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How to Set Up a Real Estate Company in Dubai?
Setting up a real estate company in Dubai requires the right license, a RERA broker card and up-to-date cost planning. This guide covers company types, setup steps, 2026 fees and tax rates based on current official sources.
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Setting up a real estate company in Dubai requires the right license, a RERA broker card and up-to-date cost planning. This guide covers company types, setup steps, 2026 fees and tax rates based on current official sources.
Table of Contents
Why the Dubai Real Estate Market Is Attractive
Dubai operates one of the most liquid and fastest-growing property markets in the Gulf region. Zero personal income tax, strong rental yields and sustained international buyer demand make the city a strategic base for real estate entrepreneurs. Freehold ownership rights for foreign investors in designated areas, combined with the Dubai Land Department's (DLD) fully digital title infrastructure, add confidence to the sector. A real estate company established here can consolidate brokerage, property management, project marketing and advisory income under a single entity.
Before setting up a real estate company, you must define your business model. Will you focus on brokerage or on portfolio management? This decision directly affects your license type, team structure and budget.
Types of Real Estate Companies in Dubai
The main property business models you can operate in Dubai are:
Real Estate Brokerage
You act as an intermediary between buyer and seller, earning commission on sales and leasing transactions. A RERA-approved broker card is mandatory.
Property Management
You manage leasing, collections, maintenance and tenant relations on behalf of owners. It offers regular, predictable revenue.
Real Estate Development
This involves land development and project construction; it requires significant capital and additional approvals.
Real Estate Consultancy
It provides investment analysis, valuation and market research, usually alongside brokerage activity.
Steps to Set Up a Real Estate Company
- Choose activity and structure: Brokerage, property management or consultancy; the LLC structure is a common choice.
- Trade name reservation: Approve your company name via the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
- Initial approval: Apply with activity codes and partner details.
- Office lease (Ejari): Register your physical office tenancy contract.
- Trade license: The real estate activity license is issued.
- RERA broker card: Complete training and the exam, then obtain the card via the Trakheesi system.
RERA License and Broker Card
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) is the regulatory arm of the DLD. To broker property in Dubai, you must complete broker training, pass the brokerage exam and issue your broker card through the Trakheesi system. The card is renewed annually. Exam and training fees may vary based on your educational level.
License and Setup Costs (2026)
The table below summarizes current items based on the Dubai Land Department's (DLD) official service fees. The trade license fee varies according to activity type, number of partners and office size.
| Item | Official Fee (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Broker card issuance | AED 500 |
| Brokerage exam | AED 700 + AED 10 knowledge + AED 10 innovation + AED 50 exam fee (+5% VAT) |
| Broker training | AED 500 (+5% VAT=AED 525) |
| Real Estate Knowledge Bank | AED 300 (+5% VAT=AED 315) |
| Broker card renewal (annual) | AED 500 |
| Trade license | Varies by activity and structure (DET) |
Taxation: Corporate Tax and VAT
The UAE corporate tax regime, effective since 1 June 2023, also applies to real estate companies. The core rates are:
| Tax Type | Rate / Threshold |
|---|---|
| Corporate Tax (up to AED 375,000) | 0% |
| Corporate Tax (above AED 375,000) | 9% |
| Small Business Relief | Annual revenue ≤ AED 3,000,000 |
| VAT | 5% |
Corporate tax requires registration with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Real estate companies with annual income exceeding AED 375,000 are taxed at 9% on the excess. Taxpayers benefiting from Small Business Relief may, under certain conditions, reduce their tax liability to zero.
Required Documents
- Passport copies of partners and Emirates ID (if available)
- Trade name approval and initial approval certificate
- Office tenancy contract registered via Ejari
- Broker training and exam certificates
- Good conduct certificate (if requested)
- Memorandum of Association (for an LLC)
Mainland or Free Zone?
Mainland (DET)
A mainland structure is required for DLD/RERA-licensed brokerage activity; it offers the flexibility to transact directly in the local market.
Free Zone
Free zones can be advantageous for consultancy- and management-focused models; however, physical property brokerage generally requires a mainland license. Choosing the structure that fits your model is decisive for both cost and scope of activity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting brokerage activity without a broker card
- Selecting the wrong activity code and creating unnecessary cost
- Delaying corporate tax registration
- Applying with an office contract not registered under Ejari
For the link between property investment and residency in Dubai, see our Dubai Golden Visa guide, and for purchase procedures, explore our ways to buy property in Dubai article.
Note: The tables containing rates and costs (amounts) on this page were prepared for July 2026 and may be updated by the official authorities. You can verify the most current fees and rates on the official websites of the relevant institutions (DLD, RERA, FTA).
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- Dubai Land Department (DLD) – Real Estate Professional Practice Card and Service Fees, dubailand.gov.ae
- United Arab Emirates Federal Tax Authority (FTA) – Corporate Tax and Small Business Relief, tax.gov.ae