How to Apply for RERA Broker Card in Dubai? - A Step-by-Step Guide!

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Are you considering a career in real estate in Dubai but don’t know where to begin? If you aim to become a certified real estate agent, obtaining a RERA Broker Card is your first and most critical step.

The RERA card serves as your professional license, issued by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency under the Dubai Land Department (DLD), enabling you to legally practice in the city’s thriving property market.

This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about how to apply for a RERA broker card in Dubai, from eligibility and documentation to training, cost, and renewal processes. Let’s walk through the journey to becoming a certified property broker in Dubai.

What is a RERA Broker Card in Dubai?

The RERA Broker Card is an official identification and licensing document issued by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), the regulatory division of the Dubai Land Department (DLD). It is legally mandatory for anyone involved in real estate brokerage activities in Dubai, including sales, leasing, or property management.

The card not only certifies that a broker has the required qualifications and knowledge of UAE real estate laws, but also provides traceability and accountability in the industry. It contains key details such as your name, brokerage company, license number, and validity date.

Why Do You Need a RERA Broker Card to Work as a Real Estate Agent in Dubai?

Dubai’s real estate industry is one of the most competitive and highly regulated markets in the world. To maintain professionalism and transparency, the government mandates that all real estate brokers obtain a RERA Broker Card.

This license ensures that agents meet specific educational, legal, and ethical standards, helping to protect the interests of clients and uphold trust in the market. It serves as official proof that the broker is qualified, registered, and operating under the guidelines set by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

Without this card, individuals are not legally permitted to engage in property transactions. Operating without one can result in serious consequences, including hefty fines, legal penalties, and disqualification from future licensing.

Therefore, the RERA Broker Card is not just a requirement—it is an essential component of conducting a compliant, credible, and successful real estate business in Dubai.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a RERA Broker Card?

Before applying for your RERA Broker Card, make sure you meet the following eligibility criteria:

You must be at least 21 years old
Hold a valid UAE residence visa
Provide a certificate of good conduct (no criminal record)
Have a minimum of a high school education
Successfully complete and pass the Certified Training Course for Real Estate Brokers from the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI)

These prerequisites ensure that all licensed real estate professionals in Dubai uphold integrity, competence, and professionalism.

What Documents Are Required to Apply for a RERA Broker Card?

Accurate and complete documentation is critical for a successful application. Below are the necessary documents:

Valid passport copy
Copy of UAE residence visa
Emirates ID copy
Recent passport-sized photograph
Academic certificates (at least high school diploma)
Certificate of course completion from DREI
Police Clearance Certificate (Good Conduct)
Trade license (if applying through a real estate company)

Ensure that all documents are valid and in the correct format before submission to avoid delays.

How Do You Register for the RERA Training Course in Dubai?

To become eligible for the RERA Broker Card, you must complete a training course offered by the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI). This course covers the legal, ethical, and professional standards required in Dubai’s property market.

Steps to register:

Visit the official DREI website
Create an account and select the Certified Training for Real Estate Brokers course
Choose your language (English or Arabic) and preferred schedule
Pay the course fee, which typically ranges between AED 2,500 to AED 3,500
Attend the course (available both in-class and online)
Take and pass the RERA exam

The DREI course ensures that new brokers understand property laws, transaction procedures, and customer service standards.

What is the Role of DREI and the RERA Certification Course?

The Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI) is a training and education body affiliated with the Dubai Land Department. It is tasked with preparing aspiring brokers through courses aligned with RERA’s standards.

The RERA Certification Course typically lasts 4–5 days and includes modules on:

UAE real estate laws and regulations
Code of conduct for real estate professionals
Sales and leasing procedures
Marketing and customer interaction ethics
Legal documentation and dispute handling

After completing the course, candidates take a final assessment. Successful candidates are awarded a certificate that must be submitted during the RERA application process.

How Do You Submit Your Application Through the Trakheesi System?

After receiving your DREI certificate, you need to apply for your Broker Card via the Trakheesi system, an integrated online portal operated by the Dubai Land Department.

