How to Start a Real Estate Business in the UAE?
The UAE’s property market continues to be one of the most dynamic and lucrative in the region, attracting investors, entrepreneurs, and global firms alike. With high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, the opportunity to start a real estate business in the UAE is more promising than ever in 2025.
Whether you want to launch a brokerage firm, manage rental properties, or offer real estate consultancy services, the UAE offers a straightforward yet regulated process for business setup, especially in cities like Dubai, where the sector is globally recognized.
If you are considering setting up a company in the UAE’s real estate sector, we have provided a comprehensive guide on how to get started.
Step-by-Step: Starting a Real Estate Business in the UAE
1. Choose the Right Business Activity
The first step in your business setup in the UAE is selecting the correct business activity during the licensing stage. This could include:
- Real estate buying & selling
- Leasing and property management
- Real estate consultancy
- Real estate development
- Real estate marketing services
This decision determines the type of trade license you will receive and the approvals required.
2. Decide Between Mainland and Free Zone Setup
Your choice between Dubai business setup in the mainland or a free zone affects market access, cost, and compliance.
Mainland setup allows you to operate across the UAE and is ideal for real estate brokerages requiring interaction with clients throughout Dubai and other emirates.
Free zone setups may suit investors managing properties or offering consultancy internationally.
3. Obtain Special Approvals
Starting a real estate business in the UAE, especially in Dubai, requires approvals from sector-specific regulatory bodies.
In Dubai, you must go through:
- Dubai Land Department (DLD) – Regulates all property transactions.
- Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) – Issues broker cards and certifications.
- Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) – Issues trade licenses after regulatory approvals.
- Trakheesi & Ejari – Mandatory portals for listings, advertising, and rental agreements.
In other emirates:
- Abu Dhabi – Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT)
- Sharjah – Real Estate Registration Department
- Ajman – ARRA (Ajman Real Estate Regulatory Agency)
4. Office Space Requirement
Unlike some sectors, a real estate license in the UAE typically mandates a physical office space. Flexi-desks or virtual offices may not be permitted, especially for brokerage activities that require DLD or RERA inspections.
The office size may also affect your visa eligibility and the number of employees allowed under your license.
Why Start a Real Estate Business in the UAE?
- 100% foreign ownership permitted in mainland and free zones
- High ROI across residential, commercial, and holiday rental markets
- Advanced digital infrastructure (DLD apps, online contracts, smart valuation)
- Access to a growing population of investors and residents
How CLA Emirates Can Support?
At CLA Emirates, we provide comprehensive support for real estate business setup across the UAE, ensuring regulatory compliance and smooth execution at every step. Our services include:
- Business activity selection and strategic structuring
- Assistance with RERA training and certification
- DLD and DET approval coordination
- Ejari and Trakheesi portal registrations
- Office space solutions tailored to your license needs
- Corporate bank account assistance
- Ongoing compliance support: UBO, Corporate Tax, AML, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions about Starting a Real Estate Company in the UAE (FAQ)
1. Do I need to be a UAE national to open a real estate company?
Ans: No. As of the current laws, expats and foreign nationals can own 100% of a real estate business in the UAE, especially in designated free zones and most mainland activities.
2. Is a RERA license mandatory to start a real estate company in Dubai?
Ans: Yes. For real estate brokerage or consultancy activities in Dubai, RERA certification is required for at least one shareholder or manager. This involves completing training and passing the RERA exam.
3. What type of office space is required for a real estate license?
Ans: A physical office is usually mandatory, especially for brokerage businesses.
4. How long does it take to set up a real estate company in the UAE?
Ans: Typically, 7 to 14 working days, depending on approvals and completion of RERA training/certification.
5. Can I apply for visas under a real estate license?
Ans: Yes. The number of residence visas allowed depends on the license type and size of your office space.
6. Can I start a real estate business in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or other emirates?
Ans: Yes. Each emirate has its own regulatory body (like DMT in Abu Dhabi or ARRA in Ajman). Setup requirements are similar, but approval processes may differ.
Call for Consultation
Mr. Ragesh Mattummal | Partner & Co-Founder
M: +971 50 357 8031
E: Ragesh.Mattummal@claemirates.com
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