How to get a real estate brokers license in Dubai

With more and more people shifting their base to the UAE, the real estate market is booming. Dubai has some of the best properties and is also a great place to build a portfolio of multicultural clients. Prices and rents for properties are expected to increase by 10-15% by the end of 2022 in the UAE, making it ideal to set up a real estate business here.

It is not an easy task to become a real estate agent in Dubai, you need to get a real estate brokers license to operate legally in the UAE. The process involves a lot of documentation and approvals from various government ministries, additionally, you need to pass an exam conducted by DREI. 

How to choose the right legal structure

A real estate brokerage firm in Dubai can choose either a sole establishment or limited liability company (LLC) legal structure. If there is only one owner for the business, then the legal structure of the firm should be sole establishment, whereas, If the number of shareholders is exceeding 2, the legal structure of the firm should be LLC and you need a local service agent to establish the company. An LLC real estate brokerage firm allows up to 50 shareholders. A real estate brokerage firm can only be formed in mainland jurisdiction. 

Process

The application for a real estate brokers license must be submitted through the Department of Economic Development and then be approval by RERA through the Trakheesi System. 

Step 1: Trade name reservation 

Step 2: Initial approval enquiry receipt 

Step 3: Submit relevant documents to the land department, complete online course registration 

Step 4: Obtain NOC/approval from RERA once training is done

Step 5: Obtain an initial approval certificate from DED 

Step 6: Signing of memorandum of association/local service agent agreement/civil works agreement at the notary public. Note, all shareholders need to present at the time of signing

Step 7: Submit initial approval, original approved DED form, trade name reservation, tenancy contract with Ejari and the documents mentioned above to DED and obtain a payment voucher

Step 8: Collect payment voucher & make payment 

Step 9: Obtain trade license 

Step 10: Obtain office registration number and broker ID 

Requirements

Requirements at DED: 

• Owner’s passport copy, Emirates id card, family Book (if applicable) 
• Passport-size photographs with white background 
• Tenancy contract and Ejari certificate 
• Memorandum of association (if applicable) 
• External approval from RERA 

Requirements at RERA: 

• DED application form 
• Trade name reservation 
• Initial approval enquiry receipt 
• Owner’s passport copy, Emirates id card, family book 
• Certificate of good conduct from Dubai police 
• Degree certificate of the owners 
• Real estate practitioner course certificate/real estate diploma 

Have any questions on how to set up a real estate brokerage firm in Dubai?

Get your commercial real estate brokers license in and professional support for your business setup in Dubai with the help of business setup consultants at Decisive Zone

Get a free consultation with our business setup consultants on +971 4 581 3618 or email [email protected]