What documents does an Iranian national need to start a real estate brokerage business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Iran passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Iran, attested documents via Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a business plan for your real estate brokerage venture.

How long does it take for an Iranian citizen to set up a real estate brokerage company in Dubai DED?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 3–6 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 13–23 business days.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Real Estate Brokerage company in Dubai Mainland?

Yes, following the recent amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for most mainland activities, including real estate brokerage. Previously, a local sponsor holding 51% was required, but this is no longer the case.

Can I get a residence visa with my Real Estate Brokerage licence from Dubai DED?

Yes, your real estate brokerage licence from Dubai DED entitles you to apply for residence visas. The number of visas depends on your office space size — larger offices qualify for more visas. Each visa costs approximately AED 4,500.

What are the tax implications for a Real Estate Brokerage business in Dubai Mainland?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Mainland companies are subject to the standard 9% corporate tax rate on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

How long does it take to get a Real Estate Brokerage licence in Dubai DED?

The typical processing time for a real estate brokerage licence at Dubai DED is 3 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. As a regulated activity requiring RERA approval, additional time of 1-3 weeks may be required.

Is Dubai Mainland good for real estate brokerage start-ups?

Dubai DED is well-suited for both start-ups and established businesses, offering trade anywhere in the uae and government contracts eligibility. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 15,000 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

Real Estate Brokerage in Dubai Mainland for Iranian nationals

MainlandReal EstateRegulated Activity

Real Estate Brokerage in Dubai DED

Starting From

AED 12,000

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Real Estate Brokerage

Setting up a Real Estate Brokerage business in Dubai Mainland as an Iranian citizen is a straightforward process when you understand the specific requirements that apply to Iran-based entrepreneurs. IBA International has helped hundreds of Iranian business owners navigate the licensing, visa, and banking procedures unique to their nationality.

The licensing process at Dubai DED has been streamlined significantly, with most real estate licences processed within 3 business days. With the recent changes to UAE commercial law, 100% foreign ownership is now available for most mainland activities. The base licence fee is approximately AED 12,000, making it competitively priced for the services included.

At IBA International, we simplify the process of establishing your real estate brokerage business in Dubai Mainland. From selecting the right licence type to securing your visa and opening a corporate bank account, our experienced team ensures every detail is handled professionally and efficiently.

Why Dubai DED for Real Estate Brokerage?

Dubai Mainland is widely regarded as one of the UAE's premier destinations for real estate businesses, and for good reason.

The jurisdiction offers trade anywhere in the uae, which is particularly valuable for real estate brokerage operations. Additionally, government contracts eligibility ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. Operating on the mainland allows you to trade directly with the local UAE market without restrictions, and you can bid on government contracts — a significant advantage over free zone entities. Office solutions start from AED 8,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. No geographic restrictions further enhances the appeal of Dubai DED for real estate brokerage professionals. Furthermore, wider business scope positions your real estate brokerage business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Dubai DED remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established real estate enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Iranian nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Iranian business community.

Trade anywhere in the UAE

Government contracts eligibility

No geographic restrictions

Wider business scope

Direct customer access

Visa Requirements for Iranian Nationals

For Iranian entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Iranian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your real estate brokerage business in Dubai DED.

Banking for Iranian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your real estate brokerage company in Dubai DED: Iranian entrepreneurs may face additional due diligence requirements. IBA assists with navigating compliance procedures for successful account opening. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Iranian business structures.

Document Attestation for Iranian Nationals

Document attestation for Iranian nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Iran, (2) Attestation by Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to real estate brokerage businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Iran passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Completed application form for trade licence

5Detailed business plan or activity description

6Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

7Passport-sized photographs with white background

8Relevant industry experience documentation

Regulatory Note: Real Estate Brokerage is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from RERA is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	12,000
Visa Package (per visa)	4,500
Ejari Office	15,000
Co-Working	8,000
Private Office	30,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 31,500

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your real estate brokerage business plan and the best Dubai DED licence options for Iranian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Iran through Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the real estate brokerage licence application to Dubai DED. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official Dubai DED trade licence within 3–6 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Iranian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Iranian entrepreneurs may face additional due diligence requirements.

Start Operations

Your real estate brokerage business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 3 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Since the UAE's 2020 Commercial Companies Law amendment, Iranian nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including real estate brokerage.

Real Estate Brokerage in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750