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Dubai attracts property buyers, tenants and investors from around the world, creating opportunities for professionals who help clients buy, sell or rent real estate. But starting a real estate brokerage in Dubai involves more than registering a company. The business needs the appropriate real estate activity licence, and people conducting brokerage activities need the relevant professional authorisation.
For Indian entrepreneurs, the first decision is whether to work as a broker for an existing licensed agency or open a brokerage company. The requirements and costs are different. This guide explains both routes, how the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) oversee the sector, and what to budget for in 2026.
A real estate brokerage licence authorises a business to conduct approved brokerage activities, subject to Dubai’s licensing and real estate rules. An individual agent must also obtain the appropriate DLD real estate professional practice card, commonly called a RERA broker card, before practising.
These permissions are not interchangeable:
| Requirement | Real estate brokerage company | Individual property broker |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Establish and operate an authorised brokerage business | Practise brokerage through an authorised business |
| Main process | Obtain the appropriate commercial licence and DLD/RERA real estate activity approval | Meet professional requirements, pass the applicable exam and obtain a broker practice card |
| Relevant systems | Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and DLD’s Trakheesi | DLD’s Trakheesi |
| Key ongoing obligation | Maintain business licence, approved activity and advertising compliance | Maintain a valid practice card and meet applicable examination/renewal conditions |
DLD explains that a brokerage office’s registration is generally linked to the issue of its licence, rather than requiring a separate stand-alone office-registration application.
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) administers Dubai’s property registration and a range of real estate services. RERA, its regulatory arm, oversees professional standards and sector rules, including real estate brokerage and advertising. DET handles mainland economic licensing, while DLD’s Trakheesi system is used for real estate licensing-related processes, permits and broker cards.
A commercial licence on its own does not authorise someone to act as a property broker without the applicable DLD registration and practice card.
Yes. Indian nationals can pursue a real estate brokerage career in Dubai if they satisfy the applicable residency, employment, training, examination and regulatory requirements. Whether you need a company licence depends on whether you intend to work for an established brokerage or establish your own agency.
For an individual broker, the requirements typically include:
DLD’s service conditions specifically require a Dubai Police good-conduct certificate and passing the applicable annual test, subject to published exceptions. Do not treat claims such as a universal age threshold, compulsory high-school diploma or fixed 30-hour course as definitive for every applicant; check the current activity-specific requirements before applying.
The exact checklist varies according to whether you are applying as an individual broker or establishing an agency.
Typically prepare your passport and valid immigration documents, Emirates ID, photograph, Dubai Police good-conduct certificate, applicable training/examination evidence and details of the licensed agency with which you will be registered. The DLD application portal determines the documents required for your specific application.
Depending on the business structure and approvals, you may need the proposed trade name, shareholder identification documents, incorporation documents, approved business activity, initial licensing approvals, office lease/Ejari where applicable, and details of managers and brokers. DET and DLD may request additional documents or sector-specific approvals.
If you want to sell or lease properties as an agent, joining an existing licensed brokerage may be simpler than setting up a company. If your goal is to hire brokers and operate under your own brand, plan for company formation, office arrangements, staff registration and ongoing compliance.
Brokerage in property sales and brokerage in leasing are distinct activities in DLD guidance. Confirm the activity or activities your company needs rather than assuming one generic licence covers every kind of property service.
For a mainland brokerage, apply through Dubai DET for the appropriate commercial activity and follow the DLD/RERA approval requirements. DLD directs applicants to submit the economic licence application, register on Trakheesi and then apply for the relevant professional practice cards. Free-zone arrangements have additional conditions, including any required no-objection certificate; do not assume a free-zone licence automatically authorises mainland brokerage.
Indian founders exploring an office can review mainland business formation alongside the real estate activity requirements.
Check the current approved training route and examination requirements before enrolling. DLD provides a real estate brokerage exam and an optional knowledge-bank package via its official training and exam portal. Course availability, examination fees and any exemptions may change.
For an overview of the certification process, see Shuraa India’s RERA certificate guide.
Obtain the required certificate of good conduct from Dubai Police and ensure that your employment/residency details are consistent with the licensed brokerage’s records. Confirm any sponsorship or manager-residency conditions directly with DLD and the relevant immigration authority.
The application generally involves logging into Trakheesi, entering details, uploading documents, receiving approval, paying the applicable fees and obtaining the electronic card. DLD states that no one may practise the licensed real estate activity without the designated card.
