A Dubai real estate brokerage licence in 2026 costs AED 10,000–25,000 and requires approval from the Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) authority. You’ll register with MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) for employment compliance. Setup typically takes 14–21 days via Dubai Business Services.
What Is a Dubai Real Estate Brokerage Licence?
A Dubai real estate brokerage licence permits you to trade property on behalf of buyers, sellers, and investors across the Emirate. The licence is mandatory under DET regulations and allows you to operate a commercial brokerage firm, manage agents, and earn commission-based revenue. Without it, any real estate activity is illegal and subject to fines. Dubai Business Services can guide you through the entire compliance process.
Unsure about licensing complexity? Contact us on WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 for a free 10-minute consultation.
DET Approval & Regulatory Framework
The Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) department, formerly DCREC, is the sole licensing authority for real estate brokerages in Dubai. DET requires you to hold a valid trade licence, provide proof of office location (virtual addresses not accepted), and demonstrate financial solvency (typically AED 50,000–100,000 in bank statements). You must also appoint a licensed real estate manager who has completed the DET-mandated certification course. Brokers operating in mainland Dubai pay higher fees than those in free zones; Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai Silicon Oasis offer reduced rates (AED 8,000–15,000 vs. AED 12,000–25,000 mainland). Dubai Business Services manages DET liaison to expedite approval.
MOHRE Registration & Employment Compliance
Once DET grants your brokerage licence, you must register with MOHRE to legally employ sales agents and support staff. MOHRE enforces labour contracts, wage protection, and employee benefits under UAE Labour Law. Registration costs AED 500–1,500 and takes 3–5 working days. All employees must have valid residence visas sponsored by your firm; MOHRE tracks this via Tajiris (UAE HR portal). Non-compliance risks operational suspension and fines up to AED 10,000. Dubai Business Services submits all MOHRE documentation on your behalf.
Need help with MOHRE? We handle visa sponsorship setup and Tajiris registration—just WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
Cost Breakdown & Licence Fees
| Item | Cost Range (AED) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| DET Brokerage Licence (mainland) | 12,000–25,000 | 1 year (renewable) |
| DET Licence (free zone) | 8,000–15,000 | 1 year (renewable) |
| Trade Licence Registration | 1,500–3,000 | 1 year (renewable) |
| MOHRE Registration | 500–1,500 | 1 year (renewable) |
| Office Space Security Deposit | 5,000–20,000 | Variable |
| DET Certification Course (manager) | 2,000–4,000 | One-time |
| Total First-Year Cost | 29,000–68,500 | — |
Cost transparent? Yes. Dubai Business Services breaks down every fee upfront—no hidden charges.
Office Location & Physical Presence Requirements
DET mandates a physical office in a commercial building or registered free zone. Virtual offices and co-working desks are not acceptable. Your office must display your brokerage licence, have dedicated telephone lines, and maintain client meeting space. Mainland Dubai requires AED 5,000–15,000 monthly rent; Jebel Ali Free Zone and Jumeirah Lake Towers charge AED 3,000–8,000 monthly. DET conducts surprise inspections to verify compliance. Dubai Business Services sources pre-approved office spaces and negotiates landlord agreements on your behalf.
Steps to Launch Your Brokerage in 2026
Step 1: Secure office premises and sign tenancy agreement (2–3 days). Step 2: Apply for trade licence via DET portal with office proof and financials (3–5 days). Step 3: Appoint a DET-certified real estate manager and enrol them in the DET course if needed (5–10 days). Step 4: Submit brokerage licence application to DET with manager credentials (5–7 days). Step 5: Receive DET approval and collect licence certificate. Step 6: Register with MOHRE, sponsor employees, and activate Tajiris account (3–5 days). Total timeline: 14–21 days. Dubai Business Services fast-tracks each phase via direct DET liaison.
Ready to start? Email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com or WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 for a no-pressure setup timeline.
Free Zone vs. Mainland: Which Is Right for You?
Mainland licences (DET) suit brokers targeting high-volume Dubai metro sales; costs are AED 12,000–25,000 annually but market access is unrestricted. Free zones (Jebel Ali, DMCC, DSO) cost AED 8,000–15,000 and offer 100% foreign ownership, corporate tax exemptions, and flexible lease terms—ideal if you operate internationally or want lower overhead. Free-zone brokers may face stricter client verification for mainland property. Dubai Business Services compares free-zone vs. mainland for your specific business model.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a physical office to get a Dubai real estate brokerage licence?
Yes. DET requires a dedicated physical office in a commercial building or approved free zone. Virtual offices and co-working desks are not accepted. Your office must be staffed, display your licence, and pass DET inspections. Mainland Dubai office rent averages AED 5,000–15,000/month; free zones charge AED 3,000–8,000/month. Dubai Business Services can source compliant spaces.
What qualifications must my real estate manager have?
Your manager must hold a DET-issued real estate brokerage manager certificate, obtained via the DET-accredited training course (AED 2,000–4,000, 5–10 days). The manager must be a UAE resident and hold a valid labour contract under your firm. MOHRE verifies the manager’s credentials via Tajiris. One manager can oversee multiple brokers; however, DET may require additional staff depending on your office size and agent count.
How much does a Dubai real estate brokerage licence cost in 2026?
Total first-year cost is AED 29,000–68,500. DET licence (mainland) is AED 12,000–25,000; free-zone licences are AED 8,000–15,000. Add trade licence registration (AED 1,500–3,000), MOHRE registration (AED 500–1,500), and office security deposit (AED 5,000–20,000). Annual renewal is typically 80–90% of initial cost. Dubai Business Services provides itemized quotes with no hidden fees.
Can I operate a brokerage in a free zone instead of mainland Dubai?
Yes. Jebel Ali Free Zone, DMCC, and Dubai Silicon Oasis offer brokerage licences at AED 8,000–15,000 annually with 100% foreign ownership. Free-zone brokers may require additional approvals for mainland property transactions. Free zones waive corporate tax, allow flexible visa sponsorship, and offer lower rent (AED 3,000–8,000/month). However, some investors prefer mainland for regulatory familiarity. Dubai Business Services advises on the best jurisdiction for your target market.
How long does it take to get a brokerage licence from DET?
14–21 days if all documents are in order. Office lease takes 2–3 days, trade licence 3–5 days, manager certification 5–10 days, brokerage licence approval 5–7 days, and MOHRE registration 3–5 days. Delays occur if your manager lacks certification or office fails DET inspection. Dubai Business Services expedites by pre-vetting documents and liaising directly with DET.
Do I need MOHRE approval before or after getting my DET licence?
After. DET approves your brokerage licence first; then you register with MOHRE to legally sponsor employees. MOHRE takes 3–5 days and costs AED 500–1,500. You must have a valid trade licence and employer bank account before MOHRE registration. Employees must have UAE residence visas sponsored by your firm and recorded on Tajiris (HR portal). Non-compliance risks fines up to AED 10,000 and operational shutdown.
Can a single person operate a brokerage, or do I need a company structure?
You can operate as a sole proprietor or establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Sole proprietorships cost less (AED 1,500–3,000 trade licence) but limit liability protection. LLCs (AED 5,000–10,000 setup) offer corporate flexibility and are preferred by larger firms. Either structure requires DET approval and a MOHRE-registered manager. Dubai Business Services sets up both structures and advises on tax implications under UAE corporate law.
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