Quick answer
A RERA Broker Card costs AED 6,200–8,800 and takes 2–4 weeks to obtain in Dubai. — You must complete DREI training, pass a RERA exam, and register on Trakheesi before listing properties.
- DREI training course: AED 2,000–3,500 (4–5 days)
- RERA exam fee ranges from AED 3,200 (degree holder) to AED 15,750 (no formal qualification)
- Full brokerage company setup costs AED 21,000–50,000+ plus mandatory Ejari office rent from AED 20,000/year
Best for: Individual agents seeking employment or entrepreneurs starting a real estate brokerage.
Getting a real estate broker license in Dubai is one of the most structured licensing processes in the UAE — regulated by RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) and requiring a mandatory DREI training course and exam before you can legally represent buyers, sellers, or landlords. This 2026 guide covers every step, fee, and form you need to go from applicant to licensed broker in Dubai.
Whether you’re an individual looking to work as a freelance agent or planning to set up a full real estate brokerage under a Dubai trade license, the process differs significantly in cost and complexity — and we break both paths down here.
RERA Broker Card vs. Full Brokerage Company License
Before diving into steps, you need to know which license you actually need. There are two distinct paths:
| Feature | RERA Broker Card (Individual) | Real Estate Brokerage License (Company) |
|---|---|---|
| Who is it for? | Individual agent / employee | Company owner / business entity |
| Regulatory body | RERA / DLD | DED + RERA |
| Total setup cost | AED 6,000 – 10,000 | AED 21,000 – 50,000+ |
| Can trade independently? | No — must work under a licensed brokerage | Yes — full independent operations |
| Trakheesi registration | Required | Required for company + all agents |
| Timeline | 2–4 weeks | 6–10 weeks |
| Annual renewal cost | ~AED 3,000 – 5,000 | ~AED 10,000 – 20,000 |
Bottom line: If you’re an employed agent joining an existing firm, you need a RERA Broker Card. If you want to run your own real estate agency in Dubai, you need both a DED trade license and RERA registration for your company — plus broker cards for every agent you employ.
Eligibility Requirements for a Dubai Real Estate Broker License
To qualify for a RERA real estate broker card in 2026:
- Minimum age: 21 years old
- Valid UAE residence visa (or UAE national)
- No criminal record (Good Conduct Certificate from home country + UAE)
- Completed DREI (Dubai Real Estate Institute) training course
- Passed the RERA licensing exam
- Employed by a RERA-licensed brokerage (for broker card applicants)
Foreign nationals: Yes, expatriates can fully obtain a RERA broker license in Dubai. Nationality is not a barrier — you simply need a valid residence visa, which your employer-brokerage can sponsor.
Step-by-Step Process: DREI Training → RERA Exam → Trakheesi
Here is the exact 10-step process to get licensed as a real estate broker in Dubai in 2026:
- Secure employment with a RERA-registered brokerage — or establish your own company first (if going the brokerage route)
- Obtain your UAE residence visa — sponsored by the brokerage or your own company
- Register for DREI training — visit drei.ae and enroll in the Real Estate Broker Training Program
- Complete the DREI course — typically 4–5 days, available in-person and online; covers UAE property law, DLD regulations, sales ethics, and contract procedures
- Obtain your DREI completion certificate
- Register for the RERA licensing exam — schedule through the DLD portal or DREI website
- Pass the RERA exam — minimum pass mark is 70%. The exam covers property law, RERA regulations, off-plan rules, and ethics
- Apply for your RERA Broker Card — submit through the DLD Real Estate Services Trustees Centre or online via the Dubai REST app
- Register on Trakheesi — Dubai’s property permit and transaction system; mandatory before listing any properties
- Receive your RERA Broker Card — valid for 1 year; must be renewed annually
RERA Exam Fees by Education Level (2026)
This is the table no competitor publishes — the RERA exam fee is NOT fixed. It depends on your highest educational qualification:
| Education Level | RERA Exam Fee (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University Degree (Bachelor’s or above) | AED 3,200 | Lowest fee tier |
| High School Diploma / Secondary Education | AED 6,300 | Mid tier |
| No Formal Qualification / Other | AED 15,750 | Highest fee tier |
Note: These fees are for the RERA exam registration. The DREI training course fee is separate (see full cost breakdown below).
Full Cost Breakdown: Real Estate Broker License Dubai 2026
Individual RERA Broker Card (AED)
| Cost Item | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| DREI Training Course | AED 2,000 – 3,500 |
| RERA Exam Fee (degree holder) | AED 3,200 |
| RERA Broker Card Issuance | AED 300 – 500 |
| Good Conduct Certificate (varies by country) | AED 200 – 800 |
| Medical & Emirates ID (if new visa) | AED 500 – 800 |
| Total Estimated Cost | AED 6,200 – 8,800 |
Real Estate Brokerage Company Setup (Additional Costs)
| Cost Item | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| DED Trade License (mainland brokerage activity) | AED 12,000 – 18,000 |
| RERA Company Registration Fee | AED 5,000 – 8,000 |
| Office Tenancy Contract (Ejari — mandatory) | AED 20,000 – 80,000/year |
| Broker Cards for all employed agents (per agent) | AED 6,000 – 10,000 each |
| Total Year-1 (company, owner only, no office) | AED 21,000 – 50,000+ |
Hidden cost alert: Many brokerages underestimate the mandatory Ejari-registered office requirement. RERA requires a physical office (not a flexi-desk) for company registration — budget at least AED 20,000/year for a minimal compliant space.
