Complete Guide to Starting a Real Estate Brokerage Business in Mainland UAE
Setting up a real estate brokerage company in Mainland UAE is a strategic move for
entrepreneurs looking to tap into the country’s dynamic property market. Whether you aim to
facilitate property sales, leasing, or promote real estate portfolios online, understanding the
licensing structure and associated costs is essential for smooth operations.
To legally operate as a real estate broker, your company must obtain a Real Estate Buying &
Selling Brokerage License. This is the core activity that allows your business to facilitate
property transactions and, most importantly, claim commissions from developers.
● Estimated Cost: AED 18,000 – AED 20,000 (includes 1 activity)
This license is mandatory if your business model involves buying, selling, or brokering real
estate deals in the UAE mainland.
You can expand your business scope by adding more activities to your license:
● Real Estate Leasing Activity: AED 5,000 per additional activity
This is particularly useful if your business plans to handle rental properties or property
management services.
There are a few mandatory administrative registrations required to operationalize your
company:
● Establishment Card: AED 600
● MOHRE File Opening (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation): AED 600
These are essential for hiring employees and managing labor-related processes.
To legally act as a real estate broker, individuals must obtain certification through the relevant
authority. This involves:
● RERA Exam Registration: AED 772.50
● Broker Card Issuance: AED 520
● Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): AED 270
● Without this certification, individuals cannot legally conduct brokerage activities.
A critical point many overlook:
To claim commissions from developers, your trade license must explicitly include the Real
Estate Buying & Selling Brokerage activity. Without this, even if you close deals, commission
payouts may be denied.
In today’s digital-first market, promoting property listings online is essential. If your company or
team plans to:
● Advertise properties online
● Run social media campaigns
● Manage digital listings
You will need a Media License. This applies to both companies and individuals engaged in real
estate marketing activities.
As a business setup company operating across the UAE, offering end-to-end solutions for real
estate brokerage formation gives your clients a competitive edge. By guiding them through:
● Licensing
● Activity selection
● Regulatory compliance
● Digital promotion requirements
—you position your firm as a one-stop solution for launching successful real estate ventures.
The UAE real estate sector continues to grow, attracting investors and entrepreneurs globally.
With the right licensing structure, certifications, and compliance in place, starting a brokerage
business can be both profitable and scalable.
If you’re assisting clients—or planning your own venture—ensuring every component is correctly
set up from the beginning will save time, reduce risk, and maximize earning potential.
Looking to set up your real estate brokerage in the UAE?
Partner with experts who understand the process end-to-end and can help you launch with
confidence.
