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 JAFZA?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 5–8 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 15–25 business days.

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

Yes, with a valid trade licence from JAFZA, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Free zone companies can bank with most major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBank, and Mashreq. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Real Estate Brokerage company in Jebel Ali Free Zone?

Yes, JAFZA allows 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local partner or sponsor. This is one of the key advantages of establishing your business in this jurisdiction.

What business activities can I include on my JAFZA licence?

Your JAFZA licence can include real estate brokerage as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Most free zones allow multiple activities on a single licence, though some may charge a small fee for additional activities. IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Real Estate Brokerage business in Jebel Ali Free Zone?

The annual licence renewal for a Real Estate Brokerage JAFZA company costs approximately AED 16,000, 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.

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

Most of the setup process for a real estate brokerage business in JAFZA 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 Jebel Ali Free Zone for Lebanese 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

Setting up a Real Estate Brokerage business in Jebel Ali Free Zone 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 JAFZA has been streamlined significantly, with most real estate licences processed within 5 business days. As a free zone entity, you will enjoy 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local sponsor. The base licence fee is approximately AED 16,000, making it competitively priced for the services included.

At IBA International, we simplify the process of establishing your real estate brokerage business in Jebel Ali Free Zone. 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 JAFZA for Real Estate Brokerage?

Jebel Ali Free Zone is widely regarded as one of the UAE's premier destinations for real estate businesses, and for good reason.

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

World's largest free zone

Direct access to Jebel Ali Port

Excellent logistics infrastructure

Tax-free environment

Industrial facilities

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 JAFZA, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 10–17 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 JAFZA, 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 JAFZA.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Lebanon passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Professional qualification certificates or approvals from RERA

5Completed application form for trade licence

6Signed application form from JAFZA authority

7Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

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	16,000
Visa Package (per visa)	5,000
Flexi Desk	8,000
Shared Office	15,000
Private Office	40,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 29,000

* 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 JAFZA 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 JAFZA. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official JAFZA trade licence within 5–8 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: 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 Lebanese nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

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