How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Dubai - A Detailed Guide
Thinking about a career in real estate? Dubai’s property market offers exciting opportunities for agents who are ready to navigate its licensing rules, visa requirements, and competitive environment. This detailed guide walks you through every step of the process—from signing up for the RERA training course to choosing between working under a brokerage or as a freelancer. If you're looking for a clear, structured path to becoming a licensed real estate agent in Dubai, this guide is the place to begin.
A Table With Estimated Costs to Become a Real Estate Agent in Dubai (2025)
Cost Item | Estimated Cost (AED) | Applies To | Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
RERA Training Course (DREI) | 2,500 – 4,000 | All agents | ✅ Yes |
RERA Exam Fee | 500 – 700 | All agents | ✅ Yes |
Broker License Registration (DLD) | ≈ 5,000 | All agents | ✅ Yes |
Broker ID Card Issuance | 1,000 – 1,200 | All agents | ✅ Yes |
Annual Renewal + CPD | 500 – 1,000 | All agents (after year 1) | 🔁 Depends |
Residency Visa | 4,000 – 7,000 | Freelancers / self-sponsored agents | ⚠️ Optional |
Freelance License or Trade License | 7,500 – 15,000+ | Independent agents only | ⚠️ Optional |
Health Insurance | 800 – 1,500 | Agents without employer coverage | 🔁 Depends |
Admin / Misc. Fees | 500 – 1,000 | All agents | ✅ Yes |
1. Register for the RERA Training Course
RERA, or the Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Agency, oversees the licensing and regulation of real estate professionals in Dubai. To become a licensed real estate agent and sit for the RERA exam, you first need to complete a required training program approved by the Dubai Land Department. This course teaches you the basics about the laws, rules, and how real estate works in Dubai. You need to finish this course before you can take the RERA exam.
Emirates ID
Passport copy
Residency visa (for expats)
Passport-sized photo
Once you have these documents and choose how you want to take the course (online or in person), you can sign up and start. If you're also planning to buy property while living in Dubai, it's smart to consider financing options early on. Kredium’s real estate experts help you compare mortgage options and find the right financing, so you can make confident decisions and stay one step ahead.
What is the DREI Course?
The Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI) course is a required training for anyone who wants to become a real estate agent in Dubai. It covers important topics like property laws, brokerage rules, contracts, sales skills, and how to deal with clients.
The course helps you learn what you need to pass the RERA licensing exam and work professionally in Dubai’s real estate market. You can take the training in person at approved centers or online through approved platforms.
How to Register
To sign up for the DREI course, visit the official Dubai Real Estate Institute website or contact authorized training providers. You will need to submit your Emirates ID, passport copy, residency visa (if you are an expat), and a passport-sized photo.
The course fee usually costs between AED 2,500 and AED 4,000, depending on the provider and whether you choose online or classroom learning. After registering, you will get the course schedule and study materials. You must complete this course before booking the RERA exam.
2. Pass the RERA Exam
After finishing the training course, the next step is to pass the official RERA exam. This test checks your knowledge of Dubai’s property laws, ethical rules, and how real estate work is done. Passing this exam is required to get your real estate license.
Exam Format and Requirements
The RERA exam has about 40 to 50 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you need at least 70%. The questions cover topics like property laws, brokerage rules, contracts, working with clients, and anti-money laundering laws. Here's what you should bring on exam day:
Your Emirates ID
Proof that you completed the training course
Receipt for the exam fee (if you didn’t pay before)
The exam is held at official RERA centers or approved online platforms. It is designed to be challenging to make sure only qualified agents get licensed.
Exam Fees and Retakes
The exam fee usually costs between AED 500 and AED 700. If you don’t pass the first time, you can try again after waiting a few weeks and paying the fee again. Many people take extra practice courses or mock exams to help prepare and increase their chances of passing. Passing the RERA exam is an important step before you can get your official real estate license.
3. Apply for Your Broker License
After you pass the RERA exam, you can apply for your official broker license through the Dubai Land Department. This license lets you work legally as a real estate agent in Dubai. It is needed to work with clients, use property websites, and complete sales or rentals.
