How to Get a Real Estate Broker License in Dubai

Are you looking to have a career in the field of real estate in Dubai? Amid the promising performance of this sector, many are venturing into this career path looking to reap the many benefits it can generate. Real estate agents and brokers can capitalize on the high demand and diversified property options to build a solid career.

If you are one of those professionals aspiring to become a licensed real estate broker in Dubai; you’d want to read on. Our blog sheds light on the requirements, process, and cost of acquiring a real estate broker’s license, in addition to some tips to pass the test and maintain your license.

Why Get a Real Estate Broker License in Dubai?

It is first and foremost important to understand the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate broker in Dubai. While both can help clients buy and sell property; an agent cannot work independently and needs to be affiliated with a real estate brokerage company.

A real estate broker in Dubai on the other hand is a more experienced and higher-level professional. They must pass additional exams and meet the experience and education requirements defined by the Dubai Land Department.

Real estate brokers can:

• Legally establish a real estate company.
• Employ and supervise other real estate agents.
• Handle more complex real estate transactions.
• Take legal responsibility for real estate transactions they complete as well as the ones completed by the real estate agents they employ.
• Oversee the training and education of agents.

Eligibility Criteria for a Broker License in Dubai

As is the case with most professions, acquiring a Dubai real estate license has its set of requirements and real estate broker eligibility UAE criteria.

Age and Education Requirements

• Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
• Educational Qualifications: A formal university degree is not mandatory; however, a high school diploma is recommended.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in English is essential; mastering Arabic or any other language gives you an edge to work with a broader range of clients.

Visa and Residency Conditions

• Residency: A valid UAE residency visa is required.
• Visa Status: Individuals on tourist or visit visas are not eligible to apply.

Good Conduct and Background Check

• Good Conduct Certificate: A Certificate of Good Conduct (police clearance certificate) issued by Dubai Police must be provided.
• Professional Training Requirement: Completion of the Real Estate Certified Training Course at the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI) is mandatory.
• RERA Exam: You must pass the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) exam after completing the training.
• Registration and Licensing: After passing the exam, you must register with RERA and fulfill all licensing formalities.
• Annual Renewal: Brokers must undergo Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training and pay renewal fees every year to ensure their license remains active.

Step-by-Step Process to Get Your Broker License

Now that we’re covered the requirements, let’s delve into the process of acquiring a RERA broker license Dubai.

Register for the RERA Training Course

As a first step you need to enroll in the Real Estate Certified Training Course offered by the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI), Dubai Land Department (DLD)’s official training center. This course will typically cover Dubai’s real estate laws and regulations, ethics and professional conduct, brokerage practices and sales processes, and legal agreements and documentation.

The RERA training course spans four to five days and you can attend it online or in person.

The course fee ranges between AED 2,500 to AED 4,000 depending on the training provider and course format.

Pass the RERA Broker Exam

Upon completing the DREI course, you must sit for the RERA Broker Examination. During this test you will need to demonstrate accurate knowledge of Dubai’s real estate market laws, professional practices, and ethical standards for brokers.

The exam fees range between AED 500 and AED 700. You must pass this exam to obtain your license. In case you fail, you can retake it after paying the re-examination fee.

Apply for the Broker License via Dubai Land Department

Once you pass the RERA exam, you can apply for your real estate broker license at the Dubai Land Department (DLD). The documents needed typically include:

• Copies of your passport, visa, Emirates ID, and DREI course certificate
• A valid Good Conduct Certificate from Dubai Police
• The broker’s registration form

Get Certified by the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI)

After successfully registering and receiving the approval of the Dubai Land Department, you will obtain your official real estate broker card and certification from DREI.

Now you can work as a licensed real estate broker within Dubai’s real estate sector. To maintain your license, you must complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses annually.

Cost of Getting a Real Estate License in Dubai

RERA Training Fees

Course fees typically range between AED 2,500 and AED 4,000. These prices vary depending on the mode of training; whether conducted online or in-person; as well as the trainer.

Exam and Certification Costs

The RERA broker exam fee is approximately AED 500 to AED 700. If you fail and need to retake the exam, you will have to pay an additional re-exam fee.

License Application and Renewal Fees

• Real Estate Broker Registration Fee: Around AED 5,000.
• Broker Card Issuance Fee: Around AED 1,000 to AED 1,200.
• Annual Renewal Fees: Renewal of the broker license and broker card combined can cost about AED 4,000 to AED 6,000 per year.
• Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training must be completed annually costing between AED 500 and AED 1,000.

Tips to Pass the RERA Exam on the First Try

Wondering how to become a real estate agent in Dubai? Hard work is always rewarded but it’s also useful to know what to expect at the RERA exam. Here are a few tips that can help you ace your test.

Study Resources and Sample Questions

First and foremost, we advise you to focus on the official course materials provided during the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI) training. These are tailored specifically to the RERA exam content and format.

