About EGSH
Cost of a RERA Licence in Dubai: Full Fee Breakdown for Brokers
This guide is for real estate professionals, aspiring brokers, and business owners seeking to understand the full cost of obtaining a RERA licence in Dubai. It covers official DLD fees, DREI training and exam costs, broker card issuance, and annual renewal charges as of 2026.
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) licence cost in Dubai starts at AED 5,020 per real estate activity, as set by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Aspiring brokers must also budget for mandatory training through the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI), a certification exam, and broker card issuance — bringing total first-year costs to approximately AED 6,920 to AED 19,470 depending on educational qualifications.
RERA operates as the regulatory arm of the DLD and oversees all real estate licensing, brokerage registration, and market compliance in the Emirate of Dubai.
Renew Your Professional Practice Card in Dubai
Officially regulated fees
No hidden charges
Queue-free service
VIP support at no extra cost
From AED 500
What Is a RERA Licence?
A RERA licence is the official permit issued under the supervision of the DLD that authorises individuals and companies to conduct real estate activities in Dubai. RERA was established in 2007 to regulate Dubai's property sector, ensure market transparency, and protect the rights of buyers, sellers, tenants, and landlords.
Any person or entity involved in buying, selling, leasing, managing, or valuating real estate in Dubai must hold a valid RERA licence and be registered in the DLD's Trakheesi system. Operating without proper licensing carries legal penalties and may result in fines or suspension of business activities.
The DLD currently recognises 21 categories of real estate activity that require RERA licensing. These include real estate sales and purchase brokerage, real estate leasing brokerage, real estate development, property management, real estate valuation, mortgage consultancy, and organising real estate exhibitions, among others.
Get DLD Services in Dubai Through EGSH
Authorised One-Stop Government Services Centre
- All government services in one place
- Completed in one visit
- VIP service without queues
- Regulated government fees
RERA Licence Cost Breakdown for 2026
The total cost of obtaining a RERA licence in Dubai depends on the type of activity, the applicant's educational qualifications, and whether the applicant is an individual broker or a company. Below is a detailed breakdown of all fees involved.
DLD Real Estate Activity Licence Fees
The DLD sets annual fees for real estate activity licences based on the category of activity. These fees are payable through the Trakheesi system and are renewed annually.
| Activity Category | Annual Fee (AED) | Knowledge and Innovation Fee (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate sales and purchase brokerage | 5,000 | 20 |
| Real estate leasing brokerage | 5,000 | 20 |
| Real estate consultancy | 5,000 | 20 |
| Mortgage consultancy | 5,000 | 20 |
| Mortgage brokerage | 5,000 | 20 |
| Property inspection services | 5,000 | 20 |
| Land surveying services | 5,000 | 20 |
| Real estate valuation services | 10,000 | 20 |
| Administrative supervision (owners' associations) | 10,000 | 20 |
| Real estate exhibition organisation | 10,000 | 20 |
| Real estate leasing and management (third-party) | 15,000 | 20 |
| Real estate development | 25,000 | 20 |
| Real estate registrar trustee | 100,000 | 20 |
Most individual brokers and smaller agencies fall under the AED 5,020 category (AED 5,000 annual fee plus AED 20 knowledge and innovation fee). The total annual fee per activity is therefore AED 5,020 for standard brokerage activities.
DREI Training Course Fees
Before applying for a RERA licence, all applicants must complete the Certified Training for Real Estate Brokers course. This programme was historically offered by DREI, the educational arm of the DLD. As of 2025, RERA-approved training providers such as the Innovation Experts Real Estate Institute and DX Broker also deliver accredited courses.
The training course typically runs for two to four days and covers UAE real estate law, brokerage ethics, sales procedures, and legal documentation. Course fees from RERA-approved providers generally range from AED 2,400 to AED 3,500 depending on the institution and format (online or in-person). The exam fee is paid separately.
