Dubai’s real estate market is a major contributor to the city’s economy and continues to attract global investors. Dubai has a well‑defined framework for regulating real estate activities through trade licences. Businesses involved in brokerage, property management, leasing or related services must obtain the correct licence before starting operations. Understanding the details while applying for trade licence ensures compliance and a smooth business setup.
Service Description
This service allows you to apply for a licence to conduct the following real estate activities:
- Mortgage consultation
- Real estate consultation
- Real estate development
- Brokerage for the sale and purchase of real estate
- Brokerage for renting real estate
- Real estate registrar services
- Real estate services registrar
- Real estate promotion registrar
- Organising real estate public auctions
- Organising real estate public exhibitions
- Owners’ associations’ administrative supervision
- Real estate administrative supervision
- Real estate evaluation services
- Real estate inspection services
- Real estate survey services
- Private real estate leasing and management
- Real estate leasing and management for third parties
- Land and real estate purchase and sale
- Real estate representation office
- Real estate mortgage brokerage
Required Documents
For licences in freehold areas of Dubai, applicants must provide a no‑objection letter issued by the relevant licensing authority as part of the application requirements.
Service Fees
Here is a breakdown of the service fee to apply for a trade licence in Dubai:
AED 10,000 Per Year (Plus AED 10 Knowledge Fee & AED 10 Innovation Fee Each)
One can avail the licences of all the below-mentioned services at AED 10,000 per year:
- Mortgage consultation
- Real estate consultation
- Brokerage for sale and purchase
- Brokerage for renting
- Organisation of real estate public auctions
- Administrative supervision of real estate
- Real estate survey services
- Leasing and management of private real estate
- Land and property purchase and sale
- Real estate services registrar
- Real estate representation office
- Real estate mortgage broker
- Real estate promotion registrar
- Real estate inspection services
- Real estate service centre
AED 15,000 Per Year (Plus AED 10 Knowledge Fee & AED 10 Innovation Fee Each)
When you apply for real estate licence in Dubai, these services are available for AED 15,000 per year.
- Organisation of real estate public exhibitions
- Administrative supervision of owners’ associations
- Real estate evaluation services
AED 25,000 Per Year (Plus AED 10 Knowledge Fee & AED 10 Innovation Fee)
Leasing and managing real estate for third parties costs AED 25,000 per year.
AED 100,000 Per Year (Plus AED 10 Knowledge Fee & AED 10 Innovation Fee Each)
The trade licence for real estate business in Dubai, available for AED 100,000 per year, is:
- Real estate registrar
- Real estate development
Payment Methods
These are the accepted payment methods when applying for a trade licence for real estate business in Dubai.
- Credit card
- E-dirham
- Noqodi
Issued Documents
A no‑objection letter is required only when applying for a real estate licence in Dubai to conduct activities in a free zone.
Service Terms
Below are the key terms and conditions for obtaining and using a real estate licence in Dubai:
- The licence application must be submitted through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
- Registration in the Trakheesi Licensing System via the Dubai Land Department (DLD) website is required.
- A professional practice card for a real estate activity must be applied immediately after the licence is approved.
- A professional practice card is not required for real estate development, exhibition organisation, land buying and selling, representation offices and private property leasing and management.
- A no‑objection letter must be obtained from the relevant licensing authority for free zone licences.
- For real estate development licences, the title deed of the land to be developed must be in the name of the licence holder or a partner and the deed details are verified electronically. A Trakheesi permit is required to market any project.
- For real estate registrar, services registrar, promotion registrar and service centre licences, an agreement must be signed with the Dubai Land Department.
- For administrative supervision licences for jointly owned real estate, companies and employees must be registered with RERA and obtain registration cards before starting the activity.
- For private property leasing and management licences, a copy of the title deed in the name of the licence holder or partner is required. Only the holder and second‑degree relatives may manage these properties as per Local Order No. 2/2003.
- A bank guarantee of AED 5 million must be provided for third-party property leasing and management licences. The branch name must match the parent licence if opening a branch and at least 20 administrative staff are required.
Service Procedures
- Create an account on the Trakheesi system or log in if you already have one, then select the required service.
- Enter all necessary details, attach the required documents and apply.
- Track the application status and view the approval notification in the system once it is processed.
- Log in again, choose the payment method and pay the fees online.
- After approval, receive the registration confirmation. For free zone licences, an electronic no‑objection message will also be provided.
Service Channels
The service is available through the DLD website via the Trakheesi system.
Service Time
The application is processed within 8 hours.
Residency Status
The service is available to applicants of all residency statuses.
FAQs
Who needs a real estate trade licence in Dubai for real estate activities?
Any business or individual planning to operate in real estate activities like brokerage, property management, leasing or development must obtain the relevant trade licence.
How long does the process take while applying for real estate licence in Dubai?
The processing time is typically 8 hours from submission of the complete application.
What are the payment options for fees?
Fees can be paid online using a credit card, e‑dirham or Noqodi.
Dubai offers a clear process for getting a trade licence for real estate activities. Knowing the fees, documents and steps helps in a smooth application. Following the rules ensures legal business operations in Dubai’s strong and growing property market.
On a different note, if you plan to purchase a property, consider exploring these properties for sale in the UAE. Those looking to invest in upcoming projects can go through these new projects in the UAE and make a sound investment.
Keep up with UAE’s leading property blog for more insights on processes that enhance the UAE’s real estate industry.
