2 September 2026, 07:28 PM
(This post was last modified: 2 September 2026, 07:28 PM by adancbailey.)
Starting a real estate business in Dubai requires more than obtaining a standard trade license. Businesses and professionals involved in regulated real estate activities may also need approval and registration with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) under the Dubai Land Department (DLD). If you are planning to work as a real estate broker, consultant, developer, property manager, or in another regulated activity, understanding the RERA licensing process is essential.
The exact procedure depends on the activity, business structure, and licensing authority. DLD currently lists several regulated activities, including real estate sales and purchase brokerage, leasing brokerage, real estate consultancy, development, property management, valuation, and mortgage consultancy. Understanding How to Get Rera License in Dubai involves selecting the appropriate real estate activity, obtaining the required trade license, meeting DLD/RERA requirements, and completing the necessary approvals and registrations.
What Is a RERA License in Dubai?
A RERA license generally refers to the authorization required to legally conduct regulated real estate activities in Dubai. RERA operates under the Dubai Land Department and oversees real estate professionals and activities in the emirate.
It is important to understand that a Dubai trade license and a RERA-related professional practice card are not necessarily the same thing. DLD states that a person cannot practice the activity registered on the license until they have registered and obtained the appropriate professional practice card.
For example, someone working as a real estate broker may need a real estate brokerage license for the business as well as the relevant broker card for the individual.
Step 1: Choose Your Real Estate Activity
The first step is deciding exactly what real estate activity you intend to conduct. Your activity determines the licensing requirements, approvals, documents, and professional qualifications involved.
Possible activities include real estate sales and purchase brokerage, leasing brokerage, real estate consultancy, development, property management, valuation, mortgage brokerage, and other specialized services.
Choosing the correct activity at the beginning can prevent delays and the need to amend your license later.
Step 2: Select Your Business Jurisdiction
Next, determine whether you will establish the company through Dubai's mainland licensing system or a suitable free zone.
For certain free zone real estate licenses, DLD requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant licensing authority.
The appropriate jurisdiction can depend on your intended activity, office requirements, ownership structure, and where you plan to conduct business.
Step 3: Apply for the Trade License
After determining the activity and jurisdiction, proceed with the applicable business licensing process. DLD's current guidance states that a real estate license application should be submitted through the relevant licensing process, including Dubai's licensing authority, followed by registration in the Trakheesi system.
For a real estate brokerage company, the office registration is automatically completed when the license is issued, according to DLD's FAQ guidance.
Step 4: Register Through Trakheesi
Trakheesi is DLD's licensing and permit system for real estate activities. After obtaining the relevant business license, register and access the appropriate service through Trakheesi.
The current DLD process generally involves logging into Trakheesi, selecting the required service, completing the application, uploading the necessary documents, submitting it for review, and paying the applicable fees after approval.
Step 5: Meet Professional Requirements
If you are applying to work as a real estate broker, additional professional requirements apply. DLD states that brokers must meet the applicable qualification requirements, obtain a certificate of good conduct from Dubai Police, and pass the required annual test to practice the mediation profession.
For a professional practice card, DLD currently lists a personal photo and Emirates ID among the required documents, while other requirements can depend on the particular professional category.
Step 6: Apply for the Professional Practice Card
Once the licensing requirements are satisfied, apply for the relevant real estate professional practice card through Trakheesi.
For a real estate broker, DLD currently lists the broker card fee at AED 500, with a broker exam fee of AED 700 plus applicable knowledge, innovation, and ERES fees. Fees can differ according to the professional category and may change, so applicants should verify the amount before making payment.
DLD also states that the card's validity is linked to the validity of the trade license.
Step 7: Receive the Approval and Start Operations
After the application is reviewed and approved, the relevant documents or electronic card can be issued through the system. DLD currently indicates that the professional practice card can be printed directly after payment and issuance.
Before beginning real estate activities, make sure the company, relevant professionals, permits, advertising approvals, and other regulatory requirements are properly arranged. This is particularly important because different real estate activities can have different compliance obligations.
