Dubai’s real estate sector is currently thriving, making it a popular line of work for anyone. The influx of expats into the country means more people looking for places to rent or buy. So there’s never been a better time to become a real estate agent. Here’s how to get a RERA license in the UAE for anyone considering a career pivot.
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency
The RERA law deals with:
- Tenants
- Landlords
- Real estate agents
- Investors
- Licensing of real estate agents
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency operates under the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and primarily regulates the property sector. These are their main responsibilities:
- Supporting real estate sector growth
- Educating general public on real estate policies and laws
- Regulating leasing agreements
- Issuing RERA agent licenses and approving real estate company applications
- Conducting R&D on real estate sector and publishing reports
An Overview of the RERA License
A RERA license in Dubai legitimizes your experience, boosts your credibility, and unlocks more business opportunities. Only licensed brokers are allowed to post on real estate websites in the country. So if you are a real estate agent or are looking to become one, getting your license should be the first step. If you don’t, you risk facing legal consequences.
Getting a RERA license will give you access to a wider audience, increase your chances of making a sale and earning a commission. If you are a RERA licensed agent, sellers are also more likely to trust you, giving you more properties to manage.
To be eligible for the RERA broker license Dubai, you need to:
- Have completed high school
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have permission to live and work in UAE
- Have passed the exam and gotten the certificate
Permitted Business Activities Under a RERA License
If you are successful in getting a RERA agent license, there are multiple business activities you are permitted to participate in:
- Real estate consulting
- Brokerage for renting real estate
- Real estate inspection services
- Real estate mortgage brokerage
- Real estate survey services
- Administrative supervision services for real estate
- Mortgage consulting
- Real estate development
- Brokerage for buying and selling real estate
- Real estate registration services
- Real estate representative office
- Real estate promotion registration services
- Real estate public auctions & exhibition services
- Purchasing & selling land and real estate
- Leasing and managing private real estate
- Leasing and managing real estate for a third party
- Administrative supervision services for owners associations
Steps to Get a RERA Broker License
You cannot start your business until the RERA license has been obtained. So whether you are planning to freelance, start your own business, or are employed by a company in the property sector, applying for the license should be the first step.
1. Get a UAE Residence Permit
The first thing you’ll need to do is apply for a UAE residence visa. If you’re a citizen of the UAE, you can skip this step. Basically, you need to be able to legally reside in the country before you get the RERA license in Dubai.
You can get a UAE visa by applying through the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs). Residence visas can be issued to entrepreneurs starting a real estate business and to individuals who have been employed by an existing business in the UAE.
2. Complete DREI Training
To become a fully licensed real estate agent, you will need to pass the exam and receive your certificate. You must complete an accredited course to be eligible for the exam. DREI (Dubai Real Estate Institute) is the most popular training provider, however, other options are available.
3. Apply for the RERA License
Once you pass the exam, you can apply for the RERA agent license on the DLD website. You’ll need to attach the necessary documents, including your personal identity documents, exam details, and pay the processing fees.
4. Get Approval & Start Your Business
The RERA broker license Dubai is renewable, and will be issued for one year. You will need to renew it every year if you plan on running your business long-term. Once your license is approved, you can officially start your company.
Clients may ask to see your license as proof of your legitimacy, so it’s best to wait until you have the actual license before commencing your business.
RERA License Cost
The price of the RERA license in Dubai is AED 5,020 per activity, according to the Dubai Land Department service page. The price may be subject to change based on your qualifications.
It costs about AED 1,000 to get your broker identification, and registering for the exam can cost between AED 750 to AED 1,100.
RERA Exam Registration | AED 750 – AED 1,100 |
RERA License | AED 5,020 (per activity) |
Issuance of Broker ID | AED 1,000 |
What Documents Do I Need for a RERA Agent License Application?
If you’re getting a RERA License, these are the documents you will need for your application:
- Personal identification documents (Passport, Visa, Emirates ID)
- Passport-size Photo
- Dubai Police Certificate (if required)
- RERA Exam Certificate
If you’re applying as a business, you will also need to submit:
- Trade license
- Memorandum of Association
- Trade name registration
- Ejari
- NOC (for free zones)
Frequently Asked Questions About RERA License
RERA is the Real Estate Regulatory Agency. They function under the Dubai Land Department and handle everything related to real estate in the Emirate. They are also in charge of issuing RERA agent licenses.
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency regulates everything related to property and its licensing in the Emirate. A RERA license Dubai allows individuals to coordinate the sale of properties and earn a commission. On the other hand, the Dubai Land Department oversees RERA and also controls all the land-related regulations and registration.
Any agent found to be operating without a license can face serious legal consequences from the authorities. Illegal real estate activities can lead to fines from the DLD and may lead to the termination of your business and further legal actions.
The RERA exam course can be completed in four days, but it can take you a few weeks to get your RERA broker license, as you will have to prepare for the exam, pass it, apply for the license, and wait for it to be approved.
A RERA license in Dubai is only issued to residents or citizens of the country. You will also need to have finished your high school education and be over 21 to be eligible.
The RERA license cost is AED 5,020 per business activity and can be applied for through the DLD website. The license is valid for one year.
You should submit your exam certificate as part of your RERA agent license application along with some personal identification documents and pay the fees.
You can get a RERA agent license by taking the DREI course, completing the exam, and applying for the license through the Dubai Land Department.
The RERA license in Dubai can be renewed annually on the DLD website. All you have to do is submit your renewal application and pay the fees.
The RERA license exam is a two hour, multiple choice exam. The course to prepare for the exam takes about four days to finish and can be completed online. You need at least 75% to pass the exam.
