Real Estate Brokerage in Jebel Ali Free Zone for American nationals
Free ZoneReal EstateRegulated Activity

Real Estate Brokerage in JAFZA

Starting From

AED 16,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Real Estate Brokerage

As an American national looking to establish a Real Estate Brokerage business in Jebel Ali Free Zone, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. United States has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of American professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a free zone entity regulated under Dubai's commercial laws, your Real Estate Brokerage business will benefit from world's largest free zone and direct access to jebel ali port. The JAFZA licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 16,000.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your real estate brokerage setup in JAFZA. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why JAFZA for Real Estate Brokerage?

There are several compelling reasons why Jebel Ali Free Zone continues to attract real estate brokerage entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers world's largest free zone, which is particularly valuable for real estate brokerage operations. Additionally, direct access to jebel ali port ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 8,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 6 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Excellent logistics infrastructure further enhances the appeal of JAFZA for real estate brokerage professionals. Furthermore, tax-free environment positions your real estate brokerage business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, JAFZA 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 Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large American business community.

World's largest free zone
Direct access to Jebel Ali Port
Excellent logistics infrastructure
Tax-free environment
Industrial facilities

Visa Requirements for American Nationals

For American entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: US citizens can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. A residence visa is processed after company formation for long-term business operations. 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 JAFZA.

Banking for American Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your real estate brokerage company in JAFZA: US nationals face additional FATCA compliance requirements when opening UAE corporate accounts. IBA assists with the additional documentation required. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand American business structures.

Document Attestation for American Nationals

Document attestation for American nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in United States, (2) Attestation by US Department of State / Secretary of State, (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 United States passport (minimum 6 months validity)
2Documents attested by US Department of State / Secretary of State
3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi
4Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)
5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)
6Completed application form for trade licence
7Relevant industry experience documentation
8Detailed business plan or activity description

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

ItemCost (AED)
License Fee16,000
Visa Package (per visa)5,000
Flexi Desk8,000
Shared Office15,000
Private Office40,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)From AED 29,000

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

Setup Timeline

1

Consultation

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

2

Document Preparation

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

3

Licence Application

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

4

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official JAFZA trade licence within 5–8 business days.

5

Visa Processing

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

6

Bank Account

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

7

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: 5 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. JAFZA allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including American nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Get Started Today

Ready to set up your real estate brokerage in JAFZA? Our team is here to help.

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Quick Facts

JurisdictionJAFZA
TypeFree Zone
EmirateDubai
License FeeAED 16,000
Setup Time5 days
Visa Quota6
Activity Code68100

Official Source

www.jafza.ae

By IBA Business Setup Team

Last updated: 26 February 2026

International Business Advisors DMCC has been helping entrepreneurs set up businesses in the UAE since 2004, with 20+ years of hands-on expertise.

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