Mainland Activities / Buying and selling of real estate
Real Estate & Business Services · Commercial licence · Code 6810001
ISIC classification: Real estate activities with own or leased property (6810)
Typically requires Designated Zone status for VAT purposes
About this activity
Commercial trading license authorizing the entity to purchase, hold, develop, and sell land plots, residential buildings, and commercial real estate using proprietary capital. Prohibits third-party real estate brokerage.
Regulatory requirements
Abu DhabiCheapest
ADDED · Per-activity fee
AED 2,500
Dubai
DET · Base + 5% of rent
Approvals: Real estate
Sharjah
SEDD · Per-license (quote required)
Approvals: Real Estate Registration Department
Analysis
Abu Dhabi is the cheapest emirate for this licence at AED 2,500, while Dubai's rent-linked formula pushes the cost to AED 8,000 or more; Sharjah is quote-only. This code covers real estate trading as a principal — buying, holding, and reselling property — distinct from brokerage, which only matches buyers and sellers; it covers flipping, portfolio building, and strategic acquisition. Dubai's property market is the region's most liquid, with roughly AED 500 billion in transactions in 2025, but that comes with high entry prices, heavy competition, and RERA compliance overhead. Abu Dhabi's market is smaller but expanding, with areas like Saadiyat, Yas Island, and Reem Island drawing growing international investment; state-linked developers such as Aldar and Modon dominate primary supply, leaving private operators to compete mainly in secondary-market resale. Foreign investors have been able to own 100% of a property-trading business since 2021, with no local sponsor required, though RERA/DOT registration, escrow arrangements, and meaningful capital reserves are practical prerequisites. In short: Dubai suits those chasing market depth and liquidity, while Abu Dhabi's low AED 2,500 fee favors capital-appreciation-focused plays.
How much does a Buying and selling of real estate license cost in Abu Dhabi?
The government DED fee for a Buying and selling of real estate license in Abu Dhabi is AED 2,500. This is the cheapest among the 3 emirates where this activity is available. Additional costs may include office rent, visa fees, and external approval charges.
Which UAE emirate is cheapest for a Buying and selling of real estate license?
Abu Dhabi offers the lowest government fee at AED 2,500. However, total setup costs also depend on office rent, visa requirements, and any external approvals needed for this activity.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Buying and selling of real estate business in the UAE?
Yes. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms, most mainland business activities — including Buying and selling of real estate — allow 100% foreign ownership across all UAE emirates. A local sponsor or service agent is no longer required for most activities.
What approvals are needed for a Buying and selling of real estate license?
Beyond the DED license, you may need approval from: Real estate (Dubai), Real Estate Registration Department (Sharjah). Requirements vary by emirate and specific business scope.
How much does a Buying and selling of real estate license cost in Dubai?
Dubai uses a formula-based fee: approximately AED 8,000 base fee plus 5% of your annual office rent. For example, with AED 50,000 annual rent, expect roughly AED 10,500 in government fees. Dubai also offers an Instant License at AED 8,000 flat (virtual location) and budget SME/Intelaq licenses at AED 1,070.
Is Buying and selling of real estate available as a mainland license in all UAE emirates?
Buying and selling of real estate is available for mainland licensing in 3 emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah. Each emirate has its own DED with independent fee structures and requirements. Use MainlandCompare.com to compare fees across all available emirates.
What type of license is Buying and selling of real estate in the UAE?
Buying and selling of real estate falls under the Commercial license category in the UAE. Commercial licenses cover trading, import/export, and retail activities.
Is it cheaper to get a Buying and selling of real estate license in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Abu Dhabi is significantly cheaper at AED 2,500 versus Dubai's estimated AED 10,500 (at AED 50,000 rent). However, Dubai offers a larger market with 3.6 million residents and 16 million annual tourists.
How long does it take to get a Buying and selling of real estate mainland license?
Setup time varies by emirate: Dubai offers same-day approval with the Instant License (AED 8,000), or 1-3 working days for a Normal License. Abu Dhabi takes 2-5 working days. Sharjah and Ajman take 1-5 working days. Additional time may be needed for external approvals.