Before advertising a listing, check the applicable DLD real estate advertising permit requirements. The Trakheesi permit service covers online, print and other real estate advertising formats. Under the Madmoun system, approved advertisements use a QR code that allows customers to verify the listing permit. DLD advertising permits and DLD Madmoun announcement.
Keep clear owner authorisations and brokerage agreements, use accurate property information and disclose commissions in accordance with the applicable contract and rules.
The validity of an individual broker card is linked to the commercial licence. DLD offers renewal through Trakheesi, with applicable professional and examination requirements. Check the active licence and card dates rather than assuming every approval is valid for exactly one year from a separate issue date.
There is no single confirmed all-in fee for every applicant. A person joining an existing firm will have different costs from an Indian entrepreneur establishing an agency with office space and employees.
The following DLD-published fees are useful starting points, but they do not represent the total cost of creating a brokerage company:
| Item | Published indication | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Individual real estate broker practice card | AED 500 | Additional knowledge/innovation and applicable service charges may apply |
| Broker examination | AED 700 plus AED 10 knowledge and AED 10 innovation fees on the practice-card service page | DLD’s separate training portal lists exam packages at different totals; verify the option selected at checkout |
| Real estate brokerage-related activity fee | Commonly AED 5,000 annually under DLD’s published licensing fee schedule for “other activities” | Confirm the exact classification and current quote for your activity |
| Office setup and lease/Ejari | Variable | Depends on location, space and leasing conditions |
| DET incorporation, trade name, visas, training and additional permits | Variable | Depends on company structure, staffing and services required |
DLD’s training portal currently advertises a brokerage exam at AED 772.50 and an exam plus knowledge-bank package at AED 1,087.50. These listings should not be added on top of the practice-card service page’s examination fee without checking whether they cover the same exam. Sources: DLD practice-card fees, DLD training portal and DLD real estate licensing fees.
For a realistic estimate, request an itemised quote distinguishing company licensing, individual broker certification/cards, premises, immigration, advertising permits and recurring renewals. Avoid relying on a flat quoted range without knowing what it includes.
A valid licence and practice card demonstrate that the business and professional have met the relevant entry requirements. They also make it possible to participate in authorised sales and leasing transactions, build relationships with property owners and offer services to international buyers, including Indian investors.
However, licensing is not a guarantee of exclusive property listings, bank approval, a fixed commission rate or high earnings. Income depends on transactions, market conditions, operating costs and the terms agreed with clients.
Getting started in Dubai property brokerage means choosing the right setup route, completing professional requirements and complying with DLD/RERA rules throughout your operations.
Shuraa India assists Indian entrepreneurs exploring real estate business setup in Dubai, including company incorporation, activity selection and licensing documentation. If you intend to open an agency, its team can help you understand the business formation process and coordinate the relevant applications. Final approvals, examinations and broker cards remain subject to the responsible authorities.
Contact Shuraa India for an itemised consultation based on whether you want to join an existing brokerage or establish your own.
Yes, subject to the applicable immigration, company affiliation, qualification, examination and DLD broker-card requirements.
No. Training or examination evidence is not the same as the company’s real estate activity licence or the individual’s DLD professional practice card.
You may be able to work through an existing licensed brokerage, provided you meet the applicable registration and professional practice requirements.
DLD publishes AED 500 for issuing the card, plus applicable charges. Exams, training, licensing and other requirements are separate and should be checked before payment.
Expatriate brokers must meet the relevant UAE immigration and DLD affiliation requirements. Check your specific visa and employer arrangements before practising.
Yes. DLD provides real estate brokerage examinations and publishes applicable conditions and limited exemptions on its services pages.
Do not assume so. Real estate activity approvals, DLD registration and any free-zone NOC or mainland authorisation must be checked for the precise activity.
Many property advertisements are subject to DLD’s Trakheesi advertising-permit rules, and approved advertisements use the Madmoun QR-code verification system.
DLD links the card’s validity to the relevant commercial licence. Check the displayed expiry date and renewal conditions in Trakheesi.
No. The licence provides an authorised route to operate, but earnings depend on client demand, successful transactions, commissions, business costs and market conditions.
About the author
Ritish SharmaRitish Sharma is a professional writer and UAE business advisor with expertise in corporate regulations and company setup. He helps Indian entrepreneurs understand and navigate the UAE’s dynamic business landscape, simplifying complex legal and business concepts. With actionable insights and practical guidance, Ritish empowers Indian businesses to establish, grow, and succeed in the UAE market confidently.
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