WhatsApp quoteAs we tell every client, choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. Day to day, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. The most common businesses Filipinos open through GoldenKey are in retail, food and beverage, healthcare and hospitality, although Dubai supports almost any activity. As we tell every client, real Estate Brokerage in Dubai means brokering the sale and leasing of property on behalf of owners and buyers, and it is licensed as a commercial activity.
Why Dubai
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. A Dubai mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
In our experience, we pick the precise activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and settle on the legal form — normally a LLC, or a sole establishment for individual professionals.
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. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Filipino founder in real time.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
You sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file.
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. Nothing is submitted for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Filipino founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Documents required
The document list for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Filipino founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- Your current residency visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A passport granted by Philippines with at least six months' validity
- A bank statement from your Philippines bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Filipino founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. All prices for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Filipino founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing ahead of payment.
- 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 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
Just as important, the UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many founders choose it as a base for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Filipino founder. In short, there are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Filipino founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Filipino founder for traders, consultants, tech entrepreneurs and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. In practice, our quotations for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Filipino founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. 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 Filipino founder.
Importantly, call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Filipino founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
From day one, you cannot convert directly, but you can open a mainland branch of your free zone company or set up a new mainland LLC and transfer the business. GoldenKey advises on the most tax-efficient route.
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.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
Mainland companies can trade directly with any UAE customer and take government contracts; free zone companies have lower costs and customs benefits but trade with the mainland through distributors. GoldenKey compares both for your specific activity.
Is real estate brokerage allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Filipinos 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?
For most clients, rERA (Dubai), DMT (Abu Dhabi) or the relevant emirate's land department. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
