How Much Does a Real Estate License Cost in Dubai? Complete Cost Guide 2026
Dubai continues to attract property investors, developers, brokers and real estate entrepreneurs from around the world. With a highly active property market and a regulated business environment, starting a real estate company in Dubai can offer significant opportunities.
But one of the first questions entrepreneurs ask is:
How much does a real estate license cost in Dubai in 2026?
The answer depends on the real estate activity you choose, your company structure, office requirements, number of brokers, visas and regulatory approvals.
As a general planning estimate, the first-year cost of establishing a real estate brokerage business in Dubai can commonly fall around AED 20,000–35,000 or more, depending on the individual setup. This should not be treated as a fixed government fee, because office rental, visas, establishment costs and additional services can significantly change the final amount.
This guide explains the major Dubai real estate license costs, DLD and RERA requirements, broker card fees and additional expenses to consider in 2026.
What Is a Real Estate License in Dubai?
A real estate business in Dubai must hold the appropriate commercial licence and obtain the approvals applicable to its chosen real estate activities.
Depending on the business model, activities can include:
- Real estate buying and selling brokerage
- Property leasing brokerage
- Real estate consultancy
- Property management
- Real estate development
- Real estate valuation
- Mortgage brokerage
- Property leasing and management services
Real estate activities are regulated through the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and its regulatory framework, while commercial licensing is coordinated with Dubai’s relevant licensing authority.
The DLD states that applicants for applicable real estate activities must submit the licence application through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and register through the Trakheesi system.
How Much Does a Real Estate License Cost in Dubai in 2026?
There is no single fixed total applicable to every real estate company.
Your total setup cost can include:
| Cost Component | Indicative Cost |
|---|---|
| DLD real estate activity fee for many activities | AED 5,000 annually |
| Knowledge & Innovation fees | AED 20 |
| Real estate broker card | AED 500 per broker |
| Broker examination | AED 700 + applicable fees |
| ERES fee | AED 50 + VAT |
| Commercial licence/setup fees | Depends on company structure |
| Office & Ejari | Depends on location and size |
| Establishment/immigration requirements | Depends on setup |
| Residence visas | Depends on number of visas |
| Professional assistance | Depends on scope |
For many real estate activities categorized by DLD as “other activities,” the current DLD service fee is AED 5,000 annually plus AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fees. Different activities can carry substantially higher regulatory fees.
Therefore, entrepreneurs should calculate the complete setup rather than considering only the basic licence fee.
Dubai Land Department Real Estate Activity Fees
The cost depends heavily on the activity selected.
According to the Dubai Land Department’s current licensing service schedule, examples include:
Other Real Estate Activities
AED 5,000 annually + AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation Fee
This category covers various qualifying real estate activities.
Real Estate Leasing and Management Services for Others
AED 15,000 annually + AED 20
Real Estate Evaluation Services
AED 10,000 annually + AED 20
Real Estate Development Activity
AED 25,000 annually + AED 20
These are regulatory activity fees and should not be confused with the complete cost of establishing and operating the company.
RERA Broker Card Cost in Dubai
If your business employs real estate brokers, each eligible broker must obtain the appropriate professional practice card before carrying out regulated brokerage activities.
The Dubai Land Department currently lists the real estate broker card fee at AED 500.
Additional listed charges include:
- Broker exam: AED 700
- Knowledge fee: AED 10
- Innovation fee: AED 10
- ERES fee: AED 50 + VAT
The exact cost per employee may be higher once training and other administrative requirements are included.
Is the RERA Exam Required?
Professionals performing regulated real estate brokerage activities generally need to satisfy DLD/RERA professional requirements.
The DLD states that applicants for a professional practice card must meet the applicable conditions and pass the required annual test for the mediation profession, subject to specified exemptions.
The examination itself is currently listed at AED 700 plus AED 10 Knowledge Fee and AED 10 Innovation Fee.
Office Rental and Ejari Cost
A physical office can be one of the largest variable costs when starting a real estate agency in Dubai.
Office costs depend on:
- Location
- Office size
- Building
- Annual rental rate
- Number of employees
- Company’s operational requirements
Areas such as Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Lake Towers and other commercial districts can have very different rental costs.
Entrepreneurs should therefore include office rental and related tenancy expenses separately when calculating their total real estate company setup budget.
Real Estate Brokerage License Cost vs Broker Card Cost
These two costs should not be confused.
Company Real Estate License
This allows the legal entity to conduct the approved real estate business activity, subject to the applicable licensing and regulatory requirements.
Real Estate Broker Card
The professional practice card applies to an individual broker carrying out regulated activities.
Therefore, if your agency employs several brokers, each eligible professional may require their own practice card.
The DLD states that individuals do not have the right to practice an activity registered on the licence until they are registered and have obtained the relevant card where one is required.
Example Real Estate Company Setup Budget
An entrepreneur planning a brokerage can budget for several separate cost categories:
Company setup and commercial licensing
+
DLD/RERA activity fees
+
Office and Ejari
+
Broker cards and exams
+
Visa and establishment requirements
+
Operational and professional service costs
For example, a small real estate brokerage with one or two brokers will normally have a lower initial cost than an agency hiring ten or more brokers and renting a large office.
This is why asking only for the “real estate license price” may not provide an accurate picture of the actual investment required.
Documents Required for a Real Estate License in Dubai
Requirements vary according to the selected activity, legal structure and applicants.
