VAZONE Expert Guide

Real Estate Company in Dubai

Starting a real estate company in Dubai is simple when you follow the required steps—selecting your activity, completing RERA certification, securing Ejari, and obtaining your trade license. With a booming property market and full foreign ownership options, Dubai offers an ideal environment for real estate businesses. VA Zone helps you complete the setup quickly and compliantly.

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How to Start a Real Estate Company in Dubai: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Starting a real estate company in Dubai is simpler than most people think—especially when you follow a clear, structured process. From choosing the right business activity to completing your RERA certification and securing your trade license, every step follows a predictable flow. And with a trusted setup partner like VA Zone, you can launch your business faster and avoid costly mistakes.

Dubai’s property market has been experiencing record-breaking growth. In recent years, transaction volumes and values have surged, crossing hundreds of billions of dirhams—not by chance, but due to strong regulations, global investor demand, and pro-business government policies. Whether you want to start a brokerage, property management firm, or development company, Dubai offers exceptional opportunities for profitability and long-term growth.

This guide explains every step, cost, requirement, and license type you need to know—plus how VA Zone makes the entire process smooth, compliant, and stress-free.

Why Dubai is the Best Place to Start a Real Estate Business

Dubai’s continuous development, world-class infrastructure, population growth, and high investor confidence make it one of the world’s most active real estate markets.

Key factors driving the boom include:

  • 100% foreign ownership for most real estate activities

  • Golden Visa opportunities for investors and professionals

  • Strong regulation through the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and RERA

  • High rental yields and steady capital appreciation

  • Tech-driven processes like digital property registration

  • Massive projects such as Dubai Creek Harbour, Expo City, and Palm Jebel Ali, which continue to expand opportunities

Dubai combines stability, transparency, and profitability—making it ideal for brokers, consultants, and developers.

How to Start a Real Estate Company in Dubai – Step-by-Step

Starting a real estate company in Dubai involves six essential steps. Here’s the complete breakdown:

Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity & Structure

Real estate activities you can choose from include:

  • Real estate brokerage

  • Property management

  • Real estate development

  • Real estate consultancy

  • Leasing and resale brokerage

Next, choose your company structure:

  • Mainland – freedom to operate anywhere in the UAE

  • Free zone – 100% ownership, simplified setup, and lower costs

Need help deciding?
👉 VA Zone offers a free consultation to help you select the right structure:
Company Setup & Formation

Step 2: Reserve Your Trade Name & Get Initial Approval

You’ll reserve your business name with the Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) or your chosen free zone.
Once approved, DET or the free zone authority issues your Initial Approval, allowing you to proceed with licensing.

Step 3: Complete RERA Course & Register with DLD

Every real estate professional in Dubai must be approved by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).

This includes:

  • RERA training

  • RERA exam

  • Registration under the Dubai Land Department (DLD)

This certification boosts your credibility and is mandatory to conduct brokerage transactions.

Step 4: Secure Office Space & Register Ejari

Every real estate company must have an office. Options depend on the license type:

  • Ejari-registered physical office (mandatory for most mainland real estate licenses)

  • Flexi-desk or serviced office (possible in certain free zones)

Ejari is required for:

  • License issuance

  • Visa allocation

  • Renewals

Step 5: Obtain Your Real Estate Trade License

This is your official approval to legally operate in Dubai.

  • Mainland: via the DET

  • Free zone: via the respective free zone authority

Once issued, your real estate company can buy, sell, lease, and manage properties.

Step 6: Apply for Visas & Open a Corporate Bank Account

With your license issued:

  • Apply for investor and employee visas

  • Get your establishment card

  • Open your corporate bank account

VA Zone assists with each step so you avoid delays or compliance issues.

Types of Real Estate Licenses in Dubai

Types of Real Estate Licenses in Dubai

Dubai offers multiple license types depending on your business model:

✅ Real Estate Brokerage License

For buying, selling, or leasing on behalf of clients.

✅ Real Estate Management License

For managing residential or commercial properties.

✅ Real Estate Development License

For constructing and selling projects.

 ✅Real Estate Consultancy License

For advisory, valuation, and market analysis.

 ✅Leasing & Buying/Selling Brokerage License

A combined license for leasing and resale transactions.

VA Zone helps you choose the right license category and secure approvals fast.

Documents Required to Start a Real Estate Company in Dubai

Prepare the following documents:

  • Passport copies of shareholders

  • Passport-size photos

  • Trade name reservation

  • Memorandum of Association (MOA)

  • Office lease & Ejari certificate

  • Initial approval certificate

  • RERA course completion certificate

  • Visa copies (if applicable)

  • Proof of address

  • Bank reference or statement

VA Zone handles documentation, verification, and submission from start to finish.

Cost of Starting a Real Estate Company in Dubai

Costs vary depending on the setup type (mainland or free zone), office, and visa requirements.

Typical cost range: AED 15,000 – AED 30,000

Breakdown:

  • Trade license: AED 10,000 – AED 20,000

  • RERA training & approval: AED 2,500 – AED 5,000

  • Office lease + Ejari: AED 8,000 – AED 15,000

  • Visa issuance: AED 3,000 – AED 6,000 per visa

  • Bank account setup: AED 2,000 – AED 5,000

Many free zones offer bundled packages—VA Zone helps compare and choose the best fit.

Benefits of Starting a Real Estate Company in Dubai

1. A Thriving Property Market

High rental yields and record-breaking sales offer excellent opportunities for agents and investors.

2. 100% Foreign Ownership

Full control of your business and profits.

3. Secure, Transparent, & Regulated Market

DLD & RERA ensure investor protection and smooth operations.

4. Low Taxes

Zero personal income tax and full profit repatriation.

5. Access to Global Talent & Investors

Dubai attracts buyers, tenants, and investors from around the world.

Why Choose VA Zone for Your Real Estate Company Setup?

VA Zone provides end-to-end business setup solutions across Dubai and the UAE. We handle every part of the real estate licensing journey:

  • Business activity selection

  • Structure & jurisdiction guidance

  • Trademark & name reservation

  • RERA registration support

  • Ejari & office setup assistance

  • Trade license issuance

  • Visa services

  • Corporate bank account opening

  • Compliance & renewals

With personalized guidance and years of experience in UAE business setup, VA Zone ensures a fast, hassle-free, and fully compliant process.

👉 Start your setup journey today:

Contact VA zone

Where can I learn more about starting a business in Dubai?

Visit our guide:
👉 How to Start a Business in Dubai

Frequently Asked Questions – How to Start a Real Estate Company in Dubai

How much does it cost to start a real estate company in Dubai?

Between AED 15,000 and AED 30,000, depending on licenses, office, and visa requirements.

Is a RERA license mandatory?

Yes. All agents, brokers, and real estate companies must complete RERA training and certification.

Can foreigners start a real estate business in Dubai?

Absolutely. UAE allows 100% foreign ownership in most real estate activities.

What is the validity of the license?

Real estate licenses must be renewed every year, along with Ejari and RERA updates.

Financial Advisory in Dubai