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Co-Founder & CEO movingo
Editor
Author
Iakov Kukushkin
Copywriter, Journalist
Aug 19, 2025
The real estate market in the UAE is one of the most promising for a career. According to forecasts, it will continue to grow at an average rate of 2.28% per year until at least 2029. If you want to become a real estate broker or start a business in this industry, a Real estate practice card (RERA card) is required.
This article will provide details on how to obtain it, its associated costs, and other crucial information.
This article will provide details on how to obtain it, its associated costs, and other crucial information.
- What is a RERA license in Dubai?
- Benefits of RERA certificate for Dubai real estate agencies
- Responsibilities under RERA in Dubai
- Who can get a Real estate activity practice card in Dubai?
- Types of real estate activities practiced with RERA license
- Obtaining a Real estate practice card in the UAE
- Conditions
- Documents requirements for a RERA card
- Steps for requesting a Real estate activity practice card in Dubai
- Cost of RERA license in Dubai
- How to renew a Real estate activity card
- Required documents for renewal RERA Card
- Fees for renewal
- RERA card FAQ
What is a RERA license in Dubai?
RERA license, also known as a RERA card, is an official approval from the Dubai's Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) . It allows you to legally carry out real estate activities, such as selling, renting, or managing properties in Dubai.
To get the card, you must complete a training course, pass the exam, and work for a licensed real estate company.
To get the card, you must complete a training course, pass the exam, and work for a licensed real estate company.
💡 Note: There aren't any real estate agents working freelance in Dubai, so you need to be affiliated with a licensed broker to legally operate in the country.
Benefits of RERA certificate for Dubai real estate agencies
- Legal protection – You can operate legally without risk of fines.
- Credibility – Clients trust licensed brokers and companies.
- Market access – Advertising on property portals is only permitted for licensed agents.
Responsibilities under RERA in Dubai
- Follow all real estate laws and regulations.
- Ensure transparency in property transactions.
- Protect clients’ rights.
- Avoid false advertising or misleading promotions.
- Report transactions through official systems.
Who can get a Real estate activity practice card in Dubai?
Basically, anyone who directly deals with buying, selling, leasing, or managing real estate needs this card:
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Real estate agents (brokers)
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Real estate companies’ employees
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Property managers
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Real estate developers’ representatives
Working legally is very important, especially in the real estate sector. It allows you to avoid serious legal problems and large fines. We can help you start your business in Dubai and support you in the early stages by assisting with visas, documents, and anything else you need.
Types of real estate activities practiced with RERA license
Basically, anyone who directly deals with buying, selling, leasing, or managing real estate needs this card:
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Real estate brokerage (buying and selling)
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Leasing and property rental services
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Property management
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Real estate consultancy
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Real estate development (in some cases)
The full list of activities:
- Real estate broker
- National broker
- Real estate projects marketing card
- Mortgage broker
- Real estate registrar
- Private real estate management
- Real estate management
- Real estate consultant
- Mortgage consultant
- Private real estate sale and purchase card
- Real estate services registrar
- Real estate evaluator
- Trainee evaluator
Obtaining a Real estate practice card in the UAE
Conditions
- You must be at least 21 years old.
- Hold a valid residence visa in the UAE.
- You should work for a licensed real estate firm.
- Complete the certified training for real estate brokers from Dubai Land Department (DLD).
- Pass the RERA exam
Documents requirements for a RERA card
- Copy of passport and valid residence visa.
- Copy of Emirates ID.
- Educational qualification certificates.
- Certificate showing at least two years of experience in the real estate field (five years for expatriates)
- Certificate of completion of RERA training course.
- Passport-size photo with white background.
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from employer (if required).
Don't worry if you're not sure whether you've met the requirements! We're here to help. We can also assist you with other documents, taxes, licenses, and more.
Steps for requesting a Real estate activity practice card in Dubai
- Complete RERA training course – Enroll in the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI).
- Pass the RERA exam – This tests your knowledge of laws and regulations.
- Submit application – Through the Dubai Land Department (DLD) website or Trakheesi system.
- Upload documents – Passport, visa, Emirates ID, photo, training certificate.
- Pay fees – Fees vary depending on your activity.
- Receive your Practice card
Cost of RERA license in Dubai
The cost depends on the type of real estate activity and the applicant's level. Here are a few examples:
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RERA training course AED 2,500 – AED 3,200
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RERA exam fee
AED 500 – AED 700 -
Practice card issuance fee AED 510 – AED 1,000
Fees might change, so check with DLD for the latest rates. You could also delegate the task to a professional who's always up-to-date on the latest legal changes.
How to renew a Real estate activity card
The RERA practice card is valid for one year. The renewal process is as follows:
- Apply through the DLD or Trakheesi system.
- Upload updated documents.
- Pay renewal fees.
- Collect your renewed practice card.
Required documents for renewal RERA Card
- Copy of valid passport and visa.
- Emirates ID copy.
- Recent photo.
- Old practice card.
- Updated NOC from employer (if applicable).
Fees for renewal
Renewal fees range between AED 510 – AED 1,000 depending on your activity type.
As you can see, getting a card is important if you want to succeed in the real estate industry in the UAE. It's a fast-paced market where things are always changing, including the rules and regulations. To stay updated, you need a reliable partner who will keep you informed. That's where we come in. We'll be your go-to source for the latest information.
movingo is an all-in-one platform for company formation, visas, and everyday legal in the UAE. We've helped hundreds of businesses from all industries get off the ground in the UAE. That includes a lot of real estate brokers and owners. Why don't you give us a shout and we can tell you how we can help you take your business to the next level?
RERA card FAQ
Regulating and licensing real estate professionals, setting rules and guidelines for property transactions, protecting the rights of buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants, etc.
1. RERA training course
2. Pass the RERA exam
3. Submit your documents
4. Pay the fees
2. Pass the RERA exam
3. Submit your documents
4. Pay the fees
In total, it can take around 2 - 4 weeks to get your RERA license if all documents are ready.
Around AED 3,500 – AED 5,000 for the full process
Dubai does not currently allow real estate agents to work as freelancer. However, you can run your own real estate company.
What to read next
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