Practicing as a licensed real estate broker in Dubai requires registration with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), a division of the Dubai Land Department, and individuals cannot legally arrange property sales or leases on behalf of clients for commission without this specific registration, regardless of whether they hold a general trade license.
The core requirement for individual brokers is passing the RERA certification exam, which covers UAE real estate law, the Dubai property market, brokerage ethics, and relevant Dubai Land Department procedures, typically preceded by a mandatory training course offered through Dubai Land Department-approved training providers. Brokers also need a clean legal record and, for non-UAE nationals, a valid UAE residence visa before they can register.
At the company level, a real estate brokerage itself needs its own RERA-issued trade license specifically for real estate brokerage activity, which is distinct from a general trading license, along with each individual broker working under that company holding their own personal RERA registration card. The brokerage also needs to register with the Dubai Land Department's Ejari and Trakheesi systems used for tracking transactions and marketing permits respectively.
Ongoing compliance includes annual renewal of both the individual broker's RERA card and the company's brokerage license, adherence to RERA's advertising rules which require every property listing to display a valid Trakheesi permit number, and compliance with escrow and commission handling rules for transactions. Because RERA periodically updates its exam content, training requirements, and advertising compliance rules, brokers and brokerage owners should confirm current requirements directly with the Dubai Land Department before beginning the registration process.
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RERA Real Estate Broker License in Dubai: How to Qualify
Published 15 Jul 2026 · Updated 12 Aug 2026 · 2 min read · By UAE Info Portal Editorial Team, Editorial Team
Reviewed by UAE Info Portal Editorial Team, Editorial Team
Key Takeaways
- Individuals cannot legally arrange property sales/leases for commission without RERA registration, regardless of a general trade license.
- Requires passing the RERA certification exam, preceded by a mandatory training course.
- The brokerage company needs its own RERA-issued license distinct from a general trading license; each broker needs personal RERA registration.
- Every property listing must display a valid Trakheesi permit number under RERA's advertising rules.
Step-by-Step Process
-
1
Complete mandatory training course
Through a DLD-approved provider.
-
2
Pass the RERA certification exam
-
3
Register with RERA
Requires clean record and valid residence visa for non-UAE nationals.
-
4
Renew annually
Both individual card and company brokerage license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell property in Dubai with just a general trade license?
No, arranging property sales or leases for commission specifically requires RERA registration as a licensed broker, separate from and in addition to holding a general trade license.
What does the RERA broker certification process involve?
It typically involves a mandatory training course through a Dubai Land Department-approved provider followed by a certification exam covering UAE real estate law, market practices, and brokerage ethics.
Does every individual agent at a brokerage need their own RERA registration?
Yes, each individual broker working under a licensed brokerage company generally needs their own personal RERA registration card in addition to the company's brokerage license.
What is a Trakheesi permit number and why does it matter?
It's a marketing permit number that RERA requires to appear on every property listing advertisement, and listings without a valid Trakheesi number are non-compliant with RERA's advertising rules.
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