RERA Exam Fees
The RERA broker certification exam is administered by the DLD and must be passed before a licence can be issued. Exam fees vary based on the applicant's educational qualifications:
| Qualification Level | Exam Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 3,200 |
| Without a bachelor's degree (high school or equivalent) | 6,300 |
| No formal educational qualifications | 15,750 |
The exam registration fee is approximately AED 700 to AED 785, which is paid directly to the DLD at the time of booking. Applicants must achieve the minimum passing score set by RERA to qualify for licensing. Those who fail may retake the exam by paying the re-examination fee.
Broker Card Issuance Fees
After passing the RERA exam, applicants must obtain a Real Estate Activity Practice Card (commonly known as the broker card) through the Trakheesi system. This card authorises the holder to practise the specific activity registered on the licence.
The DLD charges AED 500 for issuing a broker card, plus AED 10 for the knowledge fee and AED 10 for the innovation fee, bringing the total to AED 520 per card. Real estate evaluator cards carry a higher fee of AED 5,000 plus AED 20 in knowledge and innovation fees.
Good Conduct Certificate
All applicants must obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (Good Conduct Certificate) from the Dubai Police as part of the licensing requirements. This certificate costs approximately AED 200 and is typically processed within two working days through the Dubai Police website.
Total First-Year Cost Summary
| Fee Component | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| DREI training course | 2,400–3,500 |
| RERA exam fee (with bachelor's degree) | 3,200 |
| RERA exam registration | 700–785 |
| Good Conduct Certificate | 200 |
| Broker card issuance | 520 |
| DLD activity licence (standard brokerage) | 5,020 |
| Total estimate (individual broker with degree) | ~12,040–13,225 |
Applicants without a bachelor's degree should expect higher totals due to the increased exam fee. Those without formal qualifications may face first-year costs approaching AED 19,000 or more. Companies establishing a real estate brokerage firm will incur additional costs for the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) trade licence, office lease, visa processing, and establishment card registration.
Why Choose EGSH for Government Services in Dubai
VIP Service
Personal assistance and priority processing with no queues.
Affordable Fees
Official government rates with transparent, fixed pricing.
All Services in One Place
Comprehensive range of UAE government services under one roof.
One-Visit Completion
Most procedures are completed in a single visit to the centre.
Types of RERA Licences in Dubai
The DLD issues RERA licences across multiple categories of real estate activity. Each category requires its own registration in the Trakheesi system and may carry different annual fees. The main types of RERA licences include the following.
Real estate sales and purchase brokerage is the most common licence type, required for any individual or company acting as an intermediary in property sale transactions. Real estate leasing brokerage covers professionals who facilitate rental agreements between landlords and tenants. Property management licences are required for companies that manage properties on behalf of owners, covering activities such as rent collection, maintenance coordination, and tenant relations. The DLD distinguishes between private property management (managing one's own properties) and third-party property management, which carries a higher annual fee of AED 15,020.
Real estate valuation licences are necessary for professionals conducting official property valuations. This activity falls under the AED 10,020 annual fee category and requires additional qualifications. Those seeking to provide official property valuation certificates must meet RERA's specific eligibility standards for valuers.
Real estate development licences apply to developers building and selling property in Dubai. This is the second-highest fee category at AED 25,020 per year. Developers must also provide proof of land ownership and register projects through the Trakheesi system before marketing.
Visit EGSH for VIP Service Without Queues
You can stop by EGSH during working hours without an appointment or book your visit at a time that suits you best.
Address
Art of Living Mall, Al Barsha 2, Dubai
Operating hours
Monday–Thursday, Saturday: 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am–12:30 pm
Sunday: Closed
Eligibility Requirements for a RERA Licence
Before applying for a RERA licence, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria set by the DLD and RERA.
Age and Residency
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and hold a valid UAE residence visa. UAE nationals and GCC citizens are exempt from the residency visa requirement. Expatriates must secure a residence visa before initiating the licensing process — this is typically arranged through the employing brokerage firm or through the applicant's own company if establishing a new business.
