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Real Estate Agency in the UAE

The UAE real estate market is one of the most dynamic in the world, open to foreign investors but strictly regulated. To legally operate in sales, rentals, property management, or investment, a Real Estate licence, certification, and registration with the emirate’s land department are mandatory. MIRAD supports clients through the entire process — from licence selection to office setup and obtaining broker cards.

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Real Estate Licence Categories

Brokerage Licence

Intermediary services in deals (rentals, sales, purchases). Income is generated through commission. Brokers cannot accept payments to their own accounts.

Property Management Licence

Management of rental flows and technical maintenance of properties on behalf of investors.

Investment Company

Purchase, ownership, and resale of properties on the company’s balance sheet. Uses shareholders’ or investors’ funds.

Collective Investment (Real Estate Investment Structures)

Requires separate registration and approval as an investment fund, with stricter regulations.

Licence Types Comparison

Licence TypeActivityRegistrationKey Features
BrokerageSales, rentals, intermediationMainland + RERAIncome via commission, broker cards
Property ManagementRentals, property managementMainland + RERAOperate on behalf of investors
InvestmentOwnership and resaleMainlandInvestors’ own funds
Collective InvestmentFunds, investor poolsMainland + MOEHigh-level regulation, audit required

Key Licensing Aspects

  • All licences are available only in Mainland. Free Zone licences do not grant rights to transact real estate.
  • Mandatory certification with RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency).
  • Registration with the emirate’s Land Department (e.g., Dubai Land Department — DLD).
  • Appointment of a managing partner with RERA certification.
  • Broker cards issued to all staff after passing the exam.
  • RERA certifications must be renewed annually.
  • Office must be registered and comply with Land Department standards.

Risks of Operating Without a Licence

Important

Operating without a licence in the UAE real estate sector leads to fines up to AED 500,000, business suspension, and transaction bans. Banks refuse services, and investors do not consider deals without licensed brokers and registered companies.

What MIRAD Does

  • Selecting the right licence category for your business model.
  • Registering a legal entity in Mainland.
  • Supporting registration with DLD and RERA.
  • Organizing training and exams for the managing partner.
  • Obtaining broker cards for employees.
  • Helping with office selection to meet requirements.
  • Setting up CRM, contracts, and internal processes.
  • Supporting during inspections and audits by regulators.
Want to open a real estate agency in the UAE?

MIRAD helps you through all steps: licence, RERA, broker cards, office, and contracts.

Book a consultation

HowTo: Open a Real Estate Agency in the UAE

  1. Define the business model: brokerage, management, or investment.
  2. Choose the jurisdiction (Mainland).
  3. Register the company with DED and obtain the licence.
  4. Complete the RERA course and exam.
  5. Obtain broker cards.
  6. Rent an office and set up processes.
  7. Start working with developers and clients.

Why Choose MIRAD

  • Experience with RERA, DLD, and municipalities.
  • Expertise in launching brokerage, management, and investment companies.
  • Full end-to-end support.
  • Protection from fines and registration errors.

FAQ: Real Estate Licences in the UAE

❓ Can I open a real estate agency in a Free Zone?
✅ No. A Free Zone licence does not grant rights to transact in real estate.

❓ How much does a real estate licence cost in Dubai?
✅ The cost depends on the category, office, and RERA certification. On average from AED 25,000 to 50,000 + office expenses.

❓ Is the RERA exam mandatory?
✅ Yes. The managing partner must complete the course and pass the exam. Broker cards are issued only after certification.

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