How Much Does a RERA License Cost in Dubai?
There is no single fixed "RERA license cost" because the total expense depends on the real estate activity, business jurisdiction, trade license, office requirements, professional cards, examinations, visas, and other government approvals.
For example, DLD's current professional practice card information lists AED 500 for a real estate broker card, while the broker examination is listed separately at AED 700 plus additional applicable fees. Other real estate activities have different annual licensing fees.
Therefore, it is better to calculate the complete setup cost rather than relying on a single advertised RERA license price.
How Takween Advisory Can Help
Setting up a regulated real estate business in Dubai can involve several stages, from selecting the correct activity and jurisdiction to obtaining the trade license, completing Trakheesi registration, meeting professional requirements, and arranging the appropriate practice cards. Takween Advisory can assist entrepreneurs and investors with understanding the licensing process and coordinating the required business setup and documentation.
FAQ: Common Questions About Getting a RERA License in Dubai
Can foreigners get a RERA license in Dubai?
Yes, foreign nationals can work in Dubai's real estate sector subject to the applicable licensing, residency, qualification, and professional requirements. Specific requirements vary according to the activity and role.
Is a RERA license the same as a Dubai trade license?
No. A trade license establishes the business, while certain regulated real estate activities additionally require DLD/RERA registration and the relevant professional practice card.
How long does it take to get a RERA license in Dubai?
The timeline depends on the business structure, activity, documentation, approvals, and licensing jurisdiction. DLD currently lists one working day for its real estate licensing application service, provided the applicable requirements are satisfied.
Do real estate brokers need a RERA card?
Yes. DLD states that professionals cannot practice the activity registered on the license until they have obtained the designated professional practice card.
Do I need to pass an exam to become a real estate broker in Dubai?
The applicable broker requirements include passing the required annual test to practice the mediation profession. DLD also lists specific exemptions from the broker examination in certain circumstances.
Can I check whether a real estate broker is licensed?
Yes. DLD provides an online service allowing users to view the list of licensed real estate brokers in Dubai through its website or Dubai REST application.
Can a free zone company obtain approval for real estate activities?
It can be possible for applicable activities, but DLD states that free zone licenses must obtain an NOC from the relevant licensing authority.
The exact procedure depends on the activity, business structure, and licensing authority. DLD currently lists several regulated activities, including real estate sales and purchase brokerage, leasing brokerage, real estate consultancy, development, property management, valuation, and mortgage consultancy. Understanding How to Get Rera License in Dubai involves selecting the appropriate real estate activity, obtaining the required trade license, meeting DLD/RERA requirements, and completing the necessary approvals and registrations.
What Is a RERA License in Dubai?
A RERA license generally refers to the authorization required to legally conduct regulated real estate activities in Dubai. RERA operates under the Dubai Land Department and oversees real estate professionals and activities in the emirate.
It is important to understand that a Dubai trade license and a RERA-related professional practice card are not necessarily the same thing. DLD states that a person cannot practice the activity registered on the license until they have registered and obtained the appropriate professional practice card.
For example, someone working as a real estate broker may need a real estate brokerage license for the business as well as the relevant broker card for the individual.
Step 1: Choose Your Real Estate Activity
The first step is deciding exactly what real estate activity you intend to conduct. Your activity determines the licensing requirements, approvals, documents, and professional qualifications involved.
Possible activities include real estate sales and purchase brokerage, leasing brokerage, real estate consultancy, development, property management, valuation, mortgage brokerage, and other specialized services.
Choosing the correct activity at the beginning can prevent delays and the need to amend your license later.
Step 2: Select Your Business Jurisdiction
Next, determine whether you will establish the company through Dubai's mainland licensing system or a suitable free zone.
For certain free zone real estate licenses, DLD requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant licensing authority.
The appropriate jurisdiction can depend on your intended activity, office requirements, ownership structure, and where you plan to conduct business.
