How to Set Up a Real Estate Company in Dubai: Licence, RERA and Steps (2026)
Short answer: To set up a real estate brokerage company in Dubai, get a trade licence with a real estate brokerage activity from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and lease an office registered on Ejari. Then register the company with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and its regulator, RERA, through DLD’s Trakheesi system. Every broker must complete the required training and pass the exam at the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI) to get a broker card, and property adverts need DLD advertising permits. You can also buy an existing licensed brokerage on BusinessFinder.me.
What kind of real estate company can I set up in Dubai?
| Type | What it does | Main regulator |
|---|---|---|
| Brokerage (sales and leasing) | Markets properties and earns commission | DLD and RERA (broker registration and cards) |
| Property management | Manages rentals, maintenance and tenants for owners | DLD, with a property management activity |
| Owners’ association management | Manages jointly owned buildings | DLD and RERA |
| Real estate development | Builds and sells projects | DLD developer registration, escrow rules and project approvals |
| Holiday homes | Short-term rentals of furnished homes | DET holiday home permits |
Most new companies start as brokerages or property managers, which need much less capital than development. See our property management services in Abu Dhabi guide.
What are the steps to open a real estate brokerage in Dubai?
- Choose a trade name and legal form and get initial approval from DET.
- Lease an office and register it on Ejari. Brokerages need a physical office.
- Get the DET licence with the real estate brokerage activity.
- Train your brokers: each broker completes the required course and passes the exam at the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI).
- Register with DLD and RERA through Trakheesi, and get broker cards for your agents.
- Get advertising permits from DLD for property listings before you advertise them.
- Open a business bank account, register with the Federal Tax Authority as required, and set up your CRM and listing portal accounts.
Confirm the current requirements and fees with Dubai Land Department and Invest in Dubai (DET).
What does it cost to start a real estate company?
The main costs are:
- DET licence and registration fees
- Office rent and fit-out
- DLD and RERA registration fees, and broker card fees
- DREI training and exam fees for each broker
- Visas and salaries (many brokerages pay a basic salary plus commission)
- Listing portal packages and marketing
- CRM and software
Fees change, so get current figures from DET, DLD and DREI before you budget. Our property market in Dubai guide explains the details.
Should I buy an existing real estate company?
Buying a licensed brokerage can save time on licensing and registration, and may include an office, portal accounts, listings and a team. These real estate businesses are listed on BusinessFinder.me right now. Read how to set up a real estate business in Abu Dhabi for the full steps.
- Well running real estate business for sale in Dubai (Downtown Dubai, Dubai, UAE)
- Mainland commercial brokerage business for sale in Dubai (Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), Dubai, UAE)
- Well running real estate office and license for sale in Dubai (Al Karama, Dubai, UAE)
- Real Estate Brokerage Company for Sale in Dubai (Oud Metha, Bur Dubai, Dubai, UAE)
Before you buy, check that the DLD and RERA registrations are active and in good standing, which brokers will stay and whether their cards are valid, any complaints or fines, portal contracts, and commission owed to brokers. Read how to buy a business in Dubai for due diligence steps.
How do real estate companies in Dubai make money?
- Sales commission on secondary market sales, usually paid by the buyer, the seller or both, as agreed
- Leasing commission on new tenancies and renewals
- Off-plan commission from developers for selling new projects
- Property management fees, usually a percentage of rent collected
Commission is shared between the company and its brokers, so track the company’s net share after broker payouts and marketing.
What mistakes should new real estate companies avoid?
- Advertising without permits: listing a property on portals or social media without a DLD advertising permit can lead to fines.
- Letting unregistered agents deal with clients: only brokers holding valid cards should negotiate and sign.
- Weak documentation: use the official DLD forms and keep signed agreements with owners and buyers for every deal.
- Underestimating the ramp-up: deals take months to close, so keep enough working capital for salaries and marketing.
Key takeaways
- Get a DET licence with a real estate brokerage activity and an Ejari-registered office.
- Register with DLD and RERA through Trakheesi, and get broker cards after DREI training and exams.
- Property adverts need DLD advertising permits.
- Buying a licensed brokerage can be faster. Check its registrations, brokers and liabilities.
Related guides
- 25 Small Business Ideas in Dubai for 2026 (With Licence Needs)
- Trade License for Sale in Dubai: How to Buy Safely
- How to Start a Business in Dubai in 2026: Steps, Licences and Growth Tips
- Invest in UAE 2026–2031: Key Sectors, Growth Opportunities and Golden Visa Guide
Frequently asked questions
How do I set up a real estate company in Dubai?
Get a DET licence with a real estate brokerage activity, lease an Ejari-registered office, register with DLD and RERA through Trakheesi, and get broker cards for your agents.
Do real estate brokers in Dubai need a licence?
Yes. Each broker must complete the required training and pass the exam at the Dubai Real Estate Institute, then get a broker card through DLD.
Do I need a permit to advertise property in Dubai?
Yes. Property adverts need advertising permits from the Dubai Land Department.
Can I buy an existing real estate brokerage in Dubai?
Yes. Real estate businesses are listed on BusinessFinder.me. Check their DLD and RERA registrations, brokers, complaints and liabilities.
How do real estate companies earn money in Dubai?
Through sales and leasing commissions, off-plan commissions from developers and property management fees.
Last updated: 19 October 2026