Steps to apply through Trakheesi:

Go to the Trakheesi portal
Log in using your credentials or UAE Pass
Select “Broker Card Application”
Upload all required documents, including the DREI certificate
Complete the online form and verify all entries
Pay the application fee (ranges from AED 520 to AED 1,020)
Submit the application and await approval

Once approved, you’ll receive a digital copy of your RERA Broker Card. Some applicants may also collect physical cards from the DLD office.

What Are the Fees and Costs Involved in Getting a RERA License?

The total cost of obtaining a RERA Broker Card in Dubai depends on the training provider, government fees, and supporting documentation. Below is a general estimate:

Expense Item	Estimated Cost (AED)
DREI Training Course	2,500 – 3,500
RERA Application Fee	700 – 1200
Police Clearance Certificate	120 – 200
Emirates ID / Visa Processing	Varies
Miscellaneous / Admin Costs	200 – 500
Total Estimated Cost	3,000 – 5,000

These costs are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the latest fees on the DLD or Trakheesi websites.

How Long Does It Take to Get a RERA Broker Card?

The time it takes to obtain a RERA Broker Card in Dubai typically ranges from 7 to 12 working days, depending on how efficiently each step is completed. The process begins with enrolling in and completing the DREI training course, which usually lasts 4 to 5 days, followed by passing the certification exam.

Once certified, applicants must gather the required documents and submit their application through the Trakheesi system, which can take an additional 2 to 5 business days for review and approval.

Delays may occur if documentation is incomplete or if verification takes longer. To avoid setbacks, it’s essential to prepare all documents in advance and ensure accuracy during submission.

With careful planning and prompt action, most applicants can expect to receive their RERA Broker Card in under two weeks, enabling them to begin their real estate careers legally and confidently.

How Can You Renew Your RERA Broker Card in Dubai?

Your RERA Broker Card is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Failure to renew in time may result in fines or suspension.

Steps to renew:

Complete a refresher training (if required by RERA)
Update your documents (Emirates ID, visa, etc.)
Log in to the Trakheesi system
Select “Renew Broker Card”
Upload documents and pay the renewal fee
Submit and await approval

Always aim to start the renewal process at least 30 days before your card expires to avoid disruptions in your brokerage activity.

What Are the Penalties for Operating Without a RERA Broker Card?

Dubai enforces strict penalties for brokers operating without valid authorization:

Fines up to AED 50,000
Suspension or cancellation of brokerage license
Legal prosecution and imprisonment
Blacklisting by the Dubai Land Department

To avoid these consequences, ensure your card is valid, and always operate under DLD regulations.

What Are Some Tips to Ensure a Smooth RERA Application Process?

A few best practices can make your application faster and smoother:

Ensure all documents are updated and valid before submission
Keep multiple soft copies of each document
Take your DREI training and exam seriously—pass it on the first attempt
Submit through official portals only (DREI, Trakheesi, DLD)
Work with a registered real estate firm to streamline your registration
Monitor deadlines for renewal to avoid penalties

Being proactive at every stage will help you transition smoothly into Dubai’s real estate sector.

How Is the RERA Broker Card Linked with the Dubai Land Department?

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) oversees all property-related operations in the emirate. RERA, a division of the DLD, sets the rules and regulations for real estate activities, including:

Broker licensing and card issuance
Real estate company registration
Monitoring of transactions and dispute resolution
Standardizing market practices and ethical codes

Your RERA Broker Card serves as an official confirmation that you are legally authorized to conduct real estate transactions under DLD regulations.

Conclusion

Securing your RERA Broker Card is the most important step toward starting a professional and legal real estate career in Dubai. With the right training, documentation, and compliance, you can begin offering your services in one of the world’s most dynamic property markets.

This guide has walked you through the eligibility requirements, training process, documentation, application steps, and costs involved. Follow these carefully, and you’ll be well on your way to building a successful real estate career in the UAE.

FAQs

How do I check the status of my RERA broker card application?

You can track your application status through the Trakheesi system by logging into your account. Notifications are sent via email or SMS once approved.

Can I apply for a RERA card as an individual or must I be employed?

You may apply as an individual, but most brokers are affiliated with a licensed real estate company. It is usually easier to apply through a brokerage.