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Driven | Forbes Global Properties
How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Dubai – 17 Proven Steps
Updated: Jun 24, 2026, 09:55 AM
Driven | Forbes Global Properties
To work as a real estate agent in Dubai, an applicant normally needs a valid residence visa, an Emirates ID, approved broker training, a police clearance certificate, and a passing result in the RERA exam. The agent must also join a licensed brokerage before applying for the RERA Broker Card.
The training itself may take only a few days. Visa processing, document checks, and brokerage registration usually make the full process longer.
Dubai’s name has become synonymous with prosperity regarding real estate. From renowned architectural firms and designers to world-class developers, they all want to leave a footprint in the Emirate and capitalize on the steady demand for Dubai real estate. These favorable conditions will tempt many to build a career as a real estate agent in Dubai.
The UAE’s dynamic and booming real estate market promises well-prepared agents, high earning potential, lucrative and tax-free commissions, great career prospects, and diversified teams and clientele to work with. To succeed in such a vocation, one must have good communication skills, the right sales and negotiation expertise, and the ability to close deals.
You also need to acquire the right permits to legally work as a real estate agent in Dubai. While the process might sound daunting, we have carefully compiled this blog to guide you with actionable steps as you pave your way to becoming a real estate agent in Dubai, even if you have no prior experience in this sector.
Many professionals also use this foundation to later upgrade their careers and apply for a real estate broker license in Dubai, which opens the door to owning or managing a real estate brokerage.
Similar to any other career, becoming a property agent in Dubai requires certain qualifications. In terms of education, a university degree is not a must to apply for a real estate license; nevertheless, you must be at least 21 years of age to qualify.
The main Dubai real estate agent requirements include:
A real estate career in Dubai presents great opportunities, but to succeed in your job, you must possess various skills that will ensure you can effectively manage your clients and close deals.
Are you wondering how to become a realtor in Dubai? Worry not, the process is relatively straightforward. Here’s our detailed guide comprising 17 steps on how to become a real estate agent in Dubai.
To legally work as a real estate agent in Dubai, you must first be affiliated with a licensed real estate brokerage. There are many real estate firms in Dubai to choose from, and many factors to consider when looking for a job. These include the firm’s name and reputation, the commission structure, medical and visa insurance, and administrative and marketing support. You can see the realtor jobs available here in Dubai at Driven Properties.
As a freelance real estate agent in Dubai, you can legally operate through certain Free Zones that allow individuals to obtain a freelance license while still meeting the Real Estate Regulatory Agency requirements. Once experienced, you can progress toward applying for a broker license in Dubai and begin managing your agents under a registered company.
If you are new to the country, you first need to acquire your UAE residency visa, which is a mandatory document in the process of learning how to get a RERA license in Dubai. The company you choose to work with will act as your sponsor and initiate your residency visa paperwork.
Required documents:
Cost: Between AED 2,000 and AED 4,000.
Among the important steps for Dubai real estate agents, you or your sponsor needs to apply for a valid Emirates ID through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security.
Required documents include:
Cost: Around AED 100–200 per year, depending on the visa duration.
To become a real estate agent in Dubai, you must follow the Real Estate Regulatory Agency certification process. It starts by completing the real estate agent training in Dubai, which is a four-day course by the IEREI, or Innovation Experts Real Estate Institute.
During this course, approved by the Dubai Land Department and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency, you will go through the laws, regulations, and best practices.
The modules include:
Cost: RERA charges AED 5,020 for each of the above-mentioned modules.
After attending the course, you’ll receive official study materials, either printed or digital, which include real estate laws such as Law No. 7 of 2006 and Law No. 85 of 2006; RERA rules and circulars; real-life scenarios and examples; and terms and definitions such as "escrow," "Oqood," and "title deed." Make sure you study the material carefully.
It’s also a good idea to go through a few practice exams. While DREI doesn’t offer official practice exams, you can find sample questions online or request them during your course.
After completing the course, you must sit for the exam designed for those who wish to become agents in the Dubai real estate industry. You can take the classes online or at the RERA agent registration training center at the Dubai Land Department on Baniyas Road, Deira.
The easiest way to issue a good conduct certificate, also called a police clearance certificate, is to request it either from the Dubai Police app or its website by filling in your details and making an online payment. Another option is to physically visit a Dubai Police service center.
Once received, you will include it among the documents you address to RERA. Keep in mind that these certificates remain valid for 3 months.
