Buying and selling of real estate
Mainland License — Compare Across 3 UAE Emirates
Cheapest from
AED 2,500
Abu Dhabi
3 emirates available
Government Fee Comparison
ADDED — Per-activity fee
AED 2,500
DED fee: AED 2500
Base AED 8,000 + 5% rent
AED 9,500
30K rent
AED 10,500
50K rent
AED 12,000
80K rent
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Fees calculated per-license based on license type, legal form, and activities. C
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About This Activity
Includes firms engaged in buying and selling real estate, such as residential and non-residential buildings and land, such firms are not allowed to practice the activity no. 6599-08 " Real Estate Development."
Our Analysis
Abu Dhabi charges AED 2,500 for a real estate buying and selling license. Dubai's formula means AED 8,000 minimum. Sharjah on application.
This is the property investment license — it lets you buy, hold, and sell real estate as a business activity (as opposed to brokerage, which matches buyers with sellers). Property flipping, portfolio building, and strategic acquisition all fall under this code.
Dubai's property market is the most liquid in the Middle East. Over AED 500 billion in transactions in 2025. The trade-off: entry prices are high, competition is fierce, and RERA compliance adds regulatory overhead.
Abu Dhabi's market is less liquid but growing. Saadiyat, Yas Island, and Reem Island attract increasing international investment. Government-backed developers (Aldar, Modon) dominate, but private operators find opportunity in secondary market transactions.
100% foreign ownership for property trading since 2021. No local sponsor. RERA/DOT registration, escrow accounts, and substantial capital reserves are practical requirements.
Dubai for the most liquid market. Abu Dhabi at AED 2,500 for capital appreciation plays.
For property management free zone options, see FreeZoneCompare.com.
Prices from official government portals, verified May 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Buying and selling of real estate license cost in Abu Dhabi?
The government DED fee for a Buying and selling of real estate license in Abu Dhabi is AED 2,500. This is the cheapest among the 3 emirates where this activity is available. Additional costs may include office rent, visa fees, and external approval charges.
Which UAE emirate is cheapest for a Buying and selling of real estate license?
Abu Dhabi offers the lowest government fee at AED 2,500. However, total setup costs also depend on office rent, visa requirements, and any external approvals needed for this activity.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Buying and selling of real estate business in the UAE?
Yes. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms, most mainland business activities — including Buying and selling of real estate — allow 100% foreign ownership across all UAE emirates. A local sponsor or service agent is no longer required for most activities.
What approvals are needed for a Buying and selling of real estate license?
Beyond the DED license, you may need approval from: Real estate (Dubai), Real Estate Registration Department (Sharjah). Requirements vary by emirate and specific business scope.
How much does a Buying and selling of real estate license cost in Dubai?
Dubai uses a formula-based fee: approximately AED 8,000 base fee plus 5% of your annual office rent. For example, with AED 50,000 annual rent, expect roughly AED 10,500 in government fees. Dubai also offers an Instant License at AED 8,000 flat (virtual location) and budget SME/Intelaq licenses at AED 1,070.
Is Buying and selling of real estate available as a mainland license in all UAE emirates?
Buying and selling of real estate is available for mainland licensing in 3 emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah. Each emirate has its own DED with independent fee structures and requirements. Use MainlandCompare.com to compare fees across all available emirates.
What type of license is Buying and selling of real estate in the UAE?
Buying and selling of real estate falls under the Commercial license category in the UAE. Commercial licenses cover trading, import/export, and retail activities.
Is it cheaper to get a Buying and selling of real estate license in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Abu Dhabi is significantly cheaper at AED 2,500 versus Dubai's estimated AED 10,500 (at AED 50,000 rent). However, Dubai offers a larger market with 3.6 million residents and 16 million annual tourists.
How long does it take to get a Buying and selling of real estate mainland license?
Setup time varies by emirate: Dubai offers same-day approval with the Instant License (AED 8,000), or 1-3 working days for a Normal License. Abu Dhabi takes 2-5 working days. Sharjah and Ajman take 1-5 working days. Additional time may be needed for external approvals.
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