The Trakheesi System Explained
Trakheesi is Dubai Land Department’s online permit system — every real estate transaction in Dubai must be registered here. As a licensed broker, you cannot legally advertise or list a property without first obtaining a Trakheesi permit for that listing.
Key facts about Trakheesi:
- Managed by the DLD (Dubai Land Department)
- Every property advertisement must have a unique Trakheesi permit number
- Permits are tied to your RERA Broker Card number
- Advertising without a permit = regulatory violation and potential AED 50,000+ fine
- Access via trakheesi.dubai.gov.ae
- Both portals (Property Finder, Bayut) require your Trakheesi permit before listing
Annual Renewal: RERA Broker Card
Your RERA Broker Card expires every 12 months. Renewal requires:
- Completion of DREI Continuing Education Units (CEUs) — typically 8–16 hours annually
- Payment of renewal fee: AED 2,500 – 4,500 (varies by education level)
- Valid Emirates ID and residence visa
- No pending violations or complaints on your record
2026 rule: Brokers with outstanding complaints registered in DLD’s system may face renewal delays or mandatory hearing before renewal is approved.
Mainland vs. Free Zone for a Real Estate Brokerage
One question we get frequently: can you set up a real estate brokerage in a UAE free zone to get 100% foreign ownership?
The short answer: No — real estate brokerage in Dubai requires a mainland DED license. RERA only registers companies with a DED mainland license. Free zone entities cannot hold a RERA brokerage registration and cannot legally broker Dubai property transactions. However, the 2021 Companies Law now allows 100% foreign ownership on most mainland activities — including real estate brokerage — so a local sponsor is no longer required. See our full guide to UAE trade licenses for other activity options.
FAQ: Real Estate Broker License Dubai 2026
1. How do I get a real estate license in Dubai?
Complete the DREI training course, pass the RERA licensing exam, then apply for your RERA Broker Card through the DLD. You must be employed by or own a RERA-registered brokerage. The full process takes 2–4 weeks for individuals.
2. What is the RERA exam fee in 2026?
The RERA exam fee depends on your education level: AED 3,200 for degree holders, AED 6,300 for high school graduates, and AED 15,750 for applicants without formal qualifications. These are the exam registration fees only — DREI training is billed separately.
3. How much does DREI training cost?
DREI training typically costs AED 2,000–3,500 for the standard Real Estate Broker Training Program. Prices vary by course format (in-person vs. online) and any elective modules added.
4. Can a foreigner become a real estate broker in Dubai?
Yes — UAE nationality is not required. Expatriates can fully obtain a RERA broker license as long as they hold a valid UAE residence visa, complete DREI training, and pass the RERA exam. Your employer-brokerage can sponsor your visa.
5. How long does it take to get a RERA license?
Typically 2–4 weeks for an individual broker card: ~5 days for DREI training, 1–2 weeks for exam scheduling and results, then 3–7 business days for card issuance. A full brokerage company setup takes 6–10 weeks.
6. What is the Trakheesi system?
Trakheesi is Dubai Land Department’s permit portal for property listings. Every property advertised for sale or rent must have a Trakheesi permit number tied to the broker’s RERA card. Brokers cannot legally list on Bayut, Property Finder, or any platform without a valid Trakheesi permit for that specific property.
7. Do I need to renew my broker license every year?
Yes. RERA Broker Cards are valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually. Renewal requires completion of DREI Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and payment of the renewal fee (AED 2,500–4,500 depending on education level).
8. What’s the difference between a broker card and a brokerage license?
A broker card is an individual credential — it allows you to act as an agent under a registered brokerage. A brokerage license is a company license (DED + RERA registered) that allows you to operate an independent real estate agency, employ agents, and conduct transactions as a legal entity. You need both if you own an agency: a company license for the business and broker cards for every agent you employ.
9. Can I set up a real estate brokerage in a UAE free zone?
No. RERA only registers companies holding a mainland DED license. Free zone entities cannot hold a RERA brokerage registration and cannot legally broker Dubai property. However, under 2021 UAE Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is now available on mainland real estate brokerage activity — no local partner required.
10. What happens if I advertise a property without a Trakheesi permit?
Advertising without a valid Trakheesi permit is a regulatory violation under DLD rules. Penalties can include fines of AED 50,000+, suspension of your broker card, and removal of listings from portals. All major platforms (Bayut, Property Finder) now verify Trakheesi permit numbers before approving listings.
Ready to Get Your Dubai Real Estate Broker License?
Noble Core Ventures helps investors, agents, and entrepreneurs navigate RERA registration, trade license setup, and Trakheesi compliance — end to end. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on closing deals.
📞 Call us: +971 4 123 4567 | 📧 Email: info@noblecoreventures.com
For a complete overview of all license types available in Dubai, read our guide to business setup in Dubai to see which structure fits your goals best.
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