In 2023, the real estate sector in Dubai registered AED 634 billion in deals and more than 120,000 property transactions so far, as per the report of the Dubai Land Department. That brings a lot of volume and investor interest; hence, being a real estate agent in Dubai may be a good choice in a career move.
The city has a competitive property market, international clientele, and tax-free income, all of which make real estate one of the most attractive professions in the UAE. This is a step-by-step tutorial on how to start.
Why Choose Real Estate in Dubai?
The Dubai market is stable and growing, has investor friendly policies and has a global customer base. Real estate agents working in Dubai tend to have high commissions, good accessibility to good properties, in addition to the possibility of working in a tax-free state. Due to the effects of Expo 2020 and the ongoing implementation of Vision 2040, the market maintains its prosperity.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To be a real estate agent in Dubai, you are required to:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Be a good communicator in English (or Arabic, which is a bonus)
- Have a clean legal record
- Hold a valid residency visa (for expatriates)
Get a Residency Visa (If Needed)
You will be required to have a valid UAE residency visa to work in case you are not a UAE national. This can be obtained through:
- Sponsorship by a spouse or employer
- Starting a business and applying for an investor visa
Enrol in the RERA Training Course
Any potential real estate agent in Dubai would have to undertake a 4-day course provided by the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI), which is the agent training course initiated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).
The curriculum includes the law of property, sales techniques and introduction to the markets. After finishing, you can take the RERA exam. Register at the [DREI Training Portal].
Pass the RERA Exam
Once the course is completed, you will be expected to pass the RERA exam with at least an 85% score. The cost of the examination is approximately AED 3,200 and AED 2,500 to non-degree and degree holders, respectively. Passing the exam will give you a certificate that is required to file the application certificate of your real estate agent license.
Apply for a Realtor License
Applying to the Dubai Economic Department (DED) is another way to obtain a realtor license: to do it, simply submit your documents. Required documents include:
- Passport and visa copy
- Emirates ID
- RERA course completion certificate
- Certificate of good conduct
- A signed agreement with a licensed real estate brokerage
Find a Brokerage to Work With
To act as a real estate agent in Dubai, you need to be employed by a DLD approved brokerage.
Select a company with a positive reputation, which is operating and has been awarded RERA certification, and provides support. Many brokerages also help with licensing.
Renewal and Compliance Rules
Real estate licenses must be renewed annually. To renew, you’ll need to:
- Complete a short refresher training
- Submit updated documents
- Pay a renewal fee
In addition, the agents will be required to adhere to the Code of Ethics and advertising rules by RERA to avoid getting in trouble.
Steps to Become an Agent
| Step | Action | Platform/Authority |
| 1 | Get a residency visa | UAE Government |
| 2 | Enrol in the RERA course | DREI |
| 3 | Pass the RERA exam | DREI/DLD |
| 4 | Apply for a license | DED |
| 5 | Join brokerage | RERA-certified firms |
| 6 | Renew annually | DLD/DED |
Conclusion
By taking the right steps and training, one can attain the status of a real estate agent in Dubai. Passing the course, preparing and passing an exam, and landing a job at a well-established brokerage can be the sought-after route to that goal. This vocation has the potential to open the global property market in Dubai, with its flourishing property market that can offer you great opportunities for networking into a huge income.