Everything you need to know before starting a real estate career in Dubai

We’ll be honest, starting a real estate career in Dubai is a big move. But if you’ve got the drive it’s also one of the most exciting places you could choose to build your future. The market here is fast-paced, diverse and full of opportunities.

We work with clients from all over the world which means no two days (or deals) are ever the same. You’ll hear a lot about the tax-free income, the international lifestyle and the constant growth fuelled by new developments across the city. And yes, those things are great but what makes Dubai special is the energy. It’s a place where people come to make things happen and that’s just as true in real estate as it is in any other industry.

In this guide, we’re breaking down exactly what you need to know before you start, from the basic requirements and RERA certification to how the market’s growing and what your first months might look like. Whether you’re already in the UAE or thinking about making the leap, consider this your inside look at building a career here.

Why choose a real estate career in Dubai?

Right now is a great time to get started. The city is growing fast and there’s always something new being built, from entire communities to record-breaking landmarks. That growth brings more clients, more properties and more opportunities for agents who are ready to put in the work.

In 2024, Dubai welcomed 6,700 millionaires and 2025 is expected to see around 9,800 more. That steady flow of high net worth individuals fuels demand for luxury and prime properties, creating a busy, competitive and exciting market for ambitious agents.

It’s also one of the safest cities in the world, attracting people who want to swap high-tax, high-stress cities for somewhere they can truly settle. Add in great schools, healthcare and a lifestyle that’s hard to beat and you can see why people are choosing to make Dubai their long term home. For agents, that means a market that isn’t slowing down any time soon.
 

Is Dubai a good place to be a real estate agent?

Absolutely. People are moving here for the long term and the city is putting plans in place to keep the economy strong while other markets face uncertainty.

Dubai recorded its biggest-ever quarter for market transactions in Q2 2025, which shows just how much confidence buyers and investors have right now. For you as an agent, that means more opportunities to work with motivated clients, the potential to earn well and the chance to grow your career in one of the most exciting real estate markets in the world.

Basic requirements to get started

Before you can dive into your real estate career in Dubai, there are a few key things you’ll need to get sorted. You’ll need somewhere to live, you’ll need to complete your RERA certification to legally work as an agent and you’ll need a way to get around. Most people get set up with a car pretty quickly. There’s also the practical side of opening a bank account and getting your residency visa sorted.

At haus & haus, we handle your visa process and RERA certification and we can guide you on finding a unit and arranging a car if you need one.
 

Residency and documentation

You’ll need a valid UAE residency visa and Emirates ID. These are typically arranged by your employer once you’ve joined a registered real estate brokerage licensed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
 

RERA training and licence

To work legally as a real estate agent in Dubai, you must hold a Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) licence. This involves completing a training course through the Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI) and passing a multiple choice exam. The course covers Dubai’s property laws, ethics and best practices so you can start your career both confidently and compliantly.
 

Driving licence

A valid UAE driving licence is highly recommended, as the role often involves travelling between communities and meeting clients on-site.
 

Savings to get started

We suggest arriving with enough savings to cover living costs while you build your client base. This varies, but as a guide we recommend a minimum of £10,000 if you’re starting in leasing and at least £15,000 if you’re starting in sales or Off Plan. Planning ahead will help you focus on learning and closing deals without financial pressure.
 

Timeline

When you join haus & haus, training starts straight away so you can begin learning while your visa is being processed. We’ll help you through the steps to become RERA-certified and provide practical resources for things like car rentals, setting up a bank account and arranging short term accommodation if needed.

How much can you earn as a real estate agent in Dubai?

Most real estate agents in Dubai work on a commission-only basis. That means your income depends entirely on the deals you close. There’s no fixed salary. The upside is that your earning potential is uncapped. The more you work and the more successful you are with clients, the more you can earn. The trade-off is that it can take time to build momentum, which is why we advise coming with enough savings to cover your living costs in those early months.

Leasing real estate offers a faster route to earning, as rental deals tend to move quickly. You can start generating commission without the long wait for a big sale to complete. It’s also fast-paced and unpredictable. You’ll handle last-minute cancellations, shifting client needs and the natural highs and lows of the job. That experience builds resilience, focus and the ability to adapt fast. For many, it’s an ideal leasing agent career path when starting out in a new market.

Sales, on the other hand, usually involves larger transactions and bigger commission payouts, but deals can take weeks or even months to close. It requires patience and a long game mindset, but the rewards can be substantial. Many of our top-performing agents at haus & haus thrive in sales, while others excel in leasing, both paths offer strong earning potential, and the right choice comes down to your working style and goals.

The realities: challenges and wins

A real estate career in Dubai can be hugely rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges. Here’s a realistic look at what you can expect and why some agents thrive while others struggle.

Pros

• Closing a deal is a great feeling, but we teach our agents not to ride the high for too long. It’s a highs-and-lows game and you need to stay level-headed
• Tax-free commissions that can be significant, especially in high-value transactions
• Professional growth through constant learning and adapting to the real estate Dubai market
• Meeting clients from all over the world and building a diverse network

Cons

• It can take time to build momentum, especially at the start
• Your income is directly tied to how much work you’re willing to put in
• The market is competitive, and you need to stand out to succeed
• You must develop the core traits of resilience, persistence and adaptability to handle rejection and keep going

Success in this industry comes down to mindset and consistency. Agents who embrace the challenges, keep improving their skills and stay steady through the highs and lows are the ones who build a lasting real estate career in Dubai.