Commonly required information and documentation may include:
- Passport copies of shareholders
- Emirates ID, where applicable
- Residence visa information, where applicable
- Proposed company name
- Business activity details
- Company formation documents
- Office tenancy information
- Relevant DLD/RERA approvals
- Qualification or training documents where applicable
- Good conduct certificate for applicable professionals
For professional practice cards, DLD currently lists a personal photograph and Emirates ID among the required documents and specifies additional conditions depending on the professional activity.
Requirements should always be confirmed for the specific activity before an application is submitted.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License in Dubai?
Timelines depend on the company structure, documentation, approvals and selected activity.
The DLD’s real estate licensing service currently lists a service time of one working day for its relevant licensing application stage.
DLD’s FAQ also states that a broker licence may take around 1–2 days when documents are complete, subject to the required conditions and licensing process.
This should not be interpreted as a guarantee that the entire company formation process will be completed within one day. Commercial licensing, office arrangements, visas and other requirements can add additional processing time.
Can Foreigners Start a Real Estate Company in Dubai?
Dubai’s real estate sector attracts entrepreneurs and professionals from many countries.
Eligibility and documentation depend on the business structure and real estate activity selected.
For brokerage businesses, foreign managers and brokers may also have specific residency, qualification and registration requirements. For example, DLD states that an expatriate manager’s residency must be associated with the relevant licence under applicable brokerage requirements.
It is therefore important to confirm the appropriate company structure before beginning the application.
How to Start a Real Estate Company in Dubai
A typical setup process may involve:
- Select the real estate activity
Choose brokerage, property management, consultancy or another permitted real estate activity. - Choose the legal structure
Determine the appropriate ownership and company structure. - Reserve the business name
Select and submit an eligible company name. - Complete initial licensing procedures
Submit the required company and shareholder information. - Complete DLD/RERA requirements
Register and complete applicable procedures through the relevant systems. - Arrange an office
Secure suitable premises where required. - Complete commercial licensing
Finalize the applicable licensing procedures. - Register brokers and professionals
Eligible employees complete the required examinations, registration and professional practice card process.
DLD’s current process integrates real estate licensing procedures with Trakheesi and the relevant Dubai licensing systems.
What Factors Affect Real Estate Company Setup Cost in Dubai?
Several factors can change your total investment.
Number of Real Estate Activities
Adding several regulated activities can increase approval and licensing requirements.
Number of Brokers
Each broker may require training, examination and an individual professional practice card.
Office Location
Premium commercial locations can significantly increase annual operating costs.
Number of Visas
A company requiring multiple employee or investor visas will have higher setup and immigration-related expenses.
Business Structure
The chosen legal structure and licensing jurisdiction can affect the overall cost.
Regulatory Requirements
Certain activities have additional DLD requirements. For example, DLD currently lists an annual fee of AED 15,000 for real estate leasing and management services for others and AED 25,000 for real estate development activity.
Is a Real Estate Business in Dubai Profitable?
Dubai’s real estate industry provides opportunities across residential sales, commercial property, leasing, property management and investment advisory services.
Profitability, however, depends on factors such as:
- Lead generation
- Agent performance
- Commission structure
- Marketing expenditure
- Office costs
- Property segment
- Client acquisition
- Market conditions
- Operating expenses
A strong business model and realistic operating budget are therefore as important as obtaining the required licence.
Get Professional Support for Real Estate Business Setup in Dubai
Starting a real estate company involves more than obtaining a commercial licence. The selected activity may require coordination across company formation, DLD/RERA procedures, office documentation and professional registrations.
Professional business setup assistance can help you understand the applicable requirements, prepare documentation and coordinate the application process.
Planning to start a real estate brokerage or property business in Dubai?
Get guidance on business setup requirements, estimated costs, documentation and the application process based on your intended real estate activity.
All licences, registrations and approvals are issued by the relevant authorities and remain subject to their applicable requirements and approval procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a real estate license cost in Dubai in 2026?
The final cost varies according to the real estate activity, company structure, office, visas and number of brokers. Many brokerage-style real estate activities carry a DLD regulatory fee of around AED 5,000 annually plus applicable fees, while the complete first-year business setup can be considerably higher.
How much is a RERA broker card in Dubai?
Dubai Land Department currently lists the real estate broker professional practice card at AED 500, excluding applicable exam, training and associated costs.
How much is the RERA broker exam?
The DLD currently lists the broker exam at AED 700 plus AED 10 Knowledge Fee and AED 10 Innovation Fee.
Do I need an office to start a real estate company in Dubai?
Office and tenancy requirements depend on the real estate activity and licensing structure. Suitable premises and related documentation may be required as part of the business setup process.
Can a foreigner start a real estate brokerage in Dubai?
Foreign entrepreneurs can participate in Dubai’s real estate sector subject to the ownership, licensing, residency, professional qualification and regulatory requirements applicable to their proposed activity.
How long does a real estate licence take in Dubai?
The DLD lists a one-working-day service time for its real estate licensing application stage, while its FAQ indicates around 1–2 days for certain broker licensing procedures when documents are complete. The complete business setup can take longer because other licensing, tenancy, visa and registration steps may also be required.
Is the real estate licence renewed annually?
Commercial and professional registrations generally have renewal requirements. DLD currently lists AED 500 for renewal of a standard real estate broker professional practice card, plus applicable fees.