Educational Qualifications
RERA requires a minimum of a high school certificate or equivalent for broker licence applicants. Educational certificates must be attested as per UAE government requirements. The level of education directly affects the exam fee, with degree holders paying significantly less than those without formal qualifications.
Good Conduct
A clean criminal record is mandatory. The Dubai Police Good Conduct Certificate confirms that the applicant has no criminal history and is eligible to work in a regulated profession.
Employment or Company Registration
Individual brokers cannot operate as freelancers in Dubai's real estate sector. They must be employed by a registered real estate brokerage firm or establish their own licensed company. The employing company must hold a valid real estate trade licence issued by DET or a relevant free zone authority, with the appropriate real estate activity registered in the Trakheesi system.
How to Apply for a RERA Licence in Dubai
The application process involves several sequential steps, each regulated by a specific authority.
Step 1 — Obtain a UAE Residence Visa
Expatriates must first secure a valid residence visa. This is typically sponsored by the employing brokerage firm. UAE nationals and GCC citizens may proceed directly to training.
Step 2 — Complete RERA-Approved Training
Enrol in and complete the Certified Training for Real Estate Brokers course through a RERA-approved training provider. The course covers UAE property law (including Law No. 7 of 2006 concerning real estate registration), professional ethics, sales procedures, and brokerage practices. Training is available both online and in person.
Step 3 — Pass the RERA Exam
Register for and pass the RERA certification exam through the DLD. The exam tests knowledge of Dubai's real estate regulations, legal frameworks, and professional conduct standards. Results are typically available within a few days, and the passing certificate is required for the next step.
Step 4 — Obtain a Good Conduct Certificate
Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate through the Dubai Police. This document confirms the absence of a criminal record and is a mandatory requirement for licensing.
Step 5 — Submit Licence Application via Trakheesi
The employing company or the applicant's own firm submits the licence application through the DLD's Trakheesi system. Applicants may also prepare and submit the full documentation package through an authorised DLD trustee centre such as the Emirates Government Services Hub (EGSH), which processes applications through official DLD channels at standard government fees. Required documents include a copy of the passport and Emirates ID, a valid residence visa, a passport-sized photograph, the exam passing certificate, the Good Conduct Certificate, and attested educational certificates. The DLD reviews the application and issues the licence, typically within one to two working days. All final approvals remain with the DLD.
Step 6 — Receive Broker Card and Licence
Upon approval, the DLD issues the Real Estate Activity Practice Card (broker card) and the RERA licence electronically through the Trakheesi system. The broker card contains the Broker Registration Number (BRN), which must be displayed on all property listings and advertisements. The broker can then legally commence real estate activities in Dubai.
RERA Licence Renewal Costs and Process
A RERA licence is valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually to remain active. The DLD requires brokers to initiate renewal at least 30 days before the expiry date to avoid penalties or the need to retake the full DREI training course.
The renewal process involves registering for and passing the annual broker test administered by the DLD. The DLD has confirmed that the registration fee for the renewal test is AED 700, while brokers who need to retake the full training course pay AED 2,500. An additional licence renewal fee of approximately AED 510 is payable through the Trakheesi system.
The total annual renewal cost for a standard broker is therefore approximately AED 1,210 to AED 3,010, depending on whether the full training course is required. Some brokers may also need to complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses to stay current with regulatory changes.
Any licence that has expired for six months or more may be cancelled by RERA, requiring the holder to restart the entire registration process from the beginning. Maintaining timely renewal is therefore essential for uninterrupted practice.
| Renewal Component | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Annual broker test registration | 700 |
| Licence renewal fee (Trakheesi) | ~510 |
| Full DREI course (if required) | 2,500 |
| Broker card renewal | 520 |
| Total annual renewal (test only) | ~1,730 |
| Total annual renewal (with course) | ~4,230 |
Cost of Setting Up a Real Estate Brokerage Firm
Individual brokers who wish to establish their own real estate company rather than work under an existing firm will face additional setup costs beyond the personal RERA licence fees.
