How to become a real estate broker in Dubai
To work as a real estate broker in Dubai, you need a broker card (officially, a real estate professional practice card) issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Without it, you are not allowed to practise. Here is the path, step by step.
The short version
- Get a UAE residency visa and an Emirates ID.
- Join a licensed real estate brokerage. You cannot work as an independent broker without one.
- Complete a certified broker training course.
- Pass the broker exam.
- Get a certificate of good conduct from Dubai Police.
- Apply for your broker card online through the DLD’s Trakheesi system.
Step 1: residency and Emirates ID
You can usually attend the training before you have a visa, but to receive your card and work legally you need a valid UAE residency visa and an Emirates ID. Many brokers get their visa through the agency that hires them. Always ask who pays for the visa before you sign: some agencies cover it, others deduct it from your commissions, others ask you to pay.
Step 2: join a licensed brokerage
Your broker card is linked to the trade licence of the agency you work for: the DLD states that the card’s validity is tied to the trade licence. Before you join, check that the agency is licensed. Every licensed agency has a registration number (ORN) that you can check on the official Dubai REST app. See our guide How to check an ORN or a BRN.
Step 3: certified training
Training is delivered by approved training providers. Courses are short, often two days. As an example, one provider lists AED 2,400 for its two-day course in March 2026. Prices vary between providers, so compare before you book.
Step 4: the broker exam
The DLD lists a broker exam fee of AED 700 (plus small government fees, see below). The exam is multiple-choice. The DLD exempts some people from the exam, including people over 55, brokers with five consecutive years in the same office, and start-up licence holders.
Step 5: certificate of good conduct
The DLD requires a certificate of good conduct from Dubai Police. You request it from Dubai Police directly.
Step 6: apply for your broker card
You apply online through Trakheesi, the DLD system: create an account, upload your documents (photo, Emirates ID and the requested certificates), submit, then pay online once your application is accepted. The card is issued as an e-card.
Official DLD fees for the broker card
| Item | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Broker card | 500 |
| Broker exam | 700 |
| Knowledge fee | 10 |
| Innovation fee | 10 |
| ERES fee | 50 + VAT |
Training is paid separately to the training provider. In total, expect a few thousand dirhams before your first deal, plus your living costs while you build your pipeline. Read Your first 90 days to prepare for that period.
Before you sign with an agency
Ask in writing:
- Is there a base salary, or commission only?
- What is the commission split, and does it change after a target?
- Who pays the visa, the training, the exam and the broker card?
- Are leads provided, and how are they shared?
Our checklist Before you sign lists all the questions.
Fees and rules change. This guide was checked against the DLD website on the date shown above. Always confirm on the official DLD website before you pay anything.