How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Dubai

• Residency and Legal Status
• Smart Systems
• RERA Training
• Real Estate Activity License Application
• Real Estate Broker Card
• Renew Your Real Estate License
• FAQs

Pursuing a career in Dubai’s real estate sector involves meeting established legal, regulatory and professional requirements. To successfully become a real estate agent in Dubai, it’s essential to combine sales expertise with official approvals, required training and recognised certifications. The process is structured, regulated and designed to maintain high professional standards. 

Secure Your Residency and Legal Standing

To build a career as a real estate professional in Dubai, it is essential to have the appropriate legal status. You cannot legally work in this field while on a visit visa.

Residency Visa

Most aspiring agents enter the UAE and attend interviews with real estate brokerages. Once employed, the company sponsors a residency visa, granting legal authorisation to live and work in Dubai.

Emirates ID

After the visa is stamped, you will receive your Emirates ID. This document is mandatory for all official procedures, including training, examinations and securing a real estate agent licence in Dubai.

Understand the Smart Systems Used

Dubai’s real estate sector operates through advanced digital systems that streamline licensing, communication and compliance.

Trakheesi System

Trakheesi handles licensing and permits for real estate professionals. It is used to:

• Issue professional real estate practice cards
• Register offices
• Manage violations and warnings
• Process approvals and certifications

Dubai REST App

Dubai REST App is mandatory for brokers. It provides:

• Broker and property data
• Sales and marketing contract tools
• Access to approved project listings
• Real-time updates on the market

Complete RERA Training

As part of the requirements to become a real estate agent in Dubai, you must complete certified training before entering the market. In order to do that you must:

• Enrol in a program offered by an institute approved by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).
• The Dubai Real Estate Institute is the most common training provider.
• The program covers laws, regulations, brokerage practices and professional ethics in real estate.  

Pass the RERA Exam

After completing training, you must pass the official RERA exam. This exam is designed to assess your knowledge of real estate laws and brokerage procedures.

Exam Fees Breakdown:

• Brokerage practice exam fee: AED 700
• Innovation fee: AED 10
• Knowledge fee: AED 10
• Exam license fee: AED 50
• VAT (5%): AED 2.5

Total: AED 772.5

Apply for a Real Estate Activity License

To legally operate, you must obtain a real estate activity license. This allows you to practice various real estate services, including:

• Real estate brokerage (sales and leasing)
• Property management
• Real estate consultancy
• Mortgage brokerage
• Property valuation and inspection
• Real estate development and promotion

Application Process

• Log in to the Trakheesi system and select the required service
• Fill in the details and upload documents
• The application is reviewed and approved
• Make payment through available methods
• Receive issued documents (such as NOC if required)

Key Requirements

• Submit your application through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
• Register in the Trakheesi system
• Apply for a professional practice card after license approval

Documents

• Emirates ID
• Passport copy
• No Objection Certificate (for free zone licenses, if applicable)

Fees

Fees vary depending on the activity. Examples include:

• AED 5,000 annually for general activities
• AED 15,000 for leasing and management services
• AED 25,000 for development activities

AED 100,000 for trustee-related services

Obtaining a Real Estate Broker Card

One of the key steps to becoming a real estate broker in Dubai is securing your official broker card, which legally permits you to operate in the market.

• Confirm your real estate licence has been issued by the appropriate licensing authorities.
• Register your licence in the Trakheesi system through the Dubai Land Department website.
• Apply for your broker card using the Trakheesi system.
• Once the applicable fees are paid, your electronic broker card will be issued.

This card functions as your professional credential, verifying your authorisation to perform real estate brokerage activities in Dubai.

How to Renew Your Real Estate License

Your professional practice card must be renewed regularly to stay compliant.

Renewal Process

• Log in to the Trakheesi system
• Submit renewal application with required documents
• Pay the renewal fees
• Download and print your updated card

Required Documents for Real Estate Broker Registration in Dubai

• Emirates ID copy
• Valid passport copy

Fees

• Standard renewal fee: AED 500
• Knowledge fee: AED 10
• Innovation fee: AED 10

Note: Evaluator renewal can be higher.

Service Time

• Typically completed within 5 minutes online

Conditions

• You must pass the required annual test
• All sales staff must be registered and certified

FAQs

What are the requirements to become a real estate agent in Dubai?

To become a real estate agent in Dubai, one must obtain a residency visa, complete RERA-certified training, pass the RERA exam and secure a real estate licence.

Can expats become real estate agents in Dubai?

Yes, expats can become real estate agents in Dubai by obtaining the necessary residency visa and meeting all licensing requirements. 

Do I need to join a brokerage to work as an agent in Dubai?

Yes, joining a licensed brokerage is required, as agencies sponsor visas and provide the framework to practice legally.

Becoming a real estate agent in Dubai involves entering a highly regulated and opportunity-driven market. Although the process is structured, each step contributes to establishing professional credibility and competence. Once licensed, an agent operates within one of the most dynamic real estate ecosystems globally, where regulatory compliance and strategic expertise are essential for success.

With the emirate’s real estate market continuously expanding, a wide range of properties for sale in Dubai is available, from luxury apartments and villas to commercial spaces. These include luxury apartments and villas in prime locations, commercial spaces and off-plan developments. Such opportunities allow agents to cater to diverse client needs and build a strong portfolio while gaining valuable market experience. 

Stay tuned to the dubizzle’s property blog for more insights into the UAE real estate sector.