Dubai’s skyline is not just growing. It is evolving. For aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs, the timing could not be better.
Dubai’s real estate boom continues with definite momentum. In 2024, the market reached AED 522.1 billion (USD 142.1 billion) in transaction value—a +36.5% increase from 2023. A total of 180,987 deals were recorded, while residential prices surged 20.1% and rents climbed 21.1% in the year to May 2024.
What does this mean? Rising demand across purchase and rental sectors, fueled by international investors—110,000 new entrants in 2024 alone (+55%)—has created fertile ground for new and established real estate professionals. The data show that both seasoned agencies and newly licensed brokers with a real estate license in Dubai can thrive in this dynamic market.
Table of Contents
- How to Start a Real Estate Business in Dubai
- Costs of Starting a Real Estate Business in Dubai
- Crafting a Strategic Business Plan
- Practical Tips to Achieve Success in Dubai
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
How to Get a Real Estate License in Dubai to Start a Business
Here’s your step-by-step roadmap to obtaining a real estate license in Dubai and launching your business:
Ensure Eligibility
- Age 21+
- High school diploma or equivalent (university level not mandatory)
- Valid UAE residency
Select Your Business Structure
Choose a mainland setup to operate freely across the UAE. This structure allows you to trade directly with clients anywhere in the country, including participating in government contracts and opening offices without geographic restrictions. It also offers flexibility in employee visa quotas and business activities.
Then choose your legal form:
- Sole Establishment: Single-owner, full control—but unlimited liability.
- Civil Company: Ideal for advisory services; shared liability among partners.
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): Most common; protects personal assets, permits up to 50 shareholders.
Tip: Foreign partners can hold equity via a Partner Visa, enabling legal participation and residency. Clearly document profit-sharing and responsibilities in your MoA.
Trade Name Registration
Submit proposed names and passport copies to the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), ensuring compliance with naming conventions (e.g. no offensive words, alignment with registered activities).
Initial Approval from DED
Apply for initial approval to proceed. Required: passport/residency copies for owners, police clearance, and basic personal info.
Draft Memorandum of Association (MoA)
Have the MoA notarized, outlining the company’s ownership structure, governance, and profit allocation.
Secure Office Space & Register Ejari
Lease your physical office and register via Ejari. A local address is mandatory. Co-working setups are acceptable so long as they’re independently registered.
Obtain Licences
- DED Trade Licence: Confirms your business activity legally.
- DLD Brokerage Licence: Enables official real estate transactions once RERA-certified.
RERA Registration
Qualify through RERA by completing its approved training program and passing the exam—certification is mandatory for every broker.
Immigration & Labour Setup
For hiring staff, register with GDRFA and MOHRE to issue visas and labour quotas. You’ll need company documents, tenancy contract, and shareholder IDs.
Final Approval from DLD
Submit your complete dossier to Dubai Land Department:
- DED trade licence
- Ejari contract
- RERA certification
- Police clearances
- Shareholder documents
Upon approval, you’re legally authorized to operate.
Open a Business Bank Account
Select a UAE bank that supports corporate accounts. Provide: trade licence, Ejari, MoA, shareholder IDs, company profile, and residence visas.
Tax Registration with FTA
Although UAE has no personal income tax, businesses must register for VAT:
- Obtain Tax Registration Number (TRN)
- Understand quarterly VAT filing
- Keep precise financial records
Total timeline: about 4–6 weeks—depending on application completeness and internal processing.
These were the steps that are included in getting Real estate license in Dubai.
