Real Estate Buying & Selling Brokerage
Mainland License — Compare Across 4 UAE Emirates
Cheapest from
AED 1,000
Abu Dhabi
4 emirates available
Government Fee Comparison
ADDED — Per-activity fee
AED 1,000
DED fee: AED 1000
Base AED 8,000 + 5% rent
AED 9,500
30K rent
AED 10,500
50K rent
AED 12,000
80K rent
Quote required
Fees calculated per-license based on license type, legal form, and activities. C
RAK DED — Category-based
AED 400–10,000
RAK uses 5 fee categories (AED 400-10,000). Exact category depends on activity.
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About This Activity
Includes firms dealing with buying and selling of property acting as brokers between the owners and buyers. The role ends with the signing of the contract and upon receipt of agreed commission.
Our Analysis
Abu Dhabi charges AED 1,000 for a real estate buying and selling brokerage license. Dubai's formula starts at AED 8,000 base plus 5% of rent. For the same RERA-regulated activity, that's an eightfold difference in government fees before you've closed a single deal.
Ajman's flat AED 600 (AED 4,500 real total) is the cheapest option on paper. The problem: Ajman's property market is a fraction of Dubai's. The commission on a single Dubai Marina apartment sale can exceed a year's worth of Ajman licensing costs. Sharjah offers the activity but fees come on application from SEDD.
Real estate brokerage in the UAE is heavily regulated. In Dubai, you'll need RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) registration on top of your DET license — that's an additional AED 5,000-10,000 in broker cards, training courses, and exam fees. Abu Dhabi has its own Department of Municipalities and Transport requirements.
The Dubai premium buys you the most liquid property market in the Middle East. Transaction volumes crossed AED 500 billion in 2025. That said, competition is fierce — over 30,000 active brokers chase the same listings.
100% foreign ownership since 2021. No local sponsor for brokerage activities. But you'll need professional indemnity insurance, escrow account registration, and ongoing compliance reporting.
Our pick: Dubai if you're serious about volume. Abu Dhabi at AED 1,000 if you're targeting the capital's growing luxury and government housing segments. Ajman isn't worth it for brokerage unless you're hyperlocal.
For free zone property management and consultancy options, check FreeZoneCompare.com.
Prices from official government portals, verified May 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Real Estate Buying & Selling Brokerage license cost in Abu Dhabi?
The government DED fee for a Real Estate Buying & Selling Brokerage license in Abu Dhabi is AED 1,000. This is the cheapest among the 4 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 Real Estate Buying & Selling Brokerage license?
Abu Dhabi offers the lowest government fee at AED 1,000. 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 Real Estate Buying & Selling Brokerage business in the UAE?
Yes. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms, most mainland business activities — including Real Estate Buying & Selling Brokerage — 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 Real Estate Buying & Selling Brokerage 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 Real Estate Buying & Selling Brokerage 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 Real Estate Buying & Selling Brokerage available as a mainland license in all UAE emirates?
Real Estate Buying & Selling Brokerage is available for mainland licensing in 4 emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, RAK. 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 Real Estate Buying & Selling Brokerage in the UAE?
Real Estate Buying & Selling Brokerage falls under the Professional license category in the UAE. Professional licenses cover consultancy, services, and skilled trades.
Is it cheaper to get a Real Estate Buying & Selling Brokerage license in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Abu Dhabi is significantly cheaper at AED 1,000 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 Real Estate Buying & Selling Brokerage 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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