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Dubai's fast-growing real estate market continues to attract local and international investors well into 2026. Yet anyone who wants to operate professionally in this market — brokers, consultants and real estate companies alike — must first secure approval from RERA (the Real Estate Regulatory Agency). This guide covers what a RERA license is, the benefits it brings, the documents required, the step-by-step application process, and the 2026 official fees confirmed directly from the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
RERA operates under the Dubai Land Department (DLD) as the official body regulating every professional activity in the emirate's real estate sector. Anyone wishing to work as a broker, consultant, property manager or valuer in Dubai must register with RERA through the Trakheesi electronic system and obtain the practice card that matches their activity.
This requirement applies to individual professionals as well as registered real estate companies. The license reflects professionalism, competence and transparency: applicants must complete the relevant training and pass the RERA exam, while companies must also hold a valid trade license, a physical office address and properly maintained financial records.
A RERA license applies to companies operating both on the Dubai mainland and in free zones, although the application authority and additional requirements can differ. Free zone companies usually need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their free zone authority, while mainland companies apply directly through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). In both cases, final approval and the practice card are issued by RERA. Every staff member who deals directly with clients — partners, sales agents and leasing consultants included — must hold their own individual practice card.
Obtaining RERA approval is far more than a legal formality — it is a genuine competitive advantage in Dubai's property market.
A RERA-licensed agency demonstrates that it operates transparently and under regulatory oversight, which builds credibility with clients and partners. International buyers in particular often check a company's RERA registration before committing to a transaction.
RERA's legal framework offers a protective mechanism for both the company and its clients in the event of a dispute, including rental disagreements, commission conflicts and breaches of contract.
Only professionals holding a valid RERA card can process title deed transfers, mortgage registrations and tenancy contract registrations through the Dubai Land Department. Operating without one risks fines and invalidated transactions.
RERA's training and examination standards raise the overall knowledge level in the sector, allowing licensed companies to position themselves more professionally in the market. These advantages are not limited to large firms — newly established boutique agencies can also earn the trust of corporate clients and international investors much faster once they are RERA-licensed.
RERA carries out the following core functions to keep Dubai's property market organised, transparent and sustainable:
RERA approval is issued under different card categories depending on the activity. Choosing the correct card category before applying is essential to avoid delays:
Submitting complete, current and, where required, attested documents is essential to avoid an early rejection of your application. The documents typically requested include:
Before applying, you need a valid UAE residency visa and must meet the minimum experience or education level required for your target activity. Clarifying which card category you need at this stage speeds up every later step.
Open an account on the Dubai Land Department's Trakheesi system, select the relevant service, and link your application to a trade license issued through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Attend the training course delivered by the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI), then sit and pass the official RERA examination. Applicants above 55, brokers with five consecutive years at the same office, and certain start-up license holders may be exempt from the exam.
Upload the required documents — identification, photo, experience proof and exam results — to complete your practice card application.
Once approved, pay the applicable fee online; your card is issued electronically through the system, allowing you to legally operate in Dubai's real estate market.
Including training, exams and document approvals, the full process usually takes anywhere from a few weeks to two or three months, depending on how well-prepared the applicant is. Working with an experienced consultancy can shorten this timeline considerably by avoiding common documentation delays.
The following fees were verified directly on the official Dubai Land Department (DLD) website as of July 2026. Your total cost will also depend on factors such as the card category, number of exams required, and your company's trade license expenses, so use the table below as a reference for RERA-specific card and exam fees only:
| Service | Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| Issuing a real estate broker card | 500 |
| RERA broker exam | 700 + 10 (knowledge fee) + 10 (innovation fee) |
| ERES fee | 50 + VAT |
| National broker card | 500 |
| Real estate consultant card | 500 |
| Mortgage broker / consultant card | 500 |
| Private / third-party property management card | 500 |
| Real estate registrar / services registrar card | 500 |
| Trainee evaluator card | 500 |
| Real estate evaluator card | 5,000 |
Note: The rates and amounts above are current as of July 2026 and may change at the discretion of the relevant authorities. For the latest and most accurate figures, please check the Dubai Land Department (dubailand.gov.ae) and other official government websites directly.
A RERA practice card's validity is directly tied to the trade license it is linked to; the card cannot be renewed unless the trade license itself is renewed. Cardholders must submit their renewal request through the Trakheesi system before expiry, and certain card categories require passing the annual professional exam again. Renewal fees are generally in line with the standard issuance fee, and the current amount should always be confirmed on official sources.
Most of these mistakes can easily be avoided by working with an experienced consultancy from the very start of the process.
Entrepreneurs often confuse the RERA card with a company's general trade license, yet the two are complementary but distinct documents. The trade license is issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or the relevant free zone authority and defines the business activity a company is legally permitted to carry out, such as real estate brokerage services. The RERA card, on the other hand, is a personal document linked to that trade license, confirming that an individual professional within the company is qualified and registered with RERA.
A real estate company needs both a valid trade license and RERA cards for its staff in order to operate legally in Dubai — neither document is sufficient on its own. Planning both processes together at the company formation stage helps avoid compliance gaps later on.
Setting up a real estate company in Dubai and securing a RERA license moves far more smoothly with the right guidance. For the company formation steps, see our guide on how to set up a real estate company in Dubai, and for contracts and regulatory matters, our legal consultancy service can support you.
World Company Setup supports clients through every stage of the process — license applications, document preparation, training coordination and legal advisory.
RERA (the Real Estate Regulatory Agency) oversees Dubai's property market to create a transparent, fair and secure environment. It protects the rights of tenants and landlords, regulates tenancy contracts and ensures compliance with sector regulations.
Yes. RERA is an official government body operating under the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and is actively enforced across the emirate. It brings trust, transparency and order to developers, investors, buyers and tenants alike, and its standards help position Dubai as a globally preferred real estate investment hub.
Yes. A RERA certificate is a legal requirement for anyone wishing to work professionally in Dubai's real estate sector. It requires completing a training programme and passing the official exam, and it formally certifies that the holder understands Dubai's real estate laws and ethical standards.
Anyone wishing to work as a real estate broker must apply to RERA with the required documents to complete registration. Once the application is approved, a license granting legal permission to practise is issued.
Yes, but only within the rates and rules set by RERA. Dubai's tenancy law limits rent increases to protect both tenants and landlords.
In the event of a contract breach, RERA steps in to help resolve disputes between landlord and tenant, offering mediation and legal process support to reach a fair outcome for both parties.
World Company Setup helps individuals and companies complete all RERA-related registration, licensing, compliance and documentation smoothly, offering professional support so clients can enter Dubai's real estate sector with confidence.
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