Documents and Application
You apply for the license using the Trakheesi system, run by the Dubai Land Department. You will need to upload these documents:
Emirates ID
Passport copy
Residency visa
RERA course certificate
Exam result certificate
Passport photo
If you join a real estate company, they usually handle the application for you. If you work independently, you must apply yourself, sometimes through a free zone or the Department of Economic Development (DED), depending on your business type.
License Fee and Validity
The broker license costs about AED 5,000. This fee covers your registration and your Broker ID Card. The license is valid for one year and must be renewed every year.
To renew, you need a valid Emirates ID, proof you still live in the UAE, and evidence you completed any required professional training hours. If you don’t renew on time, you may face fines or lose the right to work until you renew.
4. Get Your Broker ID Card
After your license is approved, the last step is to get your Broker ID Card. This card is issued by the Dubai Land Department and is required for all real estate agents. You need to show it during property deals, client meetings, and official registrations.
Purpose and Cost
The Broker ID Card proves you are a licensed real estate agent in Dubai. It shows you are registered with RERA and gives you the legal right to work in sales, rentals, and brokerage.
The card is issued through the Trakheesi system and costs around AED 1,000 to AED 1,200. Your brokerage can apply for it for you, or you can apply yourself. It usually takes a few working days to get the card once your license is confirmed.
Annual Renewal and CPD
You must renew your Broker ID Card every year along with your license. To renew, you need to complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training. These courses keep you updated on new laws, ethics, and best practices in real estate. If you don’t finish the required CPD hours, your renewal might be delayed, and you won’t be allowed to work legally until you complete them.
5. Choose Between Sponsorship or Freelance Setup
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After you get your license and Broker ID Card, you need to decide how you want to work in the market. Real estate agents in Dubai usually work one of two ways:
under a licensed brokerage’s sponsorship;
on their own with a freelance or trade license.
This choice changes how your visa is handled, how your business works, and how much freedom you have.
Working Under a Licensed Brokerage
Most new agents join a real estate agency. The brokerage handles important things like visa sponsorship, license fees, office space, and access to property websites like Bayut or Property Finder. They also provide training, marketing help, client leads, and support with paperwork. This lets you focus on selling and working with clients without worrying about admin tasks. In return, the brokerage takes a part of your commission from each sale. This is a good choice if you want less startup cost and more support.
Setting Up as a Freelancer
Working on your own gives you full control but also means higher upfront costs and more responsibilities. You will need to get your own license, arrange your visa, and handle all the business tasks yourself.
Freelance License or Trade License
Freelancers have to apply for either a freelance permit or a trade license, usually through a free zone. A trade license lets you start a real estate business in Dubai under your own brand name. A freelance license shows that you work for yourself as an agent. The usual costs are:
Trade/freelance license: AED 7,500 – 15,000
Visa package: AED 4,000 – 7,000
Health insurance: AED 800 – 1,500
Visa and Health Insurance
Since you don’t have an employer sponsoring you, you must get your own UAE residency visa (work visa). This visa is usually linked to your freelance or trade license. Visa costs through free zones can be between AED 4,000 and AED 7,000. You also have to buy your own health insurance because it is required by law in the UAE. Without a valid visa and health insurance, your license cannot stay active.
Pros and Considerations
Freelancing gives you more freedom, lets you keep all your commission, and lets you run your business the way you want. But it also needs more money, time, and understanding of the rules. This option works best for experienced agents who have many clients and can handle their own marketing, license renewals, and legal responsibilities.
6. Budget for Required Costs
Becoming a licensed real estate agent in Dubai comes with several costs. Some fees apply to all agents, while others only apply if you work independently. Understanding these costs ahead of time helps you plan your money and avoid delays. You can also check the pricing table earlier in this guide for a full list.
