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Table of Contents
Dubai operates one of the most liquid and fastest-growing property markets in the Gulf region. Zero personal income tax, strong rental yields and sustained international buyer demand make the city a strategic base for real estate entrepreneurs. Freehold ownership rights for foreign investors in designated areas, combined with the Dubai Land Department's (DLD) fully digital title infrastructure, add confidence to the sector. A real estate company established here can consolidate brokerage, property management, project marketing and advisory income under a single entity.
Before setting up a real estate company, you must define your business model. Will you focus on brokerage or on portfolio management? This decision directly affects your license type, team structure and budget.
The main property business models you can operate in Dubai are:
You act as an intermediary between buyer and seller, earning commission on sales and leasing transactions. A RERA-approved broker card is mandatory.
You manage leasing, collections, maintenance and tenant relations on behalf of owners. It offers regular, predictable revenue.
This involves land development and project construction; it requires significant capital and additional approvals.
It provides investment analysis, valuation and market research, usually alongside brokerage activity.
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) is the regulatory arm of the DLD. To broker property in Dubai, you must complete broker training, pass the brokerage exam and issue your broker card through the Trakheesi system. The card is renewed annually. Exam and training fees may vary based on your educational level.
The table below summarizes current items based on the Dubai Land Department's (DLD) official service fees. The trade license fee varies according to activity type, number of partners and office size.
| Item | Official Fee (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Broker card issuance | AED 500 |
| Brokerage exam | AED 700 + AED 10 knowledge + AED 10 innovation + AED 50 exam fee (+5% VAT) |
| Broker training | AED 500 (+5% VAT = AED 525) |
| Real Estate Knowledge Bank | AED 300 (+5% VAT = AED 315) |
| Broker card renewal (annual) | AED 500 |
| Trade license | Varies by activity and structure (DET) |
The UAE corporate tax regime, effective since 1 June 2023, also applies to real estate companies. The core rates are:
| Tax Type | Rate / Threshold |
|---|---|
| Corporate Tax (up to AED 375,000) | 0% |
| Corporate Tax (above AED 375,000) | 9% |
| Small Business Relief | Annual revenue ≤ AED 3,000,000 |
| VAT | 5% |
Corporate tax requires registration with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Real estate companies with annual income exceeding AED 375,000 are taxed at 9% on the excess. Taxpayers benefiting from Small Business Relief may, under certain conditions, reduce their tax liability to zero.
A mainland structure is required for DLD/RERA-licensed brokerage activity; it offers the flexibility to transact directly in the local market.
Free zones can be advantageous for consultancy- and management-focused models; however, physical property brokerage generally requires a mainland license. Choosing the structure that fits your model is decisive for both cost and scope of activity.
For the link between property investment and residency in Dubai, see our Dubai Golden Visa guide, and for purchase procedures, explore our ways to buy property in Dubai article.
Note: The tables containing rates and costs (amounts) on this page were prepared for July 2026 and may be updated by the official authorities. You can verify the most current fees and rates on the official websites of the relevant institutions (DLD, RERA, FTA).
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A RERA-approved broker card is mandatory for brokerage activity. You complete broker training, pass the exam and issue the card via the Trakheesi system.
According to Dubai Land Department (DLD) data, broker card issuance is around AED 500 and annual renewal around AED 500. Exam and training fees are calculated separately, with 5% VAT added.
Companies with annual income above AED 375,000 are subject to 9% corporate tax on the excess; up to AED 375,000 the rate is 0%. VAT is 5%. Small Business Relief may apply under certain conditions.
Physical property brokerage generally requires a DLD/RERA-licensed mainland structure. Free zones can be more advantageous for consultancy- and management-focused models.
With complete documents, the trade license can be obtained within a few business days. The broker card requires additional time for training and the exam. Total duration varies by business model and approvals.
+90 542 381 3868
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