Updated August 2026. Operating as a real estate broker in the UAE without proper RERA licensing is a criminal offence. The Real Estate Regulatory Agency issues the Broker Registration Number (BRN) to individuals and the Real Estate Brokerage Licence to companies, and both must be maintained in good standing to legally conduct property transactions. This guide covers every aspect of broker licensing, from passing the RERA exam to understanding commission rules across Dubai’s complex property market.
- The RERA BRN (Broker Registration Number) requires passing the Certified Training for Real Estate Brokers exam and paying AED 5,000.
- Annual renewal costs AED 3,000 and requires completion of RERA-approved continuing education credits.
- Standard DLD buyer-side commission is 2% of the transaction value, paid to the broker on Form I.
- Form A (exclusive listing), Form B (buyer agency agreement), and Form I (commission invoice) are mandatory DLD documents for every transaction.
- Brokers handling off-plan sales must be authorised by the specific developer and cannot collect commissions directly from buyers on new launches.
RERA Broker Registration Number: Who Needs One and Why
The Broker Registration Number is the individual licence issued by RERA to each person who practices real estate brokerage in Dubai. It is distinct from the company brokerage licence, which is held by the firm. Every individual actively practicing brokerage — attending viewings, negotiating offers, or advising clients on transactions — must hold a valid BRN. Company licences alone do not cover individual agents.
The BRN system was introduced to professionalise the broker market and create individual accountability. Before its introduction, the Dubai broker market had a reputation for high turnover, inconsistent service quality, and significant consumer protection gaps. The BRN is now linked to a digital record accessible through the DLD app, allowing buyers and sellers to instantly verify whether a broker is legitimately licensed. RERA publishes a list of licensed brokers on its official portal, updated in real time.
The RERA Broker Exam: Format, Content, and Registration
The Certified Training for Real Estate Brokers course and examination is delivered through approved training providers in Dubai and can also be completed online in certain circumstances. The course covers UAE real estate law, DLD procedures, contract types, RERA regulations, ethical standards, and practical transaction workflows. The examination is multiple-choice and requires a passing score, which RERA sets at 65% or higher.
Candidates must register through a RERA-approved training provider and submit their Emirates ID and valid residency visa as part of the enrolment process. Non-UAE residents cannot obtain a BRN, as the licence is tied to a UAE residency visa. The course is conducted in English and Arabic, and both language versions cover identical content. Most candidates complete the preparation course over three to five days before sitting the examination.
The initial BRN registration fee upon passing the exam is AED 5,000. This fee covers the first year of registration. RERA also charges a nominal fee for the physical BRN card, which must be carried by brokers at all times during property viewings and transaction-related activities.
Annual Renewal: AED 3,000 and Continuing Education Requirements
BRN renewal is required every 12 months and costs AED 3,000. Renewal cannot be completed without evidence of completing the mandatory continuing education requirement, which RERA typically sets at a minimum number of hours of RERA-approved training annually. The continuing education topics vary each year and often focus on regulatory changes, new DLD procedures, or emerging market segments such as short-term rentals or fractional ownership.
Brokers who allow their BRN to lapse must re-sit the full examination and pay the initial registration fee of AED 5,000 to reinstate their licence. There is no grace period after the renewal deadline. Brokerage firms are responsible under RERA regulations for ensuring all their employed agents hold valid BRNs, and firms can face fines if RERA discovers that unlicensed staff are practicing brokerage.
Comparison of Broker Licence Costs and Requirements
| Item | Fee / Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RERA Exam + Initial BRN | AED 5,000 | Plus training provider course fee (approx. AED 2,000–3,500) |
| Annual BRN Renewal | AED 3,000 | Requires CPD hours completion |
| Company Brokerage Licence (DED) | AED 15,000–25,000 est. | Includes trade licence + RERA company registration |
| Standard Buyer Commission | 2% of transaction value | Paid via Form I to DLD |
| Standard Seller Commission | 2% of transaction value | Negotiable; documented on Form A |
| Off-Plan Developer Commission | 3–7% typical | Paid by developer; no buyer commission on new launches |
DLD Forms: Form A, Form B, and Form I Explained
The Dubai Land Department requires brokers to use standardised forms for all property transactions. These forms create a paper trail that protects all parties and forms part of the official transaction record at DLD. Failure to use the correct forms or using forms incorrectly can result in the transaction being unenforceable and the broker facing regulatory sanctions.
