Career + mindset✓ Updated Nov 2025

Starting Your Own Real Estate Agency in Dubai (RERA Process)

Setup costs, RERA requirements, sponsor needs, and realistic year-one income from launching your own brokerage.

·7 min read·By AgentsAI Editorial
RERA requires a dedicated office, minimum AED 300,000 paid-up capital, and a local sponsor holding 51 % of shares for foreign agents. Total first-year outlay typically lands between AED 180,000 and AED 250,000 before any commission is earned.

Step-by-Step RERA Licensing

First, secure a 51 % Emirati sponsor through a professional services firm; expect to pay AED 25,000–40,000 for the sponsorship contract and annual renewal. Next, register the company name with the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai; the name must include “Real Estate” or “Properties” and cannot duplicate existing brokerages. Reserve a physical office of at least 200 sq ft in a free-zone or mainland commercial building—JLT Cluster Y or JVC District 15 are common low-cost choices at AED 45,000–60,000 yearly.

Once the tenancy contract is attested, open a corporate bank account and deposit the AED 300,000 capital. Submit the full file to RERA’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency portal: sponsor agreement, attested tenancy, passport copies, and proof of capital. Processing normally takes 15–25 working days. After RERA approval you receive the broker card and can list on Property Finder and Bayut under your own brokerage name.

Hidden Setup Costs Beyond the Licence

  • Trade licence and DED fees: AED 15,000–18,000
  • Memorandum of Association notarisation: AED 3,500
  • Professional indemnity insurance (minimum AED 1 million cover): AED 6,000–9,000
  • Website, CRM (RealtorWiz or Property Finder CRM), and branded stationery: AED 12,000–18,000
  • Initial marketing budget for 10–15 listings: AED 20,000

Add 5 % VAT on most line items. Total cash outlay before salaries lands between AED 180,000 and AED 250,000.

Realistic Year-One Revenue

Most new brokerages close 4–7 deals in the first 12 months. At an average 2 % commission on AED 2.5 million transactions, that produces AED 200,000–350,000 gross revenue. After splitting 30–40 % with agents and covering overheads, net owner income usually falls between AED 70,000 and AED 110,000 in year one. Only brokerages that convert at least 12 listings by month nine reach AED 250,000+ net profit.

Staffing and Compliance Obligations

You must appoint a RERA-licensed real estate manager (you or a hired broker with three years’ experience). All sales staff require individual RERA cards linked to your brokerage; MOHRE labour cards cost AED 3,500 each. Keep audited accounts and submit quarterly transaction reports to DLD through the Dubai REST system—non-compliance triggers fines of AED 5,000 per missing file.

Can I open the agency with only AED 100,000 capital?

No. RERA mandates AED 300,000 minimum paid-up capital for brokerage firms; lower amounts are rejected at the portal stage.

Do I need a physical office or can I work from home?

A physical office of 200 sq ft minimum is compulsory. Virtual addresses and co-working spaces are not accepted for RERA broker licences.

How long before I can list properties on Property Finder under my own name?

After RERA issues the broker card (usually 20–25 days), upload your company documents to Property Finder; approval takes another 3–5 working days.

Stop typing. Start closing.

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