You can start a property management company in Dubai, UAE by selecting the right business activity, getting a real estate-related commercial license, and by meeting the prescribed Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) requirements. Following this process will help your company stay compliant and legally manage tenancies, oversee properties in the highly-regulated real estate realm in Dubai.
Dubai has a rapidly expanding property market driven by population growth, foreign investment, and government-backed development projects. Professional property managers play a vital role in addressing the demand for help from residential, commercial, and short-term rental markets. Investors are drawn to reputable professionals that can help boost rental income, ensure they stay compliant with local regulations, and protect the value of their assets. This guide takes a closer look at how you can start your own property management company in Dubai.
What does a property management company do in Dubai?
In Dubai, property management agencies handle all rental operations, maintenance, tenant management, marketing and financial administration for property owners. It is their duty to act as a professional intermediary between tenants and landlords, ensuring that their properties are compliant and profitable, and that they are well maintained. Both short-and long-term rentals as well as commercial properties are dealt with by property management companies. Their duties are varied and can include anything from the marketing of vacant units to producing financial reports for landlords. They are also often tasked with registering Ejari. Larger firms may also handle entire portfolios on behalf of institutional investors or developers, making such property management a pillar of Dubai’s real estate ecosystem.
Why Dubai is ideal for opening a property management company
Dubai is fast-expanding as a real estate market with high levels of investor appetite and abundant rental yields which offer predictable prospects to real estate management. Given it is a global centre for business and tourism, the city is a destination for an influx of tenants and property buyers. Growth in short-term rentals, driven by tourism and platforms such as Airbnb, has grown the need for professional short-let staffing. Large-scale developments from luxury residential towers to business parks are still being driven by international investment inflows. Meanwhile, Dubai brings regulatory stability, clear property legislation, and a government committed to digitizing real estate services, making it easier to operate efficiently and scale sustainably.
How to start a property management company in Dubai, UAE
In order to establish a real estate management company in Dubai, entities should obtain a commercial license under property management activities and comply with the requirements of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). This ensures that the company is authorised to administer real estate resources and establish leasing relationships. The right kind of business activity has to be selected. Typical activities include managing property, real estate supervision and, where applicable, leasing or property brokerage. Every activity comes with separate legal responsibilities so deciding on the right one upfront eliminates costly updates later on. Companies should also comply with applicable regulations issued by the Dubai Land Department and comply with RERA.
Step-by-step process to open a property management company in Dubai
There is a step-by-step process that has to be followed when opening a property management company in Dubai. Let’s have a look at the various steps that will make the set up process as swift and straightforward as possible.
Step 1: Choose the business activity
The first thing you need to do as a prospective property management company owner, is define your primary business activity. Have a look at the lists provided by the DED and choose the one that is closest to your main activity. Common activities related to real estate include leasing services, property management services, and real estate supervision. The activity you choose will determine whether RERA approvals are needed and what regulations need to be adhered to.
Step 2: Select mainland or free zone jurisdiction
Decide whether your business should be established in mainland or free zone jurisdiction. Most property management companies will prefer the mainland licensing which gives them direct access to the Dubai and UAE’s real estate market. Free zones offer cost advantages but limit direct management of Dubai properties.
Step 3: Reserve a trade name
Dubai’s licensing authority requires reserving a compliant and unique trade name. The name needs to follow UAE naming conventions and be associated with the company’s activity.
Step 4: Apply for initial approval
Preliminary approval confirms that authorities have no objection to the business. Getting that approval means you can proceed with RERA requirements as well as office leasing.
Step 5: Meet RERA approval requirements
Property managers have to partake in RERA training and obtain certification as required before the final license will be issued. This step helps ensure that only competent property managers operate in the local real estate market.
Step 6: Secure an office space
It is important to remember that real estate activities in Dubai require a physical office space. Before final licensing, the lease must be registered through Ejari.
