How to become a real estate agent in Dubai: A step-by-step guide

• Benefits of a UAE Real Estate Career
• How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Dubai
• Renewing Broker Licence
• FAQs

Dubai’s stunning architecture, state-of-the-art developments and gorgeous skylines can tempt many people to join the city’s real estate industry. If you have good communication skills and get a rush from closing a deal, a career as a real estate agent in Dubai might be right for you. But how do you go about it? Read on as we share our step-by-step guide on how to become a real estate agent in Dubai. 

Why Become a Real Estate Agent in Dubai?

There are several good reasons to become a real estate agent/broker/realtor in the UAE. First, you will be working with one of the most expensive assets in the market – property. For working in real estate in Dubai, it’s important to possess the right sales and negotiation skills. Moreover, you must have the passion to build a good reputation that can translate into a good commission over and above your basic salary.

Second, being a real estate agent is an exciting career choice. You can help people find their dream homes (or dream offices, for that matter). Also, it’s an engaging job where you can meet with a diverse, multicultural client portfolio.

Of course, becoming one of the highly regarded and successful real estate brokers in Dubai is no easy feat. It is a competitive industry, so be prepared to work hard, regularly engage with customers and learn to identify their needs.

You should also be aware that some brokerage firms hire realtors as independent contractors on a commission-only basis, while others offer a basic pay-plus-commission structure. But even in this case, most of the agent’s income usually comes from commissions.

Wondering how to be a real estate agent in Dubai? While the process has many layers and successful agents take years to build a strong portfolio of prospective buyers and tenants. The basic approach for working in real estate in Dubai starts with applying for your broker’s licence.

Here’s what you need to know about how to be a successful real estate agent in Dubai.

How To Become A Realtor In Dubai

Want to start a new career, here are the detailed steps to become a real estate agent in Dubai.

Step 1: Obtain a Residency Visa (For Expats)

The first step to becoming a property dealer in Dubai is to obtain a residency permit under your real estate agency. In Dubai, you cannot be a freelance real estate agent. You must be an employee of a registered real estate brokerage to apply for a Brokers Permit.

Apply for job opportunities as professional real estate agents through LinkedIn, dubizzle (jobs), Bayt or company sites. If you’ve been shortlisted and called for an interview, check about getting a visa.

UAE citizens and GCC nationals can easily sign up for the licensing process. Expats, however, need to have a valid residency visa to apply for a job as a realtor in Dubai. You can get a work visa in Dubai from your employer or a residency visa sponsored by your spouse working in Dubai.

Please note that if you are under a spousal residency visa, you will require a work permit from the real estate agency in order to work as professional real estate agents.

You will also need your Emirates ID, which comes with becoming a resident of the UAE. If you’re new to the country, here’s a detailed guide on the uses and benefits of Emirates ID.

This section has catered to the queries about how to become real estate agent in Dubai for expats. Aside from this, the Dubai real estate agent requirements for locals and expats are the same.

Step 2: Obtain the Brokers Licence

If you’re wondering how to become a realtor in Dubai, the process is straightforward but requires following specific steps after a residency permit is issued.

Once you have received your UAE residency, you must pass the Real Estate Brokerage Exam for a Broker’s Licence. Getting your Broker’s Licence means getting your BRN or Broker’s Registration Number.

Property seekers can look you up on DLD’s list of registered brokers using your BRN. In addition, this Dubai real estate licence number is displayed on your Agent Profile on Bayut.

This licence is mandatory to sell properties in the secondary market. Real estate agents selling off-plan properties or leasing agents do not require this permit.

To take the exam, you can attend a three-day course by the Bayut Academy, which takes individuals through the laws, regulations and best practices required while working in the industry. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) have approved this course. The modules include:

• History of Dubai and the Business of Being a Broker
• Concepts, Definition and Market Players
• Dubai Sales and Leasing Process
• Code of Ethics
• Jointly-Owned Property Ownership
• Dubai Real Estate Laws and Regulations
• Essential Skills for Success

The fees for the Bayut Academy Prep Course is AED 1,400, and it is conducted in English and Arabic.

The next step is to take the exam for agents in the Dubai real estate industry. It quizzes you on the laws and regulations that govern the Dubai real estate industry. Depending on a variety of factors, besides the preparatory course fee, you can budget for an additional AED 4,000.

Once you pass the exam, you must get a Police Clearance Certificate to apply for your Dubai Broker licence. Available on the Dubai Police website, the service costs AED 200 and takes approximately two days to be processed.

Once received, your agency’s admin team will apply for your Brokers Licence on the Trakheesi portal. They will submit the police clearance certificate, proof of course completion at DREI and the exam results.

After this, the Economic Department will issue your broker licence and card. Registered real estate brokerages have an account on the DLD site to access the Trakheesi portal and apply on your behalf – using your newly received Emirates ID with a residence visa.

You will receive your credentials (Trakheesi login) and Brokers Licence within one or two days after submitting all the required documents.

You must renew your licence one month before the expiry date to avoid any penalties from the issuing authority.

For anyone looking to become a realtor in Dubai, it’s vital to stay informed, follow the legal requirements and continuously develop your skills to thrive in this competitive market.

Read our guide for new realtors in Dubai to learn more.

How to Renew Your Real Estate Agent Licence in Dubai

The Brokers Licence for agents in the Dubai real estate industry is valid for one year. Broker’s licence renewal services are available on the Trakheesi portal. While renewing your Broker Card, you will also renew your BRN (Broker Registration Number).

Note that if you fail to apply for renewal within the due date, your licence could be subject to cancellation, or you will be required to take the training course once again. 

To summarise, the documents required for the renewal process of a real estate licence in Dubai include the following:

• Copy of valid passport
• Copy of your UAE residence permit

The renewal fee is AED 510.

If you plan on changing agencies, you must cancel your Broker’s Licence and apply for a new one after you receive your new residency visa from the new agency. You will also be issued a new BRN (Broker Registration Number). Remember, you must submit proof of cancellation of your previous Brokers Licence to receive the new one. This covers the essential Dubai real estate agent requirements.

Once you kick-start your career in real estate, it’s important to continue staying committed to learning and personal development to succeed in the long term.

To get started, you can explore the courses available for real estate agents in Dubai. Stay informed by being aware of the essential skills required to be a top real estate agent, such as time management, prospecting and phone skills.

FAQs about how to become a real estate agent in Dubai

This concludes our guide on how to become a real estate broker in Dubai. To learn more, read our guide on becoming a top real estate agent in Dubai.

Remember that the most challenging part of the process begins after you get your licence. Success in the competitive real estate market of the UAE requires more than just credentials. And, of course, cultivate daily habits that will help you stay ahead.

You can always sign up with Bayut Academy and attend highly rated workshops for real estate professionals on key skills such as communication, time management, sales and negotiation.

As a starting point, you can also self learn top real estate terms used in Dubai. You can explore the profiles of Bayut’s top agents in Dubai, TruBrokers™, to discover the best in the industry.

Hope we have been able to provide some guidance regarding how to be a successful real estate agent in Dubai so you can start your journey.