Every new agent in Dubai hears the same three letters in the first week: BRN. Your Broker Registration Number is what lets you legally show property, sign RERA contracts and appear on advertising permits. Without it you are not an agent in the eyes of the Dubai Land Department (DLD), no matter how many leads you have. This guide walks you through how to get your RERA broker card step by step, what it costs, and the mistakes that slow new agents down.
What Is a RERA Broker Card and BRN?
The broker card is the professional practice card issued by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), the regulatory arm of the DLD. The card carries your BRN, a unique number that identifies you as a registered broker. Clients, developers and other brokerages use it to confirm that you are licensed, and it appears on the contracts and listings you work on.
Two points surprise many newcomers:
- The card is tied to a licensed brokerage. Its validity is linked to your company’s trade licence, so you apply through an employer, not as a freelancer on your own.
- The card is renewed every year, so it is an ongoing responsibility, not a one-time task.
BRN vs ORN
Your BRN belongs to you as an individual broker. The ORN, or Office Registration Number, belongs to the brokerage company. Adverts and contracts usually show both, which is why your card and your company licence have to stay valid together.
Eligibility: What You Need Before You Apply
Before the application starts, make sure you have the basics in place:
- A valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID
- An offer or employment with a RERA-registered real estate brokerage
- A certificate of good conduct issued by Dubai Police
- Passport copy and a passport-size photo
- Completion of the approved broker training course
- A pass in the RERA broker exam
The DLD exempts some applicants from the exam, including people above 55 years of age and brokers with five consecutive years in the same real estate office. Most new agents will need to sit it, so plan for it from day one. If you are still deciding whether this career is right for you, our guide on starting a real estate career in Dubai covers the bigger picture.
How to Get Your RERA Broker Card: Step by Step
Step 1: Join a licensed brokerage
Your employer must hold a real estate brokerage licence that is registered in the Trakheesi system, the DLD platform for licences, permits and practice cards. Ask early whether the company handles the broker card application for you, because in most firms the admin or compliance team submits it.
Step 2: Complete the certified broker training
The training covers Dubai real estate laws, RERA regulations, the standard contracts (A, B, F and I), ethics and transaction procedures. It is offered by the Dubai Real Estate Institute and other RERA-approved training providers, and runs over a few days, online or in a classroom. Choose a provider with good exam preparation, mock tests and clear notes. You can compare options in our overview of RERA-approved real estate courses in Dubai.
Step 3: Pass the RERA broker exam
After the course, you book and sit the broker exam. It tests your understanding of the laws, contracts and procedures you studied. Practise with mock questions, focus on the contract types and the roles of DLD and RERA, and do not book the exam until you are scoring comfortably in practice.
Step 4: Submit the application on Trakheesi
Your brokerage logs in to Trakheesi, selects the professional practice card service, enters your details and uploads the documents. The DLD then reviews the request and issues an acceptance through the system.
Step 5: Pay the fees and receive your card
Once approved, the fees are paid online and the electronic card is issued and can be printed directly from the system. Your BRN is now active, and you can start working on listings and deals under your brokerage.
How Much Does a Broker Card Cost in Dubai?
According to the DLD’s published fees at the time of writing:
- Real estate broker card: AED 500
- Broker exam: AED 700, plus AED 10 knowledge fee and AED 10 innovation fee
- ERES fee: AED 50 plus VAT
Training is charged separately by the provider and typically falls in the range of a few thousand dirhams. Some brokerages pay for the training and card, while others deduct it from your first commissions, so ask before you sign. Fees can change, so always confirm the latest amounts on the DLD website.
How Long Does It Take?
If your visa and documents are ready, the process can move from training to an active BRN in a few weeks. The usual delays are the good conduct certificate, waiting for an exam slot, and missing documents in the Trakheesi upload. Treat it like your first deal: prepare everything in advance and follow up daily.
Common Mistakes New Agents Make
- Working before the card is active. Showing or marketing property without a BRN can lead to fines for you and your brokerage.
- Letting the card expire. Set a reminder well before renewal, since an expired card means you cannot appear on permits or contracts.
- Rushing the exam. A failed attempt costs you money and weeks of time.
- Ignoring skills while waiting. The weeks before your card arrives are the best time to learn prospecting and client follow-up.
Getting licensed is only the starting line. The agents who earn well in their first year use that time to build habits, which is exactly what a structured practical training programme for new Dubai brokers is designed for. Once your card is live, a simple system for finding your first clients in Dubai will turn your BRN into real deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a RERA broker card without a company?
No. The card is linked to a licensed brokerage registered on Trakheesi, and its validity follows the company’s trade licence.
Can I take the training if my visa is not under the brokerage?
Yes. The DLD states you can apply for training even if your visa is not under the company. You will still need to be attached to a brokerage for the card itself.
Is the training conducted in English?
The DLD’s official training is conducted in English.
How often do I renew my broker card?
Every year. Keep your documents and your company licence up to date so renewal is smooth.
What happens if I change brokerage?
Your card is tied to your employer, so a move requires the card to be updated under the new company through Trakheesi. Plan the move with both companies to avoid a gap.
Your BRN is your licence to work. Get it right, keep it valid, and use the waiting time to build the skills that will make it pay off.