The broker's license is requested on the Trakheesi portal after submitting the police clearance certificate, proof of completion of the DREI course in Dubai, and evidence of passing the exam. The Economic Department will issue your license and card and then grant you an account on the DLD site to access the Trakheesi portal.
The RERA Broker Card fees are usually paid by the company you are affiliated with.
Cost: The annual RERA Broker Registration Card through DLD is AED 1,000.
The RERA ID is a plastic or digital identification card that confirms you are a certified real estate agent in Dubai. Issued after completing the mandatory training and passing the RERA exam, the ID is linked to your licensed brokerage.
It includes your name, brokerage name, broker registration number, photo, license validity dates, and a QR code or barcode for verification.
Now that you are set from the legal side, you can onboard with the real estate agency you are employed by, meet your team, learn about its processes, and start your journey as a property consultant in Dubai.
Ejari is the official Dubai Land Department platform for registering lease agreements, ensuring legal protection for both landlords and tenants.
Simsari is a DLD-approved system that regulates property listings and ensures transparency by requiring all properties for sale or rent to be officially registered before marketing.
To join Ejari and Simsari as a real estate agent, you must hold a valid RERA ID and be affiliated with a licensed brokerage. Your brokerage must first register with both platforms, after which the company’s admin account can grant access to individual agents.
Cost:
This is now the time to start making money. Use the available tools at your disposal to market your listings, including your company’s website, your social accounts, and other possible platforms. You can run ads on your listings and ask your network to share them for wider exposure.
Create accurate listings with professional photographs, concise descriptions, and verified property details. Highlight genuine selling points, such as the location, views, furnishings, parking, or nearby facilities. Video walkthroughs and virtual tours can also help clients assess a property before arranging a viewing.
As any marketer or sales specialist would tell you, the wider your network, the more likely you are to increase sales. If one property does not meet a potential client's requirements, it may be the ideal home for another. Build a reliable network of leads using your company’s CRM system or even your own.
As a real estate agent, you will have access to many legal documents related to your clients, such as copies of their IDs, title deeds, bank details, and much more. It is crucial to treat this sensitive information with confidentiality.
To renew a real estate agent license in Dubai, agents must hold a valid RERA Broker ID and be affiliated with a licensed brokerage. Renewal must be done annually through the Dubai Land Department system.
Required documents include:
Cost: Approximately AED 1,000, although additional administration or typing fees may apply.
As previously mentioned, to legally work as a real estate agent in Dubai, you need to register with RERA, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency, which is part of the Dubai Land Department. RERA oversees real estate practices in Dubai to support transparency and legal protection for clients and agents.
RERA ensures that agents operate within legal guidelines, maintain ethical standards, and protect client interests. Registration is necessary for legally operating in Dubai’s property market.
To start your registration, you’ll need:
Once licensed, you must register on the Trakheesi system, which issues permit numbers for property advertisements. It helps ensure that listings are legitimate, tracked, and approved.
To qualify, aspiring agents must complete a certified training course offered by DREI, the official education arm of DLD.
Course overview:
You can book your course directly through the official DLD website.
After completing your DREI course, you’ll take the RERA licensing exam, a computer-based, multiple-choice test.
Study materials, including past exam papers and sample questions, are available through DREI and reputable training providers.
Once you pass the exam, your real estate certification in Dubai and license may be issued within 3 to 7 business days.
The overall cost of becoming a licensed real estate agent depends on the training provider, educational qualifications, visa status, brokerage arrangements, and administrative fees.
Estimated total: AED 5,000–9,000, excluding certain visa, sponsorship, brokerage, or qualification-based charges.
The license is valid for 1 year, after which you’ll need to renew it by submitting updated documents, completing any required Continuing Professional Development hours, and paying renewal fees.
When it comes to a real estate agent's salary in Dubai, commissions are often the most attractive and incentivizing aspect. Brokerages compete to offer better commission structures to attract the best agents. Before you venture into this sector, it is worthwhile to know what to expect in terms of commissions.
Some brokerages offer zero salary but 100% commissions, with a fixed desk fee. Such a commission structure is ideal for top producers with existing networks.
The downside to commissions is the financial uncertainty that comes with an unstable income. This is where financial planning is very important. Your income will depend on factors, including:
A new entrant usually starts as an agent under a licensed brokerage. The daily work often includes calling leads, arranging viewings, preparing listings, negotiating offers, and following up with buyers or tenants.