In terms of sample questions and practice tests, you can ask your trainer for mock exams or sample questions. RERA exam question online banks offer a lot of resources you can use. You can download quizzes or practice papers at many DREI-certified training centers.

Prioritize Key Topics such as:

• Dubai real estate laws (Law No. 7 of 2006, Law No. 8 of 2007)
• Code of Ethics for real estate brokers

• Procedures for sales and leasing
• Regulations governing freehold properties and escrow accounts
• Understanding the roles of DLD and RERA

Time Management and Strategy

To help you succeed, we’ve drawn up a quick action plan which you can follow to maximize your chance of passing the RERA exam at the first try.

Before the exam:

• Set up a Study Schedule: Allocate 2 to 3 hours of study per day for 7 to 10 days before the exam.
• Simulate the exam: Time yourself as you complete a mock exam and give yourself 1 to 1.5 hours strictly to finish it.

During the exam:

• Focus first on easier questions which you can answer quickly and confidently. Leave the tougher questions till later so you don’t waste valuable time.
• Read the questions carefully: Some questions are written in a way to test your attention to detail.
• Stay calm to avoid getting stressed: Take deep breaths before starting. If you get stuck on a question, don’t spend more than 1 to 2 minutes on it before moving on to another one.

Maintaining and Renewing Your Broker License

A RERA real estate broker license is valid for 12 months and must be renewed to ensure you can still practice in Dubai.

Continuing Education Requirements

To renew your broker license, you must first complete a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Course which is designed to refresh your knowledge of updated laws, regulations, and best practices. You can complete this CPD training online within a few hours.

Renewal Process and Fees

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

You would need to prepare the below documents:

• Valid passport copy and Emirates ID
• Valid residency visa (still active)
• Good Conduct Certificate (sometimes required if specifically requested)
• CPD Certificate showing you completed the annual training
• Existing broker license details and broker ID card

Step 2: Apply for License Renewal via Dubai Land Department (DLD)

To apply for a license renewal, you need to log in to the Dubai Land Department’s Trakheesi system, submit your CPD certificate and application for renewal. On this platform, you can also verify or update any personal and professional details.

Step 3: Pay Renewal Fees

Once you submit your application, you will have to pay the necessary fees. Once the payment is made and your application is approved, you will receive your renewed broker license and broker ID card.

Here’s a list of the fees you will need to pay:

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

Now that we’ve covered most of the details related to successfully acquiring the real estate broker license; here are a few mistakes you should avoid when applying.

Incomplete Documentation

• Missing Essential Documents: Don’t forget to submit the key documents such as a Good Conduct Certificate, CPD course certificates, as well as copies of your passport, visa, and Emirates ID.
• Incorrect Details: Make sure the documents you submit are up to date and not expired.
• No Proof of Training or Exam Completion: Make sure to attach your DREI course certificate or RERA exam passing certificate to avoid rejection.

Missing Deadlines

Here are a few deadlines you should not miss:

• Late License Application or Renewal: Avoid applying too close to your visa or license expiration date.
• CPD Training Deadlines: You must complete your CPD training before you apply for renewal.
• Payment Delay: Pay the required application or renewal fees on time.

Ignoring Legal Compliance

Performing a job without abiding by its legal requirements can have grave legal repercussions which can include loss of license, fines, and even jail time. Here are a few legal requirements you should keep in mind:

• Do not operate without a valid license; this could lead to heavy fines, blacklisting, or legal action.
• Make sure you have the correct business license and that your DED trade license includes real estate brokerage activities.
• Update necessary information such as company switch, ownership structure, or personal visa status change to RERA and DLD immediately.

Final Thoughts

If you wish to work as a real estate broker, there are certain real estate agent requirements in Dubai and licenses you must acquire to work legally in the country. We’ve provided ample details on how to go about it and secure your license with as little hassle as possible. Now you can set off and capitalize on Dubai’s flourishing real estate market.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How much does getting a broker license in Dubai cost?

The total real estate license cost Dubai to get a broker license typically ranges between AED 6,000 and AED 10,000. These fees include training, exam, certification charges, and the licensing application cost. If setting up your own brokerage firm, additional business setup fees apply.

2. How long does it take to obtain the broker license?

It takes between 2 and 4 weeks to complete the full process, including completing the training, passing the RERA exam, and receiving your license.

3. Can foreigners apply for a real estate license in Dubai?

Yes, foreigners can apply as long as they have a valid UAE residency visa. Tourists and visitors cannot apply. Foreigners must also complete the required training, pass the RERA exam, and meet all licensing conditions.

4. What happens if my broker license expires in Dubai?

If your license expires, you will not be legally allowed to conduct real estate activities until it is renewed.

5. Can I operate as a freelancer with a real estate license in Dubai?

Operating purely as a freelancer is not allowed in Dubai real estate. You must either work under a licensed real estate brokerage or set up your own licensed brokerage firm through the Department of Economic Development (DED).