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

You will need a valid United States passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in United States, attested documents via US Department of State / Secretary of State, and a business plan for your real estate brokerage venture.

How long does it take for an American citizen to set up a real estate brokerage company in Fujairah 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.

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

The annual licence renewal for a Real Estate Brokerage Fujairah DED company costs approximately AED 6,000, 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.

What documents do I need to set up a Real Estate Brokerage business in Fujairah 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.

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

The typical processing time for a real estate brokerage licence at Fujairah 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.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my Fujairah DED Real Estate Brokerage licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from Fujairah DED, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Mainland companies typically have the widest choice of banking partners. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

What are the tax implications for a Real Estate Brokerage business in Fujairah 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.

Real Estate Brokerage in Fujairah Mainland for American nationals

MainlandReal EstateRegulated Activity

Real Estate Brokerage in Fujairah DED

Starting From

AED 6,000

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Fujairah

About Real Estate Brokerage

The UAE continues to attract American entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and Fujairah DED is one of the most popular jurisdictions for real estate brokerage operations. Growing American business community (~50,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Fujairah Mainland gives your Real Estate Brokerage business access to Fujairah's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as ejari office, co-working, private office and excellent connectivity. As a regulated activity, you will need approval from RERA before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up real estate brokerage businesses in Fujairah Mainland since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why Fujairah DED for Real Estate Brokerage?

Choosing Fujairah DED for your real estate brokerage business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers east coast port access, which is particularly valuable for real estate brokerage operations. Additionally, oil and shipping hub 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 3,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. Trade across the UAE further enhances the appeal of Fujairah DED for real estate brokerage professionals. Furthermore, cost-effective licensing positions your real estate brokerage business for long-term success in the region. With Fujairah continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Fujairah 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 American nationals specifically, the Fujairah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large American business community.

East coast port access

Oil and shipping hub

Trade across the UAE

Cost-effective licensing

Growing commercial centre

Visa Requirements for American Nationals

US citizens can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. A residence visa is processed after company formation for long-term business operations. Once your real estate brokerage licence is issued by Fujairah 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 American Business Owners

US nationals face additional FATCA compliance requirements when opening UAE corporate accounts. IBA assists with the additional documentation required. For your real estate brokerage business in Fujairah DED, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving American business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any United States-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for American Nationals

American nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through US Department of State / Secretary of State. 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 Fujairah DED.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid United States passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by US Department of State / Secretary of State

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

6Passport-sized photographs with white background

7Professional qualification certificates or approvals from RERA

8Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

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	6,000
Visa Package (per visa)	3,200
Ejari Office	5,000
Co-Working	3,000
Private Office	12,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 14,200

* 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 Fujairah DED licence options for American nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from United States through US Department of State / Secretary of State and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

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

Trade Licence Issued

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

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. US citizens can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. US nationals face additional FATCA compliance requirements when opening UAE corporate accounts.

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, American nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including real estate brokerage.

Real Estate Brokerage in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

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RAKEZ

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DIFC

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Abu Dhabi DED

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JAFZA

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Dubai DED

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DMCC

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IFZA

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