The first requirement is a trade licence from DET for mainland companies, or from the relevant free zone authority for free zone entities. As of 2026, DET trade licences for real estate brokerage activities typically cost between AED 10,000 and AED 15,000 annually, though the exact amount varies based on the business structure and number of registered activities.
Companies operating on the mainland must register their trade licence in the DLD's Trakheesi system and pay the applicable RERA activity licence fee (AED 5,020 for standard brokerage). Free zone licensees must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their licensing authority before registering with RERA.
Additional setup costs include office rental (a physical office space is mandatory for real estate firms in Dubai), employee residence visas, establishment card registration, and the opening of a corporate bank account. Office leases must be registered under Ejari in Dubai before the trade licence can be issued or renewed. Companies involved in third-party property management must also provide a bank guarantee of AED 5 million to the DLD. The total estimated cost for establishing a new real estate brokerage firm in Dubai ranges from AED 30,000 to AED 50,000 or more, depending on the scale of operations and office location.
Businesses entering the real estate sector should also be aware that all property transactions require proper registration with the DLD. Companies facilitating property ownership transfers or mortgage registrations must ensure their activities are covered under the appropriate RERA licence category.
Exemptions and Special Cases
Certain categories of applicants may qualify for exemptions from specific RERA licensing requirements.
Individuals aged 55 and above are exempt from the RERA broker exam requirement, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria. Brokers with five or more consecutive years of service at the same real estate office may also be exempt from the exam.
Holders of a Golden Visa who register as real estate brokers may benefit from a broker card renewal fee waiver, as announced by the DLD. Eligible visa holders should submit a copy of their Golden Visa during the Trakheesi registration process to confirm eligibility for this exemption.
Some real estate activities do not require a practice card, although the RERA activity licence is still mandatory. These include real estate development, organising real estate exhibitions, buying and selling land and properties, real estate representative offices, and private property leasing and management.
Common Mistakes When Applying for a RERA Licence
Several procedural errors frequently delay or complicate the RERA licensing process.
Applying before securing a valid residence visa is a common issue for expatriates. The DLD will not process a broker card application without a current Emirates ID and visa. Applicants should ensure all residency documents are in order before enrolling in the DREI course.
Failing to renew on time is another frequent problem. Brokers who allow their licence to expire beyond the 30-day grace period may be required to retake the full training course rather than the shorter annual test. Licences expired for six months or more face cancellation, requiring the entire process to be restarted.
Incorrect document attestation can also cause delays. Educational certificates must be properly attested according to UAE government requirements, and documents issued outside the UAE may require embassy attestation and translation by a legal translator.
Choosing the wrong activity code during registration in the Trakheesi system is another common error. Brokers should confirm that their registered activities match their intended business operations, as practising an unregistered activity constitutes a regulatory violation.
RERA Licence vs Trade Licence — Key Differences
Professionals entering Dubai's real estate sector must understand the distinction between a RERA licence and a trade licence, as both are required but serve different purposes.
A trade licence is issued by DET (for mainland companies) or a free zone authority and authorises the general operation of a business. It covers the legal formation of the company, registration of business activities, and compliance with commercial regulations.
A RERA licence is a supplementary regulatory permit issued specifically for real estate activities through the DLD's Trakheesi system. It authorises the company and its registered individuals to practise specific real estate functions such as brokerage, leasing, valuation, or property management.
Both licences must remain valid simultaneously. A company cannot legally conduct real estate transactions with only a trade licence; the RERA licence and registered broker cards are essential for compliance. Similarly, a RERA licence cannot be obtained without first having a valid trade licence that includes a relevant real estate activity.
For businesses already holding a DET trade licence with real estate activities, the process of registering in the Trakheesi system is handled digitally. The system integrates with the DET database to synchronise licensing information, including trade name changes and renewal status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a RERA licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
The base RERA licence fee is AED 5,020 per real estate activity (AED 5,000 annual fee plus AED 20 knowledge and innovation fee), as set by the DLD. Total first-year costs including training, exam, and broker card typically range from AED 12,000 to AED 19,000 depending on educational qualifications.