Mandatory Licensing and Admin Fees
All agents must pay certain fees to get and keep their license. These include the RERA training course, the RERA exam, the broker license registration, and the Broker ID Card. There are also administrative charges and annual renewal costs, including Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours. These apply to all agents, whether working under a brokerage or independently. Here’s a summary of the main mandatory costs:
A Table With Mandatory Costs for Real Estate Agents (2025)
Fee Item | Estimated Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
RERA Training Course | 2,500 – 4,000 | One-time, required before exam |
RERA Exam | 500 – 700 | One-time, retake fees may apply |
Broker License Registration | ≈ 5,000 | Paid to the Dubai Land Department |
Broker ID Card | 1,000 – 1,200 | Must be renewed annually |
CPD Training & License Renewal | 500 – 1,000 (yearly) | Mandatory for all licensed agents |
Admin / Misc. Fees | 500 – 1,000 | Application handling and processing |
Optional Setup Costs for Freelancers
If you decide to work as a freelancer, you will have extra costs. You need to buy a trade or freelance license, which usually costs between AED 7,500 and AED 15,000 depending on where you get it from.
You also have to arrange your own residency visa, costing about AED 4,000 to AED 7,000, and buy health insurance, which costs around AED 800 to AED 1,500 per year. If you want, you may also need to rent office space, pay for marketing, or subscribe to property listing sites. Because of these extra expenses, freelancing usually costs more upfront than working with a brokerage.
7. Stay Compliant with Ongoing Requirements
Once you become a licensed agent, you need to follow all the rules set by the Dubai Land Department and RERA. This includes keeping your license up to date, following the correct way to advertise properties, and avoiding anything that could lead to fines or legal trouble. Authorities closely monitor agents and companies, so staying compliant is not optional—it’s necessary to keep working legally.
Annual Renewal Rules
Your broker license and Broker ID Card must be renewed every year. To do this, you also have to complete something called Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours. These are short training courses that update you on new laws, ethics, and changes in the market. RERA requires these courses to make sure agents stay informed and qualified. The number of hours depends on your experience level. If you don’t complete them, your renewal could be delayed or your license might be suspended.
Trakheesi and Advertising Rules
In Dubai, all property ads must be registered through the Trakheesi system. Each listing needs a RERA permit number. This rule applies to ads on websites, printed flyers, social media, and even WhatsApp messages. Agents must make sure all listings are correct, prices are clear, and photos show the real property. Advertising without a permit number or posting fake information can lead to penalties.
Legal Penalties for Violations
If you break the rules, there can be serious consequences. These include fines (often AED 10,000 or more), license suspension, being blacklisted, or facing legal action in serious cases. Common mistakes include working without a valid license, advertising without permits, false marketing, and not renewing your license on time. Both agents and their brokerages can be held responsible, so it’s important to follow the rules at all times.
Eligibility Checklist for Real Estate Agents in Dubai
Before starting the licensing process, it’s important to check whether you meet the essential eligibility requirements. These include age, identification, and residency status, which form the foundation for your application. Understanding these criteria early on can help you prepare the necessary documents and avoid delays.
Eligibility Comparison: Emiratis and Expat Agents
Requirement | UAE Nationals | Expats |
|---|---|---|
Emirates ID | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
Residency Visa | ❌ Not required | ✅ Required |
Sponsorship | Optional | Usually required |
Business setup | Optional | Often needed for freelancers |
Basic Eligibility Criteria
To work as a real estate agent in Dubai, you need to meet some simple rules. First of all, you must be at least 21 years old and have a valid Emirates ID. If you are an expat, you must have a residency visa from a job, family, or your own business. You don’t need a university degree, but you should have finished high school. This helps you understand the training and exam required to get your license.
UAE Nationals vs. Expats
The eligibility requirements for real estate agents in Dubai differ depending on whether you are a UAE national or an expatriate. Understanding these distinctions is crucial because they affect the documentation you need, the licensing process, and the type of visa sponsorship required. While both groups must complete the RERA training and exam, nationals benefit from a simplified process without visa requirements, whereas expats must navigate residency and sponsorship rules before practicing legally.
For UAE Nationals
UAE nationals have a relatively straightforward path to becoming licensed real estate agents. They must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid Emirates ID. Unlike expatriates, Emiratis do not require a residency visa to work legally in the country. This simplifies the licensing process, allowing them to register for the RERA training course and exam without additional visa-related paperwork.
Many UAE nationals choose to join established real estate brokerages, which provide business support and access to client networks. Others take advantage of government incentives for Emirati entrepreneurs and establish their own real estate companies, enjoying certain regulatory benefits designed to encourage local business ownership.
