Real estate business license in the UAE

 In the UAE, legally operating in the real estate industry requires obtaining an official license. This is required for all agencies, brokers, and developers and is regulated by local authorities. There are different types of licenses: an agent license is for companies and individual brokers involved in the purchase, sale, and rental of real estate; a developer license is issued to companies that build and sell real estate, subject to a financial review; and a property management license is for companies providing property management, rent collection, and maintenance services https://sorp.ae/en/real-estate-license/

To obtain a license, a company must be registered through the Department of Economic Development or a free zone, have a physical office, and all agents must obtain a certificate from the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). The company's financial stability and the absence of legal restrictions on the founders are also reviewed. The licensing process includes choosing the license type and company form, submitting documents, approving the trade name and type of activity, registering the company and leasing an office, completing RERA agent training, and finally, obtaining the license itself and opening a bank account.

A license is typically valid for one year with the possibility of renewal. The cost depends on the license type and emirate. On average, a brokerage license costs between AED 15,000 and AED 20,000 per year, while a property management license costs between AED 20,000 and AED 25,000 per year. Office rent, registration fees, and RERA training are additional costs. RERA strictly regulates agencies, requiring them to adhere to a code of ethics and advertising guidelines. Working with local and foreign investors is possible through licensed platforms.