conduct real estate dealings in the city. Your application will be reviewed by authorities, and once everything is found in place and you meet all the requirements, you will receive your licenses. The employees acting as an agent must also undergo specific courses and training, followed by passing an exam.
You must obtain a final approval from DLD before you can start operating.
You will need a dedicated business bank account to track all your business finances and transactions.
Register for immigration and secure residency for yourself. If you intend to hire staff from overseas, you will need to sponsor their visas, which may require registering with additional authorities like the Department of Naturalization and Residency (DNRD) for visas and the Ministry of Labor (MOL) for employment.
Generally, you will need the following documents to start a real estate business in Dubai:
Depending on your case, additional documents may be requested. Please contact our experts at Dubiz business setup to determine your exact requirements.
The cost of setting up a real estate business in Dubai starts from AED 21,000*:
The other expenses for starting a real estate business in Dubai include:
Please note that the costs will vary with your business nature and scope, office location, workforce size, and other variables. You can consult our Dubai business setup experts at Dubiz, who can provide you with accurate cost estimates.
The benefits of starting a real estate business in Dubai are numerous. Following is some of the advantages that you can enjoy:
Dubai is an excellent location for real estate ventures. In addition, starting a real estate business here offers lucrative opportunities in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. With its strategic location, top-notch infrastructure, and a thriving economy supporting numerous businesses, launching a real estate business in Dubai brings numerous benefits.
However, navigating the process and understanding the legal landscape can be challenging. That is where Dubiz steps in. Our experts specialize in company formation in Dubai, UAE, and have assisted countless entrepreneurs in setting up successful ventures in this dynamic city.
To know more about how to start real estate business in UAE or to get started today, contact us at:
📞 Call: +971 56 369 5485
💬 WhatsApp: +971563695485
📧 Email: info@dubiz.co
Follow these simple steps to get your real estate brokerage license in Dubai:
1. Obtain a valid residency permit.
2. Fulfil eligibility requirements.
3. Undergo necessary industry training courses accredited by institutions like DREI.
4. Secure the RERA certification by passing required exam.
5. Obtain clearance certificate from Dubai police.
6. Prepare the necessary documents.
7. Apply for the license and pay fees.
8. Await application approval.
9. Collect your license.
To do real estate business in Dubai, you must register a company, obtain a trade license from DET/freezone, and then obtain a RERA real estate activity license from the Dubai Land Department (DLD), as well as RERA certification for all real estate agents in your business.
It usually takes 2 to 3 days from your application submission to obtain a real estate license from DLD.
The real estate agent license in Dubai is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Renewal is required one month prior to the expiry date.
To start a real estate broker business in dubai, you must first get trade license from the DET/freezone and then secure RERA approval and registration. Remember, to work as a broker legally, you must get the RERA certification (broker card) after going through training courses and passing associated exams.
The different types of real estate licenses in Dubai as issued by RERA include:
1. Real estate broker license
2. Real estate valuation license
3. Property management license
4. Mortgage consultancy license
5. Real estate developer license
6. Real estate marketing license
7. Real estate auctioneer license
The essential real estate training courses are available at the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI), providing a variety of programs and certifications for individuals pursuing careers in real estate.
To obtain a real estate license in Dubai, you must fulfil the following general requirements: complete a certified course at DREI, pass the RERA Exam, and obtain a Good Conduct Certificate from Dubai Police. Additionally, you need to submit necessary documents such as your passport, visa, and proof of business premises.
The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), a specialized arm of the Dubai government’s Land Department (DLD), oversees and regulates the real estate sector in Dubai.
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