For Expats
Expats have more steps to complete before they can work in real estate. They must:
Get a UAE residency visa (through a job, family, or freelance setup)
Have a valid Emirates ID linked to that visa
Complete the RERA training and pass the exam
Most expats start their careers under the sponsorship of a licensed real estate company. This makes it easier to get the required visa and license. The company usually helps with training and paperwork.
Some experienced agents choose to work independently by setting up their own business. This option gives them more freedom but comes with higher costs and more responsibility.
Freelancers vs. Sponsored Agents
Real estate agents in Dubai can choose to work either under the sponsorship of a licensed brokerage or independently as freelancers. Understanding the differences between these two paths is important, as they affect how agents manage licensing, visas, and business operations.
Namely, budgeting as a new agent is crucial, especially if you’re also considering a personal property investment in Dubai. Kredium’s real estate experts connect you with tailored mortgage offers and verified listings, no guesswork, just expert-backed solutions to help you move forward faster.
A table with key differences between sponsorship and freelancing
Aspect | Sponsored Agent | Freelancer |
|---|---|---|
Visa Provided By | Brokerage | Self (via trade/freelance license) |
Licensing Handled By | Brokerage | Agent |
Upfront Costs | Lower | Higher |
Independence Level | Limited | Full |
Ideal For | Beginners, employees | Experienced agents |
For Sponsored Agents
Most new agents work under a licensed brokerage. In this model, the brokerage handles key administrative responsibilities such as visa sponsorship, license applications, and sometimes even covers the costs of mandatory RERA training and exams.
This path reduces initial expenses and provides agents with structured support, access to client networks, and guidance on regulatory compliance. It is ideal for those starting out who want to focus on learning the market while having administrative burdens managed by the brokerage.
For Freelancers
Freelance agents operate independently and must obtain their own trade or freelance license, usually through a free zone authority. They are responsible for securing their own residency visa, health insurance, and ensuring timely license renewals.
While freelancing offers greater freedom and control over business decisions, it also requires a higher financial investment and demands that agents manage all regulatory compliance themselves. This path suits experienced agents who have established networks and prefer working autonomously without brokerage oversight.
FAQs
Thinking about becoming a real estate agent in Dubai or just curious about how the industry works? Here are some common questions to help you understand what to expect—covering everything from salaries to licensing and day-to-day work.
1. What is the average salary of a real estate agent in Dubai?
Real estate agents in Dubai earn an average of AED 214,000 per year, with salaries typically ranging from AED 114,900 to AED 325,900 annually.
2. Can expats work as real estate agents in Dubai?
Yes, expats can become real estate agents in Dubai, but they must have a valid UAE residency visa to apply for a real estate license. UAE residents and GCC nationals can register for the licensing process more directly.
3. What is the cost of obtaining a real estate license in Dubai?
The cost of a real estate license in Dubai typically ranges between AED 30,000 and AED 45,000, depending on the type of activity. For example, a license for real estate brokerage usually costs around AED 30,000.
4. Can you start a real estate career in Dubai without prior experience?
Yes, you can enter the real estate industry in Dubai without previous experience. While experience is an advantage, many brokerages offer full training and expect agents to stay informed about the market, regulations, and available properties.
5. Is selling property in Dubai challenging?
Yes, selling real estate in Dubai can be challenging due to the fast-paced and competitive nature of the market. A strategic approach and strong understanding of market trends are essential for a successful and timely sale.
6. How are real estate agents paid in Dubai?
In Dubai, real estate agents earn through commissions, usually calculated as a percentage of the property's sale or rental price. This commission is typically paid by the buyer, seller, landlord, or tenant, depending on the transaction.
Conclusion
Becoming a real estate agent in Dubai isn’t just about passing an exam or getting a license, it’s about building a career in a competitive and highly regulated market. With the right training, support system, and business setup, you can position yourself for long-term success.
Whether you’re entering the industry with no experience or looking to grow your existing real estate business, following each of these steps will set you on the right track. Stay informed, stay compliant, and make smart decisions to thrive in Dubai’s real estate scene.
Buying property in Dubai? Kredium’s real estate experts connect you with mortgage solutions designed for your needs, guiding you step-by-step through the process to secure the best financing with ease.
Photo Credits: Pexels
