Become a Real Estate Agent in Dubai: 10 Powerful Steps to a Successful Career

Thinking about how to become a real estate agent in Dubai? You’re in exactly the right place.

Dubai’s real estate market is one of the most dynamic and competitive in the world. From luxury waterfront villas to high-yield investment apartments, opportunities are massive—but success here requires proper licensing, market knowledge, and a professional approach. Whether you’re starting fresh, switching careers, or relocating from overseas, understanding the correct process is essential before you enter the field.

This in-depth guide explains every step required to become a real estate agent in Dubai, including eligibility criteria, documentation, licensing, training, exams, brokerage selection, income expectations, and long-term career growth. It’s written not just from a regulatory perspective—but from the real experience of working in Dubai’s property market.

Let’s get started.

Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Real Estate Agent in Dubai

To legally work in Dubai real estate, you must follow a structured pathway regulated by government authorities. Unlike some countries, you cannot practice informally or independently—licensing and brokerage affiliation are mandatory.

The process can be broken into five core stages:

1. Confirm eligibility
2. Prepare documentation
3. Complete mandatory training
4. Pass the RERA exam
5. Register and affiliate with a licensed brokerage

Each step is essential and skipping any one of them will delay or block your entry into the market.

Eligibility Criteria to Become a Real Estate Agent in Dubai

Before applying, you must meet the following requirements:

Minimum Age

Applicants must be at least 21 years old, ensuring professional maturity for handling legal and financial transactions.

Educational Qualification

A minimum high school diploma or equivalent is required. While higher education isn’t mandatory, candidates with business, finance, or sales backgrounds often adapt faster.

Residency and Emirates ID

To become a real estate agent in Dubai, legal UAE residency is compulsory:

• UAE & GCC nationals: Valid Emirates ID required
• Foreign nationals: UAE residency visa + Emirates ID

Without an Emirates ID, you cannot enroll in training or access licensing portals.

Good Conduct Certificate

A police clearance certificate confirms a clean criminal record. This can be obtained through Dubai Police online services and is a critical trust requirement in real estate.

Required Documents for Dubai Real Estate License

Prepare these documents before starting your application:

• Emirates ID (front & back)
• Passport copy
• Residency visa copy (for expats)
• Police clearance certificate
• Passport-size photographs (white background)
• Educational certificates (attested for foreign nationals)

Pro tip (agent insight):
Upload both clear digital copies and keep printed versions. Delays often happen due to unreadable uploads.

How to Apply for a Dubai Real Estate License (DREI & Trakheesi)

To officially become a real estate agent in Dubai, you’ll work with three main systems:

• Dubai Real Estate Institute
• Real Estate Regulatory Agency
• Dubai Land Department

Step 1: Register with DREI

Enroll in the official RERA-approved training course via DREI. You’ll submit your documents and choose your training schedule here.

Step 2: Complete Mandatory Training

The course usually lasts 4 days and covers:

• Dubai property laws
• Ethical sales practices
• Transaction procedures
• Broker responsibilities

Completion of this course is mandatory to sit for the exam.

Step 3: Create a Trakheesi Account

Trakheesi is the official licensing portal used to submit your application, upload documents, and track approval status.

Step 4: Submit License Application

Once documents are verified, your application moves to exam scheduling.

Average timeline: 2–4 weeks from start to exam, if documents are ready.

Understanding Dubai’s Real Estate Legal Framework

Once licensed, compliance becomes part of daily work.

Key regulations govern:

• Advertising and listings
• Handling client funds
• Commission agreements
• Brokerage relationships

All agents must operate under a licensed brokerage—freelancing without affiliation is not permitted under standard RERA rules.

Income, Commission & Realistic Expectations

Most people researching how to become a real estate agent in Dubai want one clear answer: Is it worth it financially?

Commission Structure

• Standard sales commission: 2%
• Rental commission: 5% of annual rent
• New agent splits: 40–50% (can rise with performance)

Realistic Earnings

• First 6 months: 1–3 deals
• Average sale values: AED 1.5M–3M (mid-market areas)
• Annual income varies widely, but experienced agents can exceed AED 300,000–600,000+

Expenses to Budget

• Portal advertising
• Marketing & branding
• CRM tools
• Desk or admin fees

Dubai rewards effort—but preparation matters.

Conclusion

If you’re serious, disciplined, and willing to learn, becoming a real estate agent in Dubai can be extremely rewarding—financially and professionally. But it’s not a shortcut career. Licensing, compliance, and persistence are non-negotiable.

Get licensed properly. Choose your brokerage wisely. Build your brand intentionally.

That’s how successful agents thrive in Dubai’s real estate market.