Dubai’s property market is on fire again in 2025, and thousands of new brokers, developers, and proptech startups are rushing in. But getting your business setup consultant in Dubai wrong in this highly regulated sector is the fastest way to receive a AED 100,000+ fine or permanent ban. Here are the exact licenses, costs, and rules every real estate entrepreneur must know this year.
The Four Real Estate Activities & Required Licenses 2025
| Activity | Required License | Issuing Authority | Min. Capital / Office |
| Real Estate Brokerage | Real Estate Broker License | Dubai Land Department (DLD) | AED 100k + 500 sq ft office |
| Property Management | Property Management License | DLD / RERA | Same as above |
| Real Estate Development | Developer License + Escrow Account | DLD | AED 10M+ |
| PropTech / Portal | Real Estate Services + IT Services | Free zone + DLD approval | Flexi desk OK |
99 % of new entrants need the Broker License first.
Step-by-Step Brokerage Setup Process 2025 (45–75 Days Total)
Phase 1 – Company Formation (14–21 days)
- Set up in mainland or specific free zones (DMCC, DAFZA, JAFZA allow real estate)
- Minimum 1 shareholder + 1 manager (can be same person)
- Rent physical office (500+ sq ft) with Ejari
Phase 2 – RERA Training & Exam
- All brokers/managers must pass official RERA exam (4-hour online course + test)
- Cost: AED 3,000–5,000 per person
- Validity: lifetime
Phase 3 – DLD Application
Submit:
- Trade license + Ejari
- RERA exam certificates
- AED 100,000 bank guarantee or cash deposit
- Manager’s experience letter (2+ years in real estate preferred) Processing: 14–30 days
Phase 4 – Broker Card & Portal Access
- Receive individual broker cards (AED 500 each)
- Access to DubaiREST app (mandatory for all transactions)
Real Costs 2025 – Brokerage Example
| Item | Cost (AED) |
| Mainland LLC setup + office (500 sq ft) | 85,000–180,000 |
| RERA exam (2 persons) | 8,000–10,000 |
| Bank guarantee / deposit | 100,000 (refundable after 3 years) |
| DLD license fee | 12,000–25,000 |
| First-year total | 220,000–350,000 |
Golden Rules for 2025
- Never start brokerage in pure free zone without DLD approval (instant ban)
- Every transaction must go through escrow (10 % commission cap)
- All advertising must display RERA ORN & BRN numbers
- Off-plan sales require separate developer approval
- Proptech portals must register as “Real Estate Services Provider” + get DLD portal license
Fastest Growing Real Estate Niches 2025
- Short-term lets / holiday homes (new Dubai Tourism license required)
- Fractional ownership platforms
- Proptech valuation & mortgage tools
- Luxury property concierge for UHNW clients
Dubai sold AED 400+ billion in property in the first 10 months of 2025. Get the licenses right and real estate remains the fastest, most lucrative sector in the emirate — get them wrong and you’re out before you start.