A broker usually takes on more than client-facing sales work. The role may include checking transactions, guiding agents, handling company rules and, where permitted, managing the brokerage itself.
Area | Real Estate Agent | Real Estate Broker |
Daily work | Handles listings, inquiries, viewings, and negotiations | Oversees transactions, agents, and brokerage operations |
Work structure | Usually works under a registered brokerage | May manage or own an approved brokerage |
Client contact | Deals directly with buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants | May handle clients while also supervising the team |
Experience | Common starting point for new property professionals | Usually follows industry experience and added approvals |
Earnings | Mainly earns commission from completed deals | May receive commission, management income, or brokerage revenue |
Compliance role | Follows the company, RERA, and DLD procedures | Carries greater responsibility for company compliance and agent conduct |
For example, an agent may handle apartment rentals in JVC and take clients to viewings throughout the week. A broker managing that team may check listing permits, approve commission records, and deal with transaction disputes.
To help you make good choices, here are five of the most common mistakes to avoid:
Other common challenges include market saturation, long sales cycles, demanding schedules, and working with unreliable brokerages.
Dubai has no shortage of property agents. A new agent, therefore, needs a profile that tells clients exactly what they handle, where they work, and how to contact them.
Start with the basics. Use a recent professional photograph, add the RERA registration number, and mention the communities covered. An agent specializing in Dubai Hills Estate should not fill the page with unrelated listings from every corner of the city. A narrower focus often looks more credible.
Property content should also be useful. A short video showing the actual balcony view, parking access, and distance from the elevator can answer more client questions than a polished caption. Area guides, price updates, and honest property notes can help too.
Use the same phone number, WhatsApp contact, and brokerage details everywhere clients may find you. Review every listing before it goes live. An outdated price, a property that is no longer available, or photographs taken from another advertisement can make clients doubt the agent right away.
To renew a real estate agent license in Dubai, agents must hold a valid RERA Broker ID and remain affiliated with a licensed brokerage. Renewal must normally be completed annually through the Dubai Land Department system.
The required documents may include:
The renewal cost is approximately AED 1,000, although administration, typing, or brokerage fees may also apply.
Agents should begin the renewal process before their card expires to avoid interruptions in their ability to market properties or complete transactions.
Many benefits and perks come with working as a real estate agent in Dubai. Here are some reasons that might make you consider this career path.
Now that we’ve covered the details you need to know to become a successful real estate agent, here are a few tips:
Real estate career opportunities in Dubai might constitute a rewarding career path, and your success will be contingent on your dedication, continuous learning, and strategic approach.
Becoming a licensed real estate agent in Dubai offers flexibility, high income potential, and the chance to build a rewarding career in one of the world’s most exciting markets. While it requires effort, training, and discipline, the rewards can be significant.
The broker course usually runs for 3 to 4 days. Becoming fully licensed takes longer, since the visa, Emirates ID, police certificate, exam result, and brokerage registration must all be completed.
The amount varies from one applicant to another. Many spend somewhere between AED 5,000 and AED 9,000, although visa processing, document work, and brokerage charges may add to the bill.
Yes. Many agents working across Dubai came from other countries. They still need a valid UAE residency, the required training, a passing exam result, and registration under an approved brokerage.
No. Most agents can work with strong English skills. Arabic helps with some clients, while Hindi, Urdu, Russian, and other languages may prove useful when dealing with Dubai’s varied buyer and tenant groups.
Complete the approved training course, pass the DREI or RERA assessment, obtain a Good Conduct Certificate, register through a licensed brokerage, and apply for your RERA Broker Card.
Independent work may be possible through certain approved business or Free Zone structures, but RERA registration and compliance with DLD requirements remain mandatory.
To become a real estate agent in Dubai, you must generally be at least 21 years old.
No. Previous real estate experience is not normally required if you complete the approved course and pass the exam.
You can retake the exam, but you may need to pay an additional retake fee.
Yes, provided you obtain the necessary work authorization, register with RERA, and remain linked to a licensed brokerage.
An agent may earn the first commission within 1 to 3 months, depending on available leads, property demand, and the deal cycle.
Part-time arrangements may depend on the brokerage and work-permit conditions, although full-time effort usually provides more opportunities.
Yes. Women can build successful careers across property sales, leasing, investment advisory, and brokerage management in Dubai.