WhatsApp quoteFor most clients, abu Dhabi is the capital — government contracts, energy supply chains and the Tajer Abu Dhabi licence, and GoldenKey registers mainland companies there with the economic department week in, week out. Since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Abu Dhabi mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. GoldenKey has licensed real estate brokerage businesses for clients in Abu Dhabi and knows which sub-activities to list so you are not asked to amend the licence later. Typical examples of this activity include residential sales brokerage, leasing agency and property management, which can as a rule sit together on one Abu Dhabi licence.
Why Abu Dhabi
In practice, the Tajer Abu Dhabi licence allows over 1,000 activities without a physical office for two years. In short, among the strengths of an Abu Dhabi mainland licence are access to ADNOC and government supply chains and Tajer licence with no office for 2 years, which is why local service businesses gravitate here. GoldenKey has licensed real estate brokerage in Abu Dhabi for customers ranging from solo entrepreneurs to groups opening a regional branch, so we know which sub-activities to list.
How Abu Dhabi works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
We pick the precise activity codes from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) list and settle on the legal form — normally a LLC, or a sole establishment for individual professionals.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey files the name reservation and initial-approval request with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and obtains sector approvals where needed. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to real estate brokerage on Abu Dhabi mainland.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
Day to day, after the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full submission with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Your Abu Dhabi mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. We keep a written record of this step so your file for real estate brokerage on Abu Dhabi mainland is audit-ready.
Documents required
Gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of real estate brokerage on Abu Dhabi mainland.
- An attested degree for professional activities such as engineering or healthcare
- The existing visa copy and NOC if a shareholder is on another UAE visa
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- The notarised memorandum of association, which GoldenKey drafts for you
- Passport photographs on a white background
- Just as important, rERA or local land department approval
Pricing
The figures below for real estate brokerage on Abu Dhabi mainland are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Use the table below to compare packages for real estate brokerage on Abu Dhabi mainland; 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
| Additional visa | AED 3,200 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 10,000 |
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
In our experience, the UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for real estate brokerage on Abu Dhabi mainland. In practice, banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of real estate brokerage on Abu Dhabi mainland predictable.
Why GoldenKey
Importantly, after your Abu Dhabi licence is issued, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice. As a rule, if a document is missing or an approval is delayed on your Abu Dhabi file, we tell you immediately and explain the fix, rather than letting the application sit. Our quotations for real estate brokerage on Abu Dhabi mainland list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, ahead of payment anything.
Tell us about your plans for real estate brokerage on Abu Dhabi mainland and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Abu Dhabi mainland company trade in other emirates?
Yes. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
What is the difference between Abu Dhabi 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.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Abu Dhabi mainland company?
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.
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.
Which licence type covers real estate brokerage?
Real Estate Brokerage is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
