Starting a real estate company in Dubai isn’t complicated once you know the system. You pick your business activity and structure, secure a trade name and initial approval, complete the RERA course, lease an office and register it under Ejari, get your trade license, and then move on to visas and banking. That’s the basic flow.
Now here’s why so many entrepreneurs are doing it.
In 2024, Dubai’s property sector smashed every record on the board. Total transaction values jumped by about 36% year-on-year, crossing the AED 760 billion mark – roughly a 20% rise in value compared to the previous year. For context, that’s more than the GDP of some small countries.
This isn’t luck. Dubai’s property market has been built deliberately – on solid regulation, smart infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies that protect and reward participants. Whether you’re a first-time investor or a seasoned developer, the city gives you access to one of the most active and profitable real estate ecosystems anywhere.
This guide breaks everything down – the steps, the costs, the paperwork, the benefits – and how Creative Zone can help you get up and running without wasting time or money.
Why Dubai is a prime destination for real estate businesses
Dubai didn’t stumble into real estate success. It planned for it. Over the past two decades, this once-sleepy trading port turned into one of the planet’s most recognisable skylines. Population growth, foreign investment, and tourism fuel the engine, while strong policy keeps it running smoothly.
Government initiatives such as the Golden Visa, 100% ownership laws, and the Dubai Land Department’s digital property registry have changed the game for investors. Today, you can buy, sell, or lease property with full transparency and confidence in the system that supports you.
Add in economic diversification, major projects like Expo City, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Palm Jebel Ali, and you’ve got a property market that refuses to slow down. For brokers, managers, or developers – Dubai is where scale meets stability.
How to start a real estate company in Dubai
Starting a real estate company in Dubai involves six key steps: choosing your business activity and legal structure, reserving a trade name and applying for initial approval, obtaining RERA approval and qualifications, securing an office space and Ejari registration, getting your trade license, applying for your visas and opening a corporate bank account.
Step 1: Choose your business activity and company structure
The first move is to define what you’ll actually do. Real estate brokerage, property management, development, leasing, consultancy – the activity determines everything else.
Then, pick where you’ll base the company. A mainland setup lets you trade freely across the UAE, while a free zone gives you 100% ownership, lighter tax obligations, and an easier setup process. Each option affects costs and how many visas you can sponsor.
At this stage, Creative Zone steps in to help you figure out which structure fits best – no guesswork, no unnecessary fees, just a setup built around your goals.
Step 2: Reserve a trade name and apply for initial approval
Next, you register your company name with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or your chosen free zone. It has to align with your business activity and meet UAE naming rules. Once the name’s approved, you’ll receive initial clearance to move forward.
Step 3: Obtain RERA approval and qualifications
Here’s where the real estate specifics come in. Everyone in the industry – owners, brokers, or managers – must register with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) under the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
You’ll take the RERA course, pass the exam, and receive certification. It’s a straightforward process but essential: RERA approval is your credibility card in Dubai’s property scene.
Step 4: Secure an office space and Ejari registration
Every real estate company in Dubai needs an office. For most real estate licenses, this means a physical office in Dubai registered under Ejari, although some free zones may accept a flexi-desk or serviced office setup.
Ejari registration connects your address to your business license and is required for visas, utilities, and renewals. Without it, your license application won’t go through.
Step 5: Get your trade license issued
After RERA and Ejari are sorted, it’s time for your trade license. Mainland companies apply through the DET, and free zone entities through their respective authorities.
Once approved, that license becomes your green light to operate legally – to buy, sell, lease, or manage property under Dubai’s laws.
Step 6: Apply for visas and open a corporate bank account
The final part of setup covers visas and banking. With your trade license in hand, you can apply for UAE residency visas for yourself, your employees, and your family.
You’ll also open a corporate bank account, which is essential for handling transactions, client deposits, and commissions. Creative Zone can arrange both steps smoothly so you don’t hit bureaucratic roadblocks later.
Types of real estate licenses in Dubai
Dubai issues several license types depending on your area of focus. The main ones are: real estate brokerage license, real estate management license, real estate development license, real estate consultancy license, and real estate leasing and buying/selling brokerage license.
Here’s a breakdown of each:
- Real estate brokerage license – For agents or firms handling sales and leasing for clients.