Form A is the Listing Agreement between the broker and the seller (or developer). It specifies the property details, asking price, exclusivity period (if any), commission rate, and the broker’s authorisation to market the property. RERA requires that Form A be registered on the Trakheesi system before the property can be listed on any portal. This means only brokers with a valid BRN can legally advertise a property for sale in Dubai, as the BRN is required to generate a permit number on Trakheesi.
Form B is the Buyer Agency Agreement, which establishes the broker’s representation of the buyer. It documents the buyer’s acknowledgement that the broker will be working on their behalf and specifies the commission arrangement. Form B is particularly important when a buyer is represented by a broker who does not have the listing on Form A, as it establishes the co-brokerage arrangement.
Form I is the Commission Invoice, generated through the DLD Trakheesi system and presented as part of the transfer transaction. It is the official record of the commission payable and is submitted alongside the transfer documents at the DLD typing centre. DLD will not process a transfer without a Form I. The standard commission documented on Form I for the buyer side is 2% of the purchase price plus VAT.
Off-Plan Brokerage Rules and Developer Authorisations
Selling off-plan (pre-completion) properties operates under different rules from secondary market transactions. Buyers of off-plan units do not pay broker commission directly; instead, the developer pays the brokerage firm a commission, typically ranging from 3% to 7% of the unit price depending on the developer, project, and relationship. This commission is paid upon contract signing and is distinct from any DLD transfer fees.
To legally sell units in a specific off-plan project, the brokerage firm must be on the developer’s authorised broker list. Developers maintain these lists and can add or remove brokers based on performance, compliance history, and business relationships. Unauthorised brokers who attempt to sell off-plan units — collecting reservation deposits and forwarding clients to developers — are in violation of RERA regulations and can face licence revocation.
In practice, the off-plan market in Dubai operates through broker registration events where developers brief authorised firms on new launches. The largest developers — Emaar, Nakheel, Meraas, DAMAC, Aldar — have structured broker relations teams that manage authorisations. Smaller developers may be less formal but are still required to document their authorised broker relationships.
Handling Dual Agency and Conflict of Interest
RERA regulations generally discourage pure dual agency (where a single broker represents both buyer and seller in the same transaction) without full disclosure to both parties. If a broker has both a Form A with the seller and a Form B with the buyer on the same property, both parties must provide written informed consent acknowledging the dual representation. In practice, the most common arrangement in Dubai is transaction brokerage, where the broker facilitates the deal without providing advisory services to either side.
Conflicts of interest are taken seriously by RERA’s enforcement division. Brokers who provide inflated valuations to secure listings, who receive undisclosed referral fees from developers or mortgage brokers, or who misrepresent property details to buyers face disciplinary proceedings that can result in fines, BRN suspension, or permanent revocation. DLD maintains a public register of disciplined brokers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BRN in UAE real estate?
A BRN (Broker Registration Number) is the individual licence issued by RERA to a real estate broker in Dubai. It is obtained by passing the RERA Certified Training for Real Estate Brokers examination and paying a fee of AED 5,000. The BRN must be renewed annually for AED 3,000.
How much commission do real estate brokers charge in Dubai?
The standard buyer-side commission in Dubai’s secondary market is 2% of the purchase price plus 5% VAT. Sellers typically pay a separate 2% commission. On off-plan transactions, the developer pays the broker commission (commonly 3–7%) and buyers do not pay commission directly.
What is Form A in UAE real estate?
Form A is the official DLD Listing Agreement between a broker and a property seller. It must be registered on the Trakheesi system to generate a valid permit number, which is required before the property can be legally advertised on any portal or platform in Dubai.
Can I sell real estate in Dubai without a RERA licence?
No. Practicing real estate brokerage in Dubai without a valid BRN issued by RERA is a criminal offence under UAE law. Anyone found brokering transactions without a valid licence can face fines, prosecution, and deportation if they are a foreign national.
How often does the RERA broker exam need to be repeated?
The full RERA exam only needs to be taken once for initial registration. Annual renewal requires completing continuing education (CPD) hours and paying AED 3,000, but does not require re-sitting the full examination unless the licence has been allowed to lapse.