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Costs of Starting a Real Estate Business in Dubai
A detailed view of the real estate license in Dubai cost is mentioned below:
| Category | Estimated Cost (AED) |
| DED Trade Licence | 12 000 – 20 000 |
| DLD Brokerage Licence | 12 900 |
| RERA Training & Certification | 6 200 – 10 800 |
| Ejari Registration | (Included in rent) |
| Office Rent & Deposit | 20 000 (min) |
| Office Furniture & Utilities | 20 000 – 50 000 |
| Employee Visas | 4 000 – 7 000 per visa |
| Marketing (Website, SEO, Ads) | 6 500 – 33 000 initial |
| Legal / Consultancy Fees | From 12 500 |
| Tech Tools (CRM, accounting) | 1 500 – 7 000 annually |
| DLD Bank Guarantee | 50 000 – 200 000 |
| Total Estimated Startup | 50 000 – 150 000+ |
These costs reflect a small-to-medium setup. Scale up offices, staffing, or ad spend accordingly.
Crafting a Strategic Business Plan
A precise business plan turns ambition into action. Key elements to include:
Executive Summary
Outline your vision, market position, services (new builds, resales, rentals), and ownership structure.
Market Analysis & Positioning
Examine local trends: luxury vs. mid-market, emerging neighbourhoods (e.g. Dubai South), investor or end-user demand. Position your services uniquely based on these insights.
SWOT Assessment
- Strengths: On-ground presence, niche focus, exceptional service
- Weaknesses: Brand infancy, digital lack
- Opportunities: Foreign investor demand, sustainable developments
- Threats: Regulatory shifts, new agencies
Sales & Marketing Strategy
Break down the 4 Ps:
-
- Product: Residential, commercial, luxury, or green property
- Price: Competitive with developer guidelines
- Place: Online portals + physical showroom strategy
- Promotion:
- Website with IDX/CRM integration
- SEO-optimised blogs and directories
- Social media ads + video tours
- Email campaigns with testing & tracking
Operations
Define internal workflows, from lead generation to transaction closure, plus assigned roles and responsibilities.
Financial Forecasts
Include projections for 1–3 years: revenue, expenses, profitability, and cash flows. Factor in marketing budgets, salaries, rent, and licensing.
KPIs to Track
- Monthly leads
- Conversion rates
- Average deal value
- Time-on-market
- ROI on ad spend
Practical Tips to Achieve Success in Dubai
- Develop Developer Alliances – Introduce yourself early to major builders.
- Focus on Your Brand Platform – Logo, fonts, website, and visual identity must be coherent across all touchpoints.
- Implement a Digital-First Approach – Optimised site, live chat, and robust CRM.
- Leverage Professional Media – Use high-quality photo and video production.
- Create a Networking Ecosystem – Attend expos, join professional groups.
- Prioritise Stellar Service – Ensure follow-up, transparency, and client joy—referrals flow from that.
- Invest in Continuous Learning – Advancements in property tech, legal changes, and RERA updates.
Final Thoughts
Dubai’s property market offers unprecedented opportunity—driven by rising transaction volumes, increasing prices, and inbound investment. To capitalise on this momentum:
- Ensure regulatory compliance (DED, DLD, RERA)
- Invest in your brand—both physical and digital
- Build strong alliances and service-first operations
- Track metrics, optimize regularly, and learn continuously
Following this detailed roadmap, underpinned by clear data and strategic planning, you’ll be well-positioned to launch and expand a successful real estate venture in Dubai.
Interested in a tailored business setup estimate or 1-on-1 consultation? Contact our Dubai Business Service team. We’re here to guide your journey—step by step.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How long does it take to get a real estate licence in Dubai?
Approximately 4–6 weeks, assuming documents are fully prepared.
Q2: Can foreigners set up a real estate company?
Yes—foreigners can set up a real estate company on the mainland through a Partner Visa, which allows legal ownership, business participation, and residency in the UAE.
Q3: How much does a real estate licence cost?
Expect AED 25,000–35,000+ for basic licensing and certification; total startup costs vary from AED 50,000 to AED 150,000+ depending on scale.
Q4: Is RERA certification required for every broker?
Yes—it’s mandatory for anyone involved in real estate transactions.
Q5: Do I need a physical office to be licensed?
Yes—either your own or a registered co-working space with Ejari documentation.
Q6: What tax obligations are there?
Register for VAT if your turnover exceeds the FTA threshold. No corporate tax applies to real estate fees currently, but financial transparency is vital.