- Real estate management license – For managing properties, collecting rent, and maintaining assets.
- Real estate development license – For developers constructing and selling projects.
- Real estate consultancy license – For valuation, advisory, or market analysis services.
- Real estate leasing and buying/selling brokerage license – A combined license covering leasing and resale transactions.
Each license type carries different regulatory requirements, and Creative Zone can guide you through which one suits your business model.
Documents required to start a real estate company in Dubai
You’ll need a solid paperwork file before you apply for final approvals. Here’s what to prepare:
- Passport copies of all shareholders and partners
- Passport-size photographs
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Articles of Association
- Proof of office lease and Ejari certificate
- Initial approval from the DET or free zone authority
- RERA course completion certificate (for licensed agents or brokers)
- Shareholder residency or visa copies (if applicable)
- Proof of address and contact details
- Bank reference letter or statement
Once Creative Zone verifies everything and submits it, you’re ready to move into the licensing stage.
Cost of starting a real estate company in Dubai
The total cost to start a real estate business in Dubai depends on your chosen jurisdiction, office location, and number of employees. On average, here’s what to expect:
- Trade license and registration: AED 10,000 to AED 20,000
- RERA certification and registration: AED 2,500 to AED 5,000 per person
- Office rent and Ejari registration: AED 8,000 to AED 15,000 annually
- Visa processing and establishment card: AED 3,000 to AED 6,000 per visa
- Bank account setup and renewals: AED 2,000 to AED 5,000
In total, most setups fall between AED 15,000 and AED 30,000 depending on scale and jurisdiction. Free zones sometimes offer all-inclusive packages covering licensing, visas, and workspace. Creative Zone helps compare these packages to find the best fit for your business.
Benefits of starting a real estate company in Dubai
Dubai offers every advantage a real estate entrepreneur could ask for: a booming market, complete ownership rights, unwavering government support, investor confidence, low taxation, and an open gateway to global clients and skilled professionals.
1. A booming property market
Dubai’s property scene is booming, with record sales and rental yields across every segment. Entrepreneurs entering now can ride a wave of sustained demand and investor interest.
2. 100% foreign ownership
You can own your company outright – no local partner required – giving you full control of profits and operations.
3. High investor confidence and government backing
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) and RERA keep the market transparent and safe. Add long-term visas and investor-friendly reforms, and confidence stays high.
4. Low taxes and easy profit repatriation
Zero personal income tax and full profit repatriation mean more freedom to reinvest or expand globally without restrictions.
5. Access to global clients and talent
Dubai attracts investors, buyers, and tenants from every corner of the world. Its connectivity and infrastructure make it a natural headquarters for real estate professionals.
Why choose Creative Zone for your real estate company setup
Starting a real estate company in Dubai is straightforward when guided by experts who understand the system. Creative Zone offers end-to-end support, handling everything from trade license applications and RERA registration to visa processing, banking setup, and ongoing compliance.
Our team assists with documentation, jurisdiction selection, and regulatory approvals, ensuring your business meets all DLD and RERA requirements. With over 75,000 successful setups across the UAE, Creative Zone is a trusted partner for entrepreneurs pursuing business setup in Dubai.
From your first consultation to the day your license is issued, we make sure the process is seamless, efficient, and compliant – so you can focus on building your property portfolio and growing your brand.
Ready to build your real estate business in Dubai? Contact Creative Zone today to take that first step.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a real estate company in Dubai?
Usually between AED 15,000 and AED 30,000, depending on the setup, office, and visa needs.
Do I need a RERA license to operate as a real estate agent?
Yes. Anyone working as an agent or broker in Dubai must complete the RERA training and obtain certification before conducting property transactions.
Can foreigners start a real estate business in Dubai?
Yes. Foreign investors can own 100% of a real estate company in most free zones and many mainland categories, as long as they meet licensing and qualification requirements.
What are the requirements for RERA certification?
Applicants must complete the DLD-approved RERA course, pass the qualification exam, and submit required documents like ID, educational proof, and trade license details.
What is the validity of a real estate trade license in Dubai?
Real estate trade licenses are valid for one year and renewed annually alongside Ejari and RERA updates.
