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

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

How long does it take for a Lebanese 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.

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.

What documents do I need to set up a Real Estate Brokerage business in Dubai DED?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by RERA. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Real Estate Brokerage business in Dubai Mainland?

The annual licence renewal for a Real Estate Brokerage Dubai DED company costs approximately AED 12,000, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

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.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Real Estate Brokerage company in Dubai DED?

Most of the setup process for a real estate brokerage business in Dubai DED can be completed remotely, with documents submitted online or via courier. However, you may need to visit the UAE for Emirates ID biometrics and bank account opening. IBA can coordinate to minimise your required visits.

Real Estate Brokerage in Dubai Mainland for Lebanese 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 a Lebanese citizen is a straightforward process when you understand the specific requirements that apply to Lebanon-based entrepreneurs. IBA International has helped hundreds of Lebanese 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 Lebanese nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Lebanese business community.

Trade anywhere in the UAE

Government contracts eligibility

No geographic restrictions

Wider business scope

Direct customer access

Visa Requirements for Lebanese Nationals

Lebanese nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. Once your real estate brokerage licence is issued by Dubai DED, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 8–15 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Lebanese Business Owners

Lebanese entrepreneurs have a strong reputation in UAE business circles. Many have established successful businesses across various sectors. For your real estate brokerage business in Dubai DED, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Lebanese business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Lebanon-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Lebanese Nationals

Lebanese nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for real estate brokerage), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to Dubai DED.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Lebanon passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Relevant industry experience documentation

5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

6Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

7Completed application form for trade licence

8Office tenancy contract (Ejari) for the registered business address

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 Lebanese nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Lebanon through Lebanese 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. Lebanese nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Lebanese entrepreneurs have a strong reputation in UAE business circles.

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, Lebanese 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