A commercial brokerage licence in Dubai permits individuals or companies to broker goods, services, and commodities on behalf of principals. The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) governs this activity, with total first-year costs falling between AED 15,000–30,000. Foreigners may own 100% of a mainland brokerage entity, making it an accessible entry point for international traders.
What is a Commercial Brokerage Licence in Dubai?
A commercial brokerage licence authorises a business to act as an intermediary—matching buyers and sellers of goods, services, or commodities without holding stock or inventory. This activity is regulated by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and is distinct from real estate brokerage, which falls under RERA jurisdiction. As a Dubai business setup specialist, DBS has guided hundreds of brokers through DET’s approval pathway. Your broker entity negotiates on behalf of principals, earns commission, and must maintain transparent, compliant contractual relationships with all parties.
Unsure which licence category fits your business? Contact DBS: WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
DET Commercial Brokerage Activity Scope: What Can You Broker?
Under a DET commercial brokerage licence, you may facilitate transactions in:
- Goods: machinery, textiles, chemicals, electronics, building materials, automotive parts.
- Services: logistics, shipping, warehousing, consulting, technical support.
- Commodities: metals, energy products, agricultural produce, minerals.
You act as a commission agent—never as the principal buyer or seller. Your role is matchmaking and negotiation. Real estate brokerage (residential, commercial properties) is excluded and requires a separate RERA registration. Similarly, financial broking (securities, forex) falls outside DET’s commercial brokerage remit.
100% Foreign Ownership: Can You Own a Brokerage in Dubai Mainland?
Yes. The UAE has eliminated the mandatory local sponsorship requirement for most commercial activities, including brokerage, across mainland Dubai. A foreigner or foreign company may establish a limited liability company (LLC) or sole establishment and hold 100% equity. No local partner is required; no profit-sharing arrangement is mandated by law. However, you must appoint a local compliance officer (a UAE national or resident) if your setup involves specific regulatory categories—verify current MOHRE guidelines with DBS consultants. This structural flexibility makes Dubai an attractive hub for international brokers seeking autonomy.
Need clarity on ownership structure for your broker entity? Email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com.
Commercial Brokerage Licence Cost in Dubai 2026
First-year all-in cost ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 30,000, depending on entity type and operational scope:
| Cost Component | Typical Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Trade licence application & DET approval | 2,500–5,000 |
| Establishment registration (DED) | 3,500–6,500 |
| Office tenancy & office visa (if required) | 5,000–12,000 |
| Compliance documentation & legal review | 2,000–4,000 |
| Initial MOHRE registration & visa (if staff hired) | 1,500–3,000 |
Subsequent annual renewal costs typically range AED 8,000–15,000. Fees vary based on free-zone versus mainland location, headcount, and whether you engage DBS for full-service documentation or self-manage filings.
Commission Agreements & Invoicing Compliance
Every brokerage transaction must be supported by a written commission agreement signed by all principals. This contract must specify:
- Scope of goods/services/commodities to be brokered.
- Commission percentage or fixed fee structure.
- Duration of the mandate.
- Liability and dispute-resolution clauses.
All invoices must comply with UAE VAT rules (5% where applicable) and UAE tax accounting standards. The Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) may audit commission records during labour inspections. DBS Dubai business setup consultants review your template agreements to ensure enforceability and regulatory alignment before you engage principals.
Have a draft commission agreement? WhatsApp it to +971 54 332 2846 for a quick compliance check.
Setup Timeline: 2–4 Weeks to Active Brokerage
A straightforward commercial brokerage licence approval typically follows this timeline:
- Days 1–3: Verify DET eligibility, prepare application documents, obtain DED username & password.
- Days 4–7: Submit DET application & trade licence request.
- Days 8–14: DET reviews & approves (or requests clarification).
- Days 15–21: DED issues trade licence; MOHRE posts labour contract (if applicable).
- Days 22–28: Office tenancy finalised, visa processing, banking setup.
Fast-track is possible if all documents are pre-checked and no objections arise. Delays occur when principals’ documents are incomplete or when DET requests additional evidence of your experience or financial stability.
How Commercial Brokerage Differs from RERA Real Estate Brokerage
A frequent source of confusion: commercial brokerage (DET) and real estate brokerage (RERA) are separate regulatory domains:
| Aspect | DET Commercial Brokerage | RERA Real Estate Brokerage |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Department of Economy & Tourism | Real Estate Regulatory Authority |
| Scope | Goods, services, commodities | Land, properties, buildings |
| Licence Name | Commercial Brokerage Trade Licence | Real Estate Broker’s Licence |
| Commission Model | Negotiable; written agreement required | Capped at 2% per party; RERA-regulated |
| Insurance | General professional liability | Mandatory broker’s fidelity guarantee (4% of transactions) |
If you intend to broker property transactions, you must obtain a RERA licence, not a DET commercial brokerage licence. Attempting to broker real estate under a commercial licence violates RERA law and exposes you to fines and revocation.
Frequently asked questions
What can I broker under a Dubai commercial brokerage licence?
You can broker goods (machinery, chemicals, metals), services (logistics, consulting, shipping), and commodities (energy, agricultural produce). You act as a commission agent, matching buyers and sellers—you never hold stock. Real estate brokerage is excluded and requires a separate RERA licence. Verify your specific commodities with DET before setup.
How is commercial brokerage different from real estate brokerage (RERA)?
Commercial brokerage (DET) covers goods, services, and commodities; real estate brokerage (RERA) covers property sales and leases. RERA caps commissions at 2% per party and requires fidelity insurance. DET commercial brokers negotiate commissions freely. Using a commercial licence to broker property is illegal and attracts RERA penalties.
What does a commercial brokerage licence cost in Dubai 2026?
All-in first-year costs range from AED 15,000 to AED 30,000. This includes DET trade licence (AED 2,500–5,000), DED establishment (AED 3,500–6,500), office tenancy (AED 5,000–12,000), and compliance documentation (AED 2,000–4,000). Annual renewal typically costs AED 8,000–15,000. Final costs depend on entity type and staff headcount.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a brokerage company in Dubai mainland?
Yes. The UAE has removed mandatory local sponsorship for commercial activities. A foreigner can own 100% of a mainland brokerage LLC or sole establishment. No local partner is legally required. However, you must appoint a UAE-national compliance officer in some cases—consult DBS to confirm your specific structure before incorporation.
Do commission agreements need to be registered with DET?
No formal DET registration is required, but every commission agreement must be in writing and signed by all parties. Contracts must specify scope, fees, duration, and dispute resolution. Invoices must comply with UAE VAT and tax rules. MOHRE may audit commission records during labour inspections. DBS reviews your templates for legal compliance at setup.
How long does it take to set up a commercial brokerage licence?
Setup typically takes 2–4 weeks from application to active trading. Days 1–7: DET application; Days 8–14: DET approval & DED trade licence issuance; Days 15–28: office finalisation, visa processing, and banking. Speed depends on document completeness and DET clarification requests. DBS can fast-track pre-checked applications.
What compliance documents do I need for a commercial brokerage in Dubai?
You need a DET-approved trade licence, passport and visa copies, office tenancy contract (or free-zone location letter), initial commission agreement templates, and a business plan outlining your target commodities. If hiring staff, provide employment contracts and MOHRE registration. VAT registration is mandatory if turnover exceeds AED 375,000 annually. DBS prepares all filings.
Get expert help in 20 minutes
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