Step 7: Submit documents and obtain the commercial license
A series of documents have to be submitted to the DED for processing before a commercial property management license will be issued.
Step 8: Apply for visas and open a corporate bank account
You can now apply for visas and open a corporate bank account. The last step is securing visas for shareholders and employees and opening a UAE corporate account to conduct business.
RERA requirements for property management companies
RERA compliance is mandatory for most property management work, especially with rental supervision and tenancy contracts. This compliance ensures that a property manager has met the professional and regulatory requirements they need to operate in Dubai’s regulated real estate framework. To become RERA compliant, property managers have to complete various accredited courses and exams. Topics range from tenancy regulations and ethical practices to conflict resolutions and UAE real estate law. Some activities may also require property managers to be in possession of specific qualifications and Dubai Land Department system registration. Ejari access becomes mandatory when leases are being managed. Companies involved in leasing brokerage or rental negotiations may require additional approvals to ensure that only accredited professionals handle tenant transactions.
Mainland vs free zone for property management businesses
Choosing whether to establish a business on the mainland or in a free zone is very important. When it comes to property management companies, mainland licensing is generally more popular. This is because a mainland license allows you to legally operate in Dubai and the UAE. Businesses can manage properties and enjoy full RERA and Ejari integration. Mainland companies can also tender for government contracts and are subjected to increased trust with landlords and developers. While free zone companies are cheaper and quicker to establish, they have restrictions with regards to managing Dubai-based property directly. Free zone companies are better suited to consultancy or international property services rather than active local management.
Cost of starting a property management company in Dubai
There are many components that contribute towards the overall cost of starting a property management company in Dubai.
Trade license fees: Anywhere from AED 12,000 to AED 25,000 on a yearly basis.
RERA training and certification: Generally in the region of AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 per person.
Office lease: Starts from AED 15,000 per year. This is a mandatory expense.
Visa and establishment card: From AED 4,000 to AED 7,000 per visa.
Bank account setup: Can be free although minimum balance requirements generally apply.
Overall, entrepreneurs should budget between AED 35,000 and AED 60,000 to launch a compliant property management company in Dubai.
Documents required to start a property management company in Dubai
When starting a property management company in Dubai, you will be expected to complete and submit a range of important documents.
The most common documents you will require include a copy of your passport, Emirates ID and visa copies (if relevant), passport-size photos, proof of trade name reservation, initial approval certificate, Ejari office lease contract, and RERA qualification documents where required. Corporate shareholders may need additional incorporation documents and board resolutions.
Types of property management services you can offer
There are a large selection of services that property management companies can offer to Dubai clients. Their license and approvals determine the scope of services that can be offered.
Some of the most in-demand services are:
- Tenant acquisition and screening
- Rental management through platforms like Airbnb
- Rent Collection
- Property maintenance coordination
- Contract renewals and Ejari registration
- Regular inspections
- Financial reporting to landlords
- Property managers may also handle the listing and marketing of properties across a range of digital platforms.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a RERA certification to start a property management company?
Yes, most property management activities require RERA certification for company managers to ensure regulatory compliance.
Can foreigners open a property management business in Dubai?
Yes, foreign investors can fully own property management companies in Dubai under current ownership laws.
Do property managers need a physical office in Dubai?
Yes, a registered physical office is mandatory for real estate activities, including property management.
What is the difference between brokerage and property management?
Brokerage focuses on buying, selling, and leasing transactions, while property management handles ongoing operations and tenant relations.
How long does it take to get a property management license?
The process typically takes two to four weeks, depending on RERA approvals and document readiness.
About Set Hub
Starting your own property management company in Dubai does not have to be stressful. The Set Hub team, which consists of over 80 members, has served more than 25,000 unique clients over the past decade. They value every client interaction and with a 96% satisfaction rate, are the ideal business setup partners for your new company.
Reach out today if you need RERA guidance, licensing, and administrative support for your business setup in Dubai.