
Are you considering starting a brokerage business in Dubai? While the market is competitive, it also comes with a host of advantages if you choose the right industry and setup location.
For example, Dubai's real estate sector is always a booming industry and has hit record sales in 2025. With ongoing development, PropTech launch, and an influx of commercial and residential properties, landlords are constantly seeking reliable tenants. This makes obtaining a commercial brokerage license in Dubai a smart and profitable decision.
Meydan Free Zone offers a founder-friendly, fully digital platform to help brokerages launch fast and stay compliant.
What is Commercial Brokerage in Dubai
Commercial brokerage refers to a business activity where an entity (the broker or brokerage) acts as an intermediary between two parties engaged in buying, selling, or leasing goods or services. These brokers facilitate negotiations, contracts, and transactions, earning a fee under a brokerage agreement.
Broker Vs Brokerage: Know the Difference
There are distinct differences between a broker and a brokerage.
Brokerage Vs Broker
RERA Certification in Dubai
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) is part of the Dubai Land Department and governs the real estate sector. If you’re aiming to operate as a real estate broker, developer, or intermediary, a RERA broker license in Dubai is mandatory.
Whether you’re setting up in Meydan Free Zone or partnering with property developers, a RERA-approved commercial brokerage license in Dubai ensures compliance and credibility.
How to Start a Commercial Brokerage in Meydan Free Zone
Starting your commercial broker business in Dubai through Meydan Free Zone is simple and scalable. Here's how:
1. Select a Business Activity
Choose from a wide range of commercial broker license activities. These include real estate brokerage, investment consultancy, and property sales facilitation. You can later add or modify these as your business expands.
2. Choosing a Business Name
Choosing a business name is crucial to starting a business in the UAE. Adherence to the strict naming rules in the United Arab Emirates is necessary. As a general rule, you should not use words that may be considered blasphemous or disrespectful. You must also ensure that the name you want is available and not already in use.
3. Apply for a Trade License
The licensing procedure in Meydan Free Zone is digital, saving time and effort. The platform combines licensing with compliance and regulation, including UBO, ESR, and AML. As part of this procedure, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Passport copy
- A digital passport size photo
- Emirates ID copy (if applicable)
- Residence visa copy (if applicable
4. Apply for a Visa
To live in the UAE, you will require a resident visa. The visa application procedure is:
- Getting an entry permit
- Changing your status
- Taking a medical examination
- Getting your Emirates ID and visa stamp
You can also sponsor visa applications for your employees and family members simultaneously with your visa application.
Cost of a commercial brokerage license in the Meydan Free Zone
The cost of a broker license in Dubai varies depending on the number of visas, office requirements, and additional services. Meydan Free Zone provides flexible packages to suit startups and established brokerages alike.
The cost of starting a commercial brokerage license depends on several factors, including:
- Business license & visa fees
- Personnel & insurance costs
- Location of your office
In the Meydan Free Zone a commercial brokerage license starts from just AED 12,500.
Growing Your Commercial Brokerage Business in Dubai
Business success often requires adjusting to new circumstances. However, development and expansion are essential to a company's continued success in today's competitive and ever-changing business environment. There are various methods to build your UAE company; the best one will depend on your type of business, resources, timelines, and cash. Here are three that you can consider:
- Establish an alliance: Aligning with other companies that provide complementary products or services might be beneficial. Partnerships between businesses are a great way to expand into untapped areas. Furthermore, a well-placed collaboration might provide you with immediate access to new clients.
- Target new markets: You can expand into new markets by capitalising on your established brand recognition and start researching different locations to identify potential customers for your service.
- Mergers and acquisitions (M&A): There is a possibility that a merger would help your company increase its market share. Start by evaluating what businesses are comparable to yours. Find out what you can gain by merging forces or making the acquisition. Then analyse your cash flow and financial resources carefully.
Why Meydan Free Zone is Ideal for Commercial Brokerages
Meydan Free Zone is the ideal launchpad for your commercial brokerage in Dubai. With its fully digital setup, Fawri- instant licensing process, 0% tax and 100% ownership, it empowers entrepreneurs to start and scale with ease. Whether you're targeting real estate or other sectors, Meydan offers the flexibility and support to grow your business confidently.
Our experts guide you through every step, from licence application to RERA certification support, so you can focus on growing your client base and closing deals.
FAQs
1. What is a commercial brokerage license in Dubai?
A commercial brokerage license in Dubai allows businesses to operate as intermediaries in buying, selling, or leasing services or products, such as real estate, investments, or insurance.
2. How much does it cost to get a commercial brokerage license in the Meydan Free Zone?
Pricing varies depending on your structure and visa requirements. Contact Meydan Free Zone for a custom quote or use Meydan Free Zone cost calculator for free.
3. What are the benefits of getting a broker license in Dubai Free Zones like Meydan Free Zone?
Meydan Free Zone offers benefits like 100% foreign ownership, 0% tax, a fully digital registration process, and access to a thriving business ecosystem.
4. How do I apply for a RERA license in Dubai?
To apply for a RERA broker license in Dubai, you must first complete certified training, pass the RERA exam, and register with the Dubai Land Department. For commercial brokerages, this can be paired with a Meydan Free Zone license.
5. What commercial broker activities are allowed under the license?
Allowed commercial broker license activities include real estate transactions, leasing services, investment consulting, property sales facilitation, and other intermediary roles between buyers and sellers.
6. Can I run a commercial brokerage in Dubai without a local partner?
Yes. If you register in Meydan Free Zone, you can own 100% of your business without the need for a local sponsor.
7. What documents are required to get a commercial brokerage license in Dubai?
You'll need a passport copy, digital photo, and, if applicable, your residence visa and Emirates ID. Meydan Free Zone streamlines this process with a digital approach and expedited approvals.