WhatsApp quoteDubai is the UAE's commercial capital — trade anywhere in the UAE with a Dubai DET licence, and GoldenKey registers mainland companies there with the economic department week in, week out. Choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. As a rule, payments between Malaysia and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, Malaysian ringgit (MYR) transfers settle quickly and UAE banks are familiar with Malaysian business profiles. Crucially, typical examples of this activity include residential sales brokerage, leasing agency and property management, which can usually sit together on one Dubai licence.
Why Dubai
Businesses that benefit most from Dubai mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government clients, because they serve customers on site across the emirate. In short, popular districts for a Dubai mainland office include Business Bay, Deira, Bur Dubai, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Al Quoz, each with different rent levels and customer footfall.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
GoldenKey maps your business to the right Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) activity codes and recommends the legal form that fits ownership and liability needs.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name and obtains initial approval from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), including any external approvals your activity needs. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Malaysian founder is audit-ready.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full submission with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
With the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas. For opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Malaysian founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Documents required
In short, gather these supporting documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Malaysian founder.
- RERA or local land department approval
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Educational certificates attested by the Malaysia authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A police clearance certificate from Malaysia if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
Pricing
Pricing for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Malaysian founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. Use the table below to compare packages for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Malaysian founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Additional visa | AED 3,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 12,000 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Malaysian founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. Crucially, the UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Malaysian founder.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Malaysian founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. Our quotations for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Malaysian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. In short, we speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Malaysian founder.
Prefer to visit? Our Ajman office welcomes walk-ins during working hours, and we can also meet you in Dubai or Sharjah by appointment to discuss opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Malaysian founder.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
For most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Dubai mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
On the ground, with supporting documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Are Dubai mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
Yes. Mainland companies pay 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000 and must register with the FTA, which GoldenKey handles as part of your setup.
Is real estate brokerage allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Malaysians can own 100% of a real estate brokerage in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
What approvals does real estate brokerage need?
RERA (Dubai), DMT (Abu Dhabi) or the relevant emirate's land department. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