How long does it take to get a RERA licence in Dubai?
The entire process from DREI training to licence issuance typically takes three to six weeks. The training course runs for two to four days, exam results are usually available within a few days, and the DLD processes Trakheesi applications within one to two working days after document submission.
Can I get a RERA licence without a degree?
Yes, a bachelor's degree is not mandatory for a RERA broker licence. However, applicants without a degree pay higher exam fees — AED 6,300 for those with a high school certificate and AED 15,750 for those without formal educational qualifications. A minimum high school certificate or equivalent is generally expected by RERA.
What is the annual RERA licence renewal cost?
Annual renewal costs range from approximately AED 1,730 (if only the annual test is required) to AED 4,230 (if the full DREI training course is needed). This includes the test registration fee of AED 700, the licence renewal fee of approximately AED 510, and broker card renewal of AED 520.
Is a RERA licence required for property management in Dubai?
Yes, any company managing properties on behalf of third-party owners must hold a RERA licence for real estate leasing and management services. This activity category carries an annual fee of AED 15,020 and requires a bank guarantee of AED 5 million deposited with the DLD.
Can I work as a freelance real estate agent in Dubai?
Dubai does not allow freelance real estate brokerage. All brokers must be employed by a registered real estate company or establish their own licensed firm. The employing company must hold a valid trade licence with a registered real estate activity and be registered in the DLD's Trakheesi system.
What happens if my RERA licence expires?
If a RERA licence expires and is not renewed within the grace period, the broker may be required to retake the full DREI training course. Any licence that has expired for six months or more will be cancelled by RERA, and the holder must restart the entire registration process from the beginning, including training, exam, and documentation.
What is the Trakheesi system?
The Trakheesi system is the DLD's online portal for managing real estate licensing, broker registration, advertising permits, and practice cards. All RERA licence applications, renewals, and broker card requests are processed through this platform at https://trakheesi.dubailand.gov.ae. The system integrates with DET to synchronise trade licence data.
Do Golden Visa holders get any RERA fee exemptions?
The DLD has announced that brokers holding a Golden Visa may be exempt from annual broker card renewal fees. Eligible applicants should submit a copy of their Golden Visa during the Trakheesi registration process to confirm eligibility.
What are the penalties for operating without a RERA licence in Dubai?
Operating in Dubai's real estate market without a valid RERA licence is a regulatory violation. Penalties may include fines, suspension of business activities, and removal of property listings from authorised platforms. Only RERA-certified individuals and companies are permitted to advertise properties, mediate transactions, and access DLD services such as property registration and title deed verification.
Explained by
Randa Sameer
Real Estate Services Trustee Consultant at EGSH
Randa Sameer has over three years of experience supporting Dubai Land Department transactions and real estate registrations. Her professional focus includes compliance with DLD regulations, ownership transfers, and trustee documentation.
Official Sources and References
The following government authorities were referenced in this article:
- Dubai Land Department (DLD) — The government authority responsible for regulating and overseeing Dubai's real estate sector, including property registration, licensing, and market governance.
- Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) — The regulatory arm of the DLD, responsible for issuing real estate licences, registering brokers, and enforcing market compliance in the Emirate of Dubai.
- Trakheesi System — The DLD's official online platform for processing real estate licensing, broker registration, advertising permits, and practice card applications.
- Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) — The authority responsible for issuing commercial trade licences for businesses operating in Dubai's mainland.
Important Notice
The information presented in this article is accurate as of February 2026 and is provided for general informational purposes only. Government fees, eligibility criteria, and procedural requirements are subject to change at the discretion of the Dubai Land Department and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency. Applicants should verify all fees and requirements directly with the DLD or through the Trakheesi system before initiating any licence application. This article does not constitute legal or professional advice, and approval of any licence application remains at the sole discretion of the competent government authority.