Step 3: Apply for the Trade License
After determining the activity and jurisdiction, proceed with the applicable business licensing process. DLD's current guidance states that a real estate license application should be submitted through the relevant licensing process, including Dubai's licensing authority, followed by registration in the Trakheesi system.
For a real estate brokerage company, the office registration is automatically completed when the license is issued, according to DLD's FAQ guidance.
Step 4: Register Through Trakheesi
Trakheesi is DLD's licensing and permit system for real estate activities. After obtaining the relevant business license, register and access the appropriate service through Trakheesi.
The current DLD process generally involves logging into Trakheesi, selecting the required service, completing the application, uploading the necessary documents, submitting it for review, and paying the applicable fees after approval.
Step 5: Meet Professional Requirements
If you are applying to work as a real estate broker, additional professional requirements apply. DLD states that brokers must meet the applicable qualification requirements, obtain a certificate of good conduct from Dubai Police, and pass the required annual test to practice the mediation profession.
For a professional practice card, DLD currently lists a personal photo and Emirates ID among the required documents, while other requirements can depend on the particular professional category.
Step 6: Apply for the Professional Practice Card
Once the licensing requirements are satisfied, apply for the relevant real estate professional practice card through Trakheesi.
For a real estate broker, DLD currently lists the broker card fee at AED 500, with a broker exam fee of AED 700 plus applicable knowledge, innovation, and ERES fees. Fees can differ according to the professional category and may change, so applicants should verify the amount before making payment.
DLD also states that the card's validity is linked to the validity of the trade license.
Step 7: Receive the Approval and Start Operations
After the application is reviewed and approved, the relevant documents or electronic card can be issued through the system. DLD currently indicates that the professional practice card can be printed directly after payment and issuance.
Before beginning real estate activities, make sure the company, relevant professionals, permits, advertising approvals, and other regulatory requirements are properly arranged. This is particularly important because different real estate activities can have different compliance obligations.
How Much Does a RERA License Cost in Dubai?
There is no single fixed "RERA license cost" because the total expense depends on the real estate activity, business jurisdiction, trade license, office requirements, professional cards, examinations, visas, and other government approvals.
For example, DLD's current professional practice card information lists AED 500 for a real estate broker card, while the broker examination is listed separately at AED 700 plus additional applicable fees. Other real estate activities have different annual licensing fees.
Therefore, it is better to calculate the complete setup cost rather than relying on a single advertised RERA license price.
How Takween Advisory Can Help
Setting up a regulated real estate business in Dubai can involve several stages, from selecting the correct activity and jurisdiction to obtaining the trade license, completing Trakheesi registration, meeting professional requirements, and arranging the appropriate practice cards. Takween Advisory can assist entrepreneurs and investors with understanding the licensing process and coordinating the required business setup and documentation.
FAQ: Common Questions About Getting a RERA License in Dubai
Can foreigners get a RERA license in Dubai?
Yes, foreign nationals can work in Dubai's real estate sector subject to the applicable licensing, residency, qualification, and professional requirements. Specific requirements vary according to the activity and role.
Is a RERA license the same as a Dubai trade license?
No. A trade license establishes the business, while certain regulated real estate activities additionally require DLD/RERA registration and the relevant professional practice card.
How long does it take to get a RERA license in Dubai?
The timeline depends on the business structure, activity, documentation, approvals, and licensing jurisdiction. DLD currently lists one working day for its real estate licensing application service, provided the applicable requirements are satisfied.
Do real estate brokers need a RERA card?
Yes. DLD states that professionals cannot practice the activity registered on the license until they have obtained the designated professional practice card.
Do I need to pass an exam to become a real estate broker in Dubai?
The applicable broker requirements include passing the required annual test to practice the mediation profession. DLD also lists specific exemptions from the broker examination in certain circumstances.
Can I check whether a real estate broker is licensed?
Yes. DLD provides an online service allowing users to view the list of licensed real estate brokers in Dubai through its website or Dubai REST application.
Can a free zone company obtain approval for real estate activities?
It can be possible for applicable activities, but DLD states that free zone licenses must obtain an NOC from the relevant licensing authority.