Real estate brokerage in Dubai is regulated by RERA under Dubai Land Department. You need a mainland licence, RERA registration, certified brokers, and a trust account. Cutting corners on any of these gets your licence suspended.
RERA Broker Certification
Every person who sells or leases property in Dubai must hold a valid RERA broker card. To get one: complete the Certified Training for Real Estate Brokers course at DREI (Dubai Real Estate Institute), pass the RERA exam (pass rate around 60-70%), and apply for your broker ID card. The course runs AED 3,000 for the brokerage manager track and AED 2,500 for individual agents. It covers Dubai property law, Federal Law No. 7 of 2006, tenancy regulations, and ethical standards.
Trust Account Requirement
Under RERA Regulation No. 85 of 2006, all brokerage firms handling client funds must maintain a trust account (Escrow) at an approved bank. Client deposits, rental cheques, and security deposits must flow through this account — not your operating account. Mixing client and business funds is a serious violation. Opening a trust account requires RERA approval and typically a minimum balance of AED 50,000. Emirates NBD and Mashreq are the most common trust account banks.
Licence and Registration Costs
DED commercial licence (Real Estate Brokerage activity): AED 15,000-20,000/year. RERA company registration: AED 5,020/year. Individual broker cards: AED 510 per agent per year. DREI training: AED 2,500-3,000 per person. Office with Ejari (mandatory — no virtual offices): AED 20,000-60,000/year depending on area. A two-person brokerage costs roughly AED 50,000-80,000 in year one.
What You Can and Cannot Do
With RERA registration you can: list properties, arrange viewings, negotiate deals, collect commission (typically 2% on sales, 5% on rentals). You cannot: hold client deposits in your personal account, advertise without a valid permit number, operate from a free zone for brokerage activities, or act as both buyer's and seller's agent on the same transaction without disclosure. RERA actively audits brokerages and issues fines of AED 50,000+ for violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a real estate brokerage from a free zone?
No. RERA requires a mainland DED licence for property brokerage in Dubai. Free zone licences can cover property management consulting or real estate advisory, but not actual sales and leasing transactions. DMCC allows property management activities but not brokerage.
What happens if I operate without RERA registration?
RERA fines unregistered brokers AED 50,000 for the first offence and can pursue criminal charges for repeat violations. Dubai Land Department publishes a public blacklist of unlicensed operators. Advertising property without a valid RERA permit number also triggers fines.
How much commission do real estate brokers earn in Dubai?
Standard commission is 2% of the sale price on property sales and 5% of annual rent on leases. On a AED 2 million apartment sale, that is AED 40,000. On a AED 100,000/year rental, that is AED 5,000. Off-plan sales often pay 3-7% commission from developers, which is why many new agencies focus on off-plan.
Find Your Perfect Free Zone
Take our free 2-minute quiz and get personalized recommendations based on your business needs.
Start Free AssessmentThis content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Prices and regulations are subject to change. Always verify with the relevant authorities.