How to Start a Real Estate Agency in Dubai

Dubai is a global property hotspot. From iconic skyscrapers to beachfront villas, the city offers massive opportunities for real estate entrepreneurs. Starting a real estate agency in Dubai can be incredibly rewarding—but only if done right. With the right license, strategy, and setup, you can become part of a booming market that attracts investors from across the world.

This step-by-step guide will help you understand how to open a real estate company in Dubai, what documents and approvals are needed, the cost, and how Catnyx can guide you every step of the way.

Why Start a Real Estate Business in Dubai?

Dubai is one of the most transparent, secure, and investor-friendly property markets in the world. Whether you're interested in residential, commercial, or luxury real estate, the opportunities are endless.

Here’s why Dubai is ideal for real estate professionals:

• 100% foreign ownership allowed

• Tax-free profits (no personal income tax)

• Rapid population growth and demand for housing

• Strong regulatory framework by RERA and DLD

• Global buyer interest in Dubai properties

• High rental yields and resale value

As demand for property continues to grow post-Expo and into Vision 2030, now is the right time to launch your Dubai property agency setup.

Step-by-Step Process to Open a Real Estate Company in Dubai

1. Choose Your Business Model and Services

Start by deciding what type of real estate business in Dubai you want to run. Will you focus on:

• Residential property sales?

• Leasing and rentals?

• Off-plan projects and developer deals?

• Commercial or industrial properties?

• Property management services?

You can also combine these services, but having a clear business model will help you choose the right license, location, and team.

2. Register Your Business with the DED

To officially open a real estate company in Dubai, you must register with the Department of Economic Development (DED). Choose a suitable trade name for your agency. You can use your own name, a branded name, or a combination of both (e.g., "XYZ Realty LLC").

The activity you need to register is “Real Estate Brokerage” or “Real Estate Leasing Brokerage Agency,” depending on your focus. Catnyx will help you select the correct activity code to avoid compliance issues later.

Once approved, you’ll receive your initial trade license approval.

3. Get Your RERA Certification

No real estate company in Dubai can operate without agents holding certifications from the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). Even if you're the owner and plan to sell or lease properties, you must complete a training course and exam.

Here’s how it works:

• Apply for the RERA training course via the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI)

• Complete the mandatory course (usually 4 days)

• Pass the exam to receive your RERA Broker ID

All real estate professionals listed under your company must undergo this training.

4. Rent an Office Space and Finalize Your Ejari

You cannot get a full trade license without a valid Ejari (tenancy contract) for your office space. This is required by the DED to prove your agency has a physical office.

Make sure:

• The office is in a commercial zone

• It has the required square footage for a brokerage license

• The building has proper documentation for DED and RERA approval

If you’re unsure where to start, Catnyx will assist you in selecting the ideal office and completing the Ejari registration.

5. Apply for Your Full Trade License

Once you’ve completed the initial steps and secured your office, you can now apply for your full real estate license in Dubai. Submit the following to DED:

• Initial approval certificate

• Trade name reservation

• RERA certificate copy

• Ejari tenancy contract

• Passport copies of all partners

• Payment for license fees (starting from AED 12,000)

Once approved, you’ll receive your final trade license and can legally start operations.

6. Apply for a RERA Office Registration and Broker Cards

Every licensed real estate agency in Dubai must be registered with RERA. Along with the trade license, the company must apply for:

• RERA Office Registration Certificate

• Broker IDs for every agent working under the company

This process ensures that your agency and team are compliant and listed in the official RERA system.

7. Build Your Team of Licensed Agents

A successful real estate business in Dubai needs professional, trustworthy, and certified agents. All employees must:

• Complete the RERA course

• Pass the RERA exam

• Obtain a Broker ID

• Be sponsored under your trade license

Beyond legal compliance, having a skilled team helps build your agency’s reputation and performance. You may also need admin staff, marketing executives, and property listing coordinators.

Catnyx can help manage your visa processes and employee onboarding.

8. Launch and Market Your Real Estate Agency

Once your business is licensed, your team is certified, and your office is ready—it’s time to launch. But in a competitive market like Dubai, marketing is essential.

Your real estate agency should:

• Build a user-friendly website with listing features

• Use CRM software to manage leads

• List properties on platforms like Bayut, Property Finder, Dubizzle, and JustProperty

• Run social media ads on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn

• Collaborate with developers and investment groups

• Host open house events or real estate workshops

A solid launch plan ensures that your Dubai property agency setup gets noticed and starts generating leads quickly.

Estimated Cost Breakdown for Starting a Real Estate Agency in Dubai

Setup Requirement	Approximate Cost (AED)
Trade License (Mainland)	12,000 – 18,000
RERA Certification (per person)	2,500 – 3,000
Office Rent + Ejari	20,000 – 50,000
Broker ID Cards (each)	1,000 – 1,500
Admin & Legal Fees	5,000 – 8,000
Website & CRM Setup	8,000 – 15,000
Marketing & Launch	10,000 – 20,000

Estimated total cost: AED 60,000 – 100,000 depending on agency size.

Common Challenges in the Real Estate Setup Process

Opening a real estate business in Dubai can be complicated if you're unfamiliar with local laws. Common mistakes include:

• Choosing the wrong business activity code

• Not completing RERA certification in time

• Renting non-compliant office spaces

• Hiring agents without licenses

• Missing DED or RERA deadlines

With Catnyx, you avoid all of these. We handle every document, timeline, and approval step, making your setup process smooth and stress-free.

Why Choose Catnyx for Your Real Estate Setup in Dubai

Catnyx is your one-stop solution for starting a real estate agency in the UAE. From business setup to RERA certification and employee onboarding, we’ve helped multiple entrepreneurs enter Dubai’s thriving property market with confidence.

We provide:

• Business registration with DED

• RERA exam & certification guidance

• Office space selection and Ejari assistance

• Broker card and licensing management

• Custom website design & lead management systems

• Post-launch marketing and compliance support

We were proudly named Customer Experience Leader at the Ajman Free Zone Excellence Awards, a testament to our unmatched service quality and client satisfaction.

Conclusion

Starting a real estate agency in Dubai is one of the smartest business decisions you can make today. The market is growing, the rules are clear, and the demand is global. But navigating legal steps, certifications, and licenses alone can be overwhelming.

With Catnyx as your business partner, you don’t just open an agency—you build a long-term, professional, and fully compliant real estate brand. From license to launch, from agent onboarding to marketing—we take care of everything so you can focus on what matters: closing deals.

📞 Contact Catnyx today – and let’s help you start your journey in Dubai’s booming real estate market.

FAQs – Real Estate Business in Dubai

Q1: Can a foreigner own a real estate company in Dubai? Yes. Dubai allows 100% foreign ownership of real estate agencies under mainland licenses.

Q2: How long does it take to get a real estate license in Dubai? Usually 2 to 4 weeks, depending on document readiness and RERA approval timelines.

Q3: Do all agents need RERA certification? Yes. Every agent or broker in your company must pass the DREI course and obtain a Broker ID.

Q4: Can I start with a home office? No. Real estate businesses must have a commercial space with Ejari to receive full licensing.

Q5: Do I need to register for VAT?

 If your annual revenue exceeds AED 375,000, VAT registration is mandatory.