When people hear the word “Dubai,” images of a modern city — with an amazing skyline of towering buildings — usually come to mind. Indeed, Dubai is known for record-breaking marvels, including the world’s tallest building and a giant dancing fountain!
That being said, it’s really not surprising that Dubai has one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the world. With residential, commercial, and industrial buildings in high demand… Dubai is definitely a great place to be a real estate agent. Of course, if you want to be part of this exciting industry, you’ll need to apply for a real estate license from the Real Estate Regulatory Authority, or simply RERA.
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Why Be a Real Estate Agent in Dubai?
Have you ever dreamed of becoming a real estate agent in Dubai? Do you think you have what it takes to help buyers find their dream homes… or offices? If so, then now is the best time to apply for a real estate license, and become a bona fide agent!
What are the advantages of being a real estate agent in this city? Well, here are a few good reasons:
1. Financial Gains
Properties in Dubai, and in the entire UAE for that matter, are in high demand. As a real estate agent, you can expect to gain high-value commissions and attractive profits… in addition to your basic salary.
2. Multicultural Network
Dubai has one of the most diverse populations ever, with people coming from all over the world. Hence, you get the chance to meet and interact with different nationalities. Eventually, you’ll be able to build a multicultural network of clients and fellow agents, too.
3. Amazing Architecture
As mentioned earlier, Dubai has some of the most amazing architectural wonders worldwide. Imagine being able to showcase these structures to prospective clients everyday. Sounds like a truly enriching experience, indeed!
Requirements and Fees
To become a real estate agent in Dubai, you need to be at least 21 years old or above. You should also prepare the following requirements and fees:
- Emirates ID;
- Residency Visa;
- Training Fee (AED 3,000); and
- Exam Fee (AED 3,200 or AED 6,300 — more on this below).
How to Become a Real Estate Agent
Once you have prepared all the required documents and fees, check out this step-by-step guide towards becoming a real estate agent in Dubai:
1. Get a Residency Visa
Citizens of the UAE, along with GCC nationals, do not need a residency visa to become a real estate agent in Dubai. Expats, on the other hand, should have a valid residency visa if they want to pursue a career in real estate.
You may already have a working visa through your employer (if you are already employed). Or, you may have a residency visa because you were sponsored by your spouse. Either way, a residency visa is essential if you want to be a real estate agent.
2. Get Trained at Dubai Real Estate Institute
The next step is to sign up for the “Certified Training for Real Estate Brokers,” which is conducted by the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI). This is a course that’s been approved by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), the regulatory agency of the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
Applicants can undergo training at the RERA agent registration training center at DLD, or opt to take the course online. The training costs AED 3,000; be sure to show your Emirates ID and a copy of your residence visa when you register.
Notably, the four-day training course seeks to provide applicants with fundamental knowledge about the real estate industry. Training modules include the following topics:
- History and Development;
- The Business of a Broker;
- Concepts, Definitions, and Market Players;
- Sales Processes and Agreements;
- Leasing Process and Rental Agreements ;
- Essential Skills;
- Code of Ethics;
- Legal Module; and
- Introduction to Owner’s Associations.
3. Take the RERA Exam
After completing the training, the next step is to take the RERA exam (written). Please note that there’s an exam fee: AED 3,200 for applicants with bachelor’s degrees, or AED 6,300 for those without bachelor’s degrees.
Just to be clear… you do not need a bachelor’s degree to apply for a real estate license. However, you do need to be at least 21 years old or above.
4. Get Your Real Estate License
After passing the exam… congratulations! As soon as you submit the required documents, the Economic Department shall issue your real estate agent license within one or two days.
NOTE: For those who would like to get a broker’s license, you’ll need to submit an additional requirement: Certificate of Good Conduct.
How to Renew Real Estate License
As a reminder, be sure to renew your real estate license before it expires. We recommend applying for renewal around one month before your current license expires, so that you can avoid penalties.
As part of renewing your license, you’ll need to take the RERA agent registration exam once again. Also, your score should be at least 85 percent! After passing the exam, you can continue the license renewal process online.
To renew your real estate license, you’ll need to prepare:
- Copy of Valid Passport and/or Residency Permit;
- Personal Photo;
- Certificate of Qualification; and
- Renewal Fee (AED 510).
NOTE: If you fail to renew before your current license expires, your license may be subject to cancellation. This means that you may need to pay fines, or undergo training at the Dubai Real Estate Institute once again.
Tips for Real Estate Agents
Getting your real estate license is only the beginning. The property industry in Dubai is rather competitive, so you’ll need to continue learning and improving! And so, here are some tips to get you started:
1. Seek a reputable real-estate company.
Find a real estate company that offers good salary, commissions, and benefits. There are quite a number of firms out there… be sure to join the best ones!
2. Know your area well.
Never stop learning about the areas wherein the properties you’re selling are located. Customers are bound to ask questions such as nearby schools, markets, hospitals, shopping malls, and other facilities. Thus, you need to be familiar with your areas, and remain updated about the latest developments.
3. Expand your network.
It always helps to have a wide network of clients, fellow real estate agents, brokers, and other people in the industry. Don’t hesitate to ask your clients to recommend you to their friends and colleagues who are planning to buy or rent properties.
Video: Real Estate Broker Tips
Eager to hear more real estate tips? Here’s an informative video shared by Alessia Sheglova, the CEO of Dacha Real Estate, a leading real estate firm in Dubai. In this video, she offers several tips for becoming a successful real estate broker:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some commonly asked questions and answers about getting a real estate license in Dubai:
1. Why consider becoming a real estate agent?
There is much to gain from becoming a real estate agent in Dubai: high-value commissions, a multicultural network, and amazing architecture, to name a few.
2. How to become a real estate agent in Dubai?
There are four major steps towards becoming a real estate agent in Dubai: getting a residency visa; undergoing training at Dubai Real Estate Institute; taking the RERA exam; and finally, getting your real estate license.
3. Do I need a bachelor’s degree to be a real estate agent?
No, you do not need a bachelor’s degree to become a real estate agent in Dubai; however, you do need to be at least 21 years old or above.
4. My license is expiring soon. How do I renew it?
To renew your license, you’ll need to take the RERA agent registration exam again. After passing the exam (score of 85 percent or higher), you can continue the renewal process online by submitting the required documents and fees.
5. How can I cancel my real estate license?
If, for some reason, you have decided to cancel your real estate license, you can do so by submitting an application through the Trakheesi (MyLicense) system. This is an online portal launched by the DLD to help streamline the real estate industry.
Contact Information: Dubai Land Department
If you have any questions or concerns with regard to applying for a real estate license, you can get in touch with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) through the following contact details.
Address: Baniyas Rd. (near Etisalat Building), Deira, Riggat Al Buteen, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Telephone: +9718004488
Email: info@dubailand.gov.ae
Website: https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/#/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DubaiLandDepartment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/land_department/?hl=en
Please keep in mind that the office’s working hours are as follows:
Monday to Thursday — 7:30 am to 3:30 pm
Friday — 7:30 am to 12:00 pm
In addition, the DLD’s Customer Service is available from Monday to Thursday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm through phone, chat, and email platforms.
Google Map Location
Below is the location of Dubai Land Department on Google Maps, for your reference:
Summary
Without a doubt, the real estate industry in Dubai is booming, and becoming a real estate agent here comes with great rewards, indeed! We certainly hope that through this article, we were able to provide you with helpful information on how to be a licensed real estate agent in this city.
DISCLAIMER: Please keep in mind that the above guide is presented for general, information-sharing purposes only. To know more about how to become a RERA-licensed agent, please visit the official website of the Dubai Land Department or DLD.
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