Dubai’s skyline is not just a testament to architectural ambition; it’s a beacon for global investors and residents, fueling one of the world’s most dynamic property markets. With transactions hitting record highs and government initiatives like the Golden Visa program attracting a steady stream of high-net-worth individuals, the demand for sophisticated financing solutions has never been greater. At the heart of this ecosystem are mortgage brokers—the crucial intermediaries who navigate the complex financial landscape to connect buyers with their dream properties.

For entrepreneurs and financial professionals looking to enter this lucrative sector, the opportunity is immense. However, the path to establishment is governed by stringent regulations designed to protect the market’s integrity. This article is your definitive 2025 guide, providing a clear, step-by-step roadmap to obtaining a Mortgage Brokerage Services License in Dubai. We will cover everything from legal structures and regulatory approvals to costs and ongoing compliance, ensuring you are fully equipped to launch your venture successfully.

Understanding the Mortgage Brokerage License in Dubai

Before diving into the setup process, it’s essential to understand the license’s scope and the regulatory framework that governs it. A mortgage brokerage license in Dubai authorises a company to act as an intermediary between individuals or corporations seeking property financing and the financial institutions (banks) that provide it. Your primary role is to advise clients, assess their financial standing, and find the most suitable mortgage product from a panel of lenders.

The regulatory landscape is multi-layered, involving several key authorities:

• Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET): This is the primary government body responsible for issuing the commercial license, also known as a trade license. The DET handles the registration of your business entity, trade name, and the final issuance of the license itself. You can find more information on their official portal, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
• Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA): As a division of the Dubai Land Department (DLD), RERA is the industry-specific regulator. No mortgage brokerage can operate without its explicit approval. RERA sets the standards for professional conduct, mandates training and certification, and oversees all brokerage activities to ensure transparency and consumer protection. All real estate activities are managed through the Dubai Land Department.
• Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE): While you won’t deal directly with the CBUAE for your license, its regulations are paramount. The Central Bank of the UAE sets the macro-prudential policies for mortgage lending, including loan-to-value (LTV) ratios, debt-to-income (DTI) limits, and stress testing criteria. As a broker, your operations must be in full compliance with these federal financial regulations.

It’s crucial to distinguish your role from that of a direct lender. A mortgage broker does not lend their own capital; they facilitate loans on behalf of banks and financial institutions, earning a commission for their services. This distinction defines your legal structure, compliance obligations, and operational model.

Choosing Your Jurisdiction: Mainland vs. Free Zone

When setting up a business in Dubai, one of the first decisions is the jurisdiction: Mainland or a Free Zone. For this specific activity, the choice is straightforward and critical.

A Dubai Mainland license is the standard and mandatory choice for a mortgage brokerage that intends to operate within the local UAE market. The nature of the business—dealing directly with Dubai-based properties, local banks, and residents—necessitates an onshore presence.

Dubai Mainland: The Essential Choice

Opting for a Dubai Mainland setup provides unparalleled advantages for a mortgage brokerage:

• Unrestricted Market Access: You can operate freely across Dubai and the entire UAE, catering to any client and any property. There are no geographical restrictions on your business activities.
• Direct Collaboration with Banks: A Mainland license is a prerequisite for establishing formal agreements with all UAE-based banks and financial institutions. Lenders will not partner with a free zone entity for local mortgage brokerage.
• Full Access to Developers: You can build relationships and work directly with all real estate developers in Dubai, a key source of client referrals.
• Prime Office Locations: You have the freedom to rent a physical office anywhere in Dubai, from prestigious towers in Downtown or Business Bay to more accessible community locations, placing you closer to your target clientele.

Under the Mainland framework, you can typically choose between a Sole Establishment (for a single owner) or a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Both now allow for 100% foreign ownership for this professional activity. A Sole Establishment requires the appointment of a Local Service Agent (LSA), a UAE national who acts as a representative for administrative government dealings but holds no shares or liability. An LLC provides a more robust corporate structure with limited liability for its shareholders.

Why Free Zones Are Not Suitable

While Dubai’s free zones like DMCC and DIFC are world-class hubs for many international business activities, they are not designed for local-market mortgage brokerage. A free zone license generally restricts your operations to within the geographical boundaries of that zone or for international business. Attempting to broker a mortgage for a property in Dubai Marina while licensed in a free zone would be a violation of regulations. While DIFC has a sophisticated financial regulatory framework, it is geared towards investment banking, wealth management, and wholesale financial activities, not retail property finance for the local market.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Your Mortgage Brokerage License

Securing your license involves a systematic process of coordinating with multiple government departments. Following these steps meticulously is key to a smooth and successful setup.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Business Plan

Before you spend a single dirham, the first step is strategic planning. A comprehensive business plan is not just a document for your internal use; it is a mandatory requirement for RERA approval. Your plan must be detailed and professional, outlining:

• Company Vision and Mission: Your long-term goals and market positioning.
• Services Offered: A clear description of your brokerage services.
• Target Market: Define your ideal client (e.g., first-time buyers, luxury property investors, expatriates).
• Marketing and Sales Strategy: How you will attract clients and build a referral network.
• Organizational Structure: Details of the owner, manager, and key personnel, highlighting their experience in the financial or real estate sector.
• Financial Projections: A three-to-five-year forecast of revenues, expenses, and profitability.
• Compliance Framework: A preliminary outline of your AML/CFT policies.

Step 2: Trade Name Reservation and Initial Approval

With your business plan in hand, the formal process begins at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

• Trade Name Reservation: You must select a unique name for your company that complies with UAE naming conventions. The name should ideally reflect your business activity and must not be offensive or already in use.
• Initial Approval: You will submit an application to the DET with the passport copies of the proposed owner(s) and manager. The DET will review the application and,