RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) issues several permit types that are essential for different aspects of Dubai's real estate market. The five main permit types are: (1) Off-plan sales permit required for developers selling properties before construction completion — application requires master plan approval, escrow account setup with a RERA-approved bank, construction timeline and financial guarantees, and payment of permit fee (AED 100,000–200,000 per project phase) with processing taking 10–20 business days. (2) Rental Increase Calculator available online through RERA's system allowing landlords to verify legal rent increases based on current rent versus average market rent for similar properties — mandatory before any rent increase can be demanded. (3) Real estate advertising permit required for every property advertisement including online listings, print ads, social media posts, and billboards with a unique RERA permit number displayed on each advertisement costing AED 150–500 per ad. (4) Broker registration requiring all property brokers to be RERA-registered and pass the RERA examination. (5) Property snapshot certificate required for property handovers and transfers documenting the property condition at the time of transaction.
RERA Permit Requirements: Complete Guide 2026
Complete guide to RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) permits in Dubai covering off-plan property sales permits, rental increase verification, service charge regulation, and real estate advertising requirements. Explains the five main permit types: off-plan sales permits requiring master plan approval and escrow account setup (AED 100,000–200,000 per phase), the Rental Increase Calculator for landlords, real estate advertising permits for all property listings (AED 150–500 per ad), broker registration requiring RERA exam, and property snapshot certificates for handovers. Processing takes 10–20 business days for off-plan permits.
By Wasleen Liminal Approval Consultants — Approval Consultants
Back to RERA PermitWhat permits does RERA require and how do I obtain them?
RERA was established in 2007 to regulate the Dubai real estate sector. It operates under the Dubai Land Department and oversees all real estate-related activities including development, sales, rentals, and broker services.
The off-plan sales permit is the most significant RERA permit. Developers must: (1) Register the project with RERA, (2) Open an escrow account with a RERA-approved bank, (3) Submit financial guarantees, (4) Provide construction timeline and completion guarantee, (5) Pay the permit fee (AED 100,000–200,000 per phase).
Real estate advertising permits are required for every property advertisement — online listings, print ads, social media posts, and billboards. Each ad needs a unique RERA permit number that must be displayed on the advertisement.
RERA also regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants through the Rental Increase Calculator, which landlords must use before demanding any rent increase. The calculator considers current rent vs. average market rent for similar properties.
Service charges are regulated by RERA through the Service Charge Index, which sets maximum annual increases. Developers and building owners must submit service charge breakdowns to RERA for approval.
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