MOHRE Brokerage Agency License In UAE 2026: Requirements, Fees And Online Application
MOHRE Brokerage Agency License. Starting a recruitment or brokerage agency in the UAE is a regulated business activity. Anyone who wants to connect employers with job seekers must get approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Without a valid license, offering brokerage or mediation services is illegal in the UAE.
The MOHRE Brokerage Agency License allows individuals or companies to legally act as a link between employers and workers. This license helps protect workers’ rights and ensures fair recruitment practices. Many applications face delays because applicants do not understand the requirements or process. This guide explains the MOHRE brokerage license, costs, online application steps, and checks in simple English to help you apply with confidence.
What Is a MOHRE Brokerage Agency License?
A MOHRE brokerage agency license is a legal approval that allows an agency to connect employers with workers without directly hiring or sponsoring those workers.
In simple words:
- You introduce people to jobs
- You do not become their employer
- The agency acts as a middle bridge.
- It helps employers find suitable candidates.
- It helps job seekers find work opportunities.
What Does a Brokerage Agency Do?
A licensed brokerage agency can:
- Collect job applications
- Maintain a database of job seekers
- Share candidate profiles with employers
- Assist employers in hiring decisions
- Facilitate recruitment communication
Important: The agency does not sign employment contracts. The agency does not sponsor visas.
Difference Between Brokerage Agency and Temporary Employment Agency
Many people confuse these two. Let’s keep it very clear.
Brokerage Agency License (Mediation)
- Acts only as a mediator
- Does not employ workers
- Does not supply manpower
- Lower bank guarantee
Temporary Employment Agency License
- Employs workers under agency sponsorship
- Supplies workers to other companies
- Higher financial guarantee required
If you only want to connect employers and workers, you need a Brokerage Agency License.
Who Issues the MOHRE Brokerage License?
The license is issued by:
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
Other government departments involved:
- Department of Economic Development
- Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
- Ministry of Finance
All approvals are interconnected. That is why accuracy is critical.
Who Can Apply for a MOHRE Brokerage Agency License?
Eligibility is strict and clear.
Applicant Eligibility
- Applicant must be a UAE National
- Minimum age: 21 years
- If company has partners, all partners must be UAE Nationals
Foreign nationals cannot own this license directly.
Conditions & Requirements (Official Rules)
Below are official MOHRE conditions, explained in easy language.
Employment Restriction
The applicant or partners must not be employed by the Ministry. They must also not be second-degree relatives of Ministry employees (husband or wife).
A written declaration is required.
Business Address Requirement
The agency must have a clear business address.
Only exception: If MOHRE allows the business to operate electronically.
Legal Awareness Declaration
Legal representatives must submit a written statement confirming:
- They understand UAE labor laws
- They accept all agency regulations
Past Violations Restriction
The applicant must not be owner or partner in a business that was closed due to:
- Labor law violations
- Non-compliance with UAE regulations
Criminal Record Conditions
Applicants must not be convicted of:
- Crimes against honour
- Breach of trust
- Human trafficking
- Serious criminal offences
If convicted earlier, rehabilitation or time lapse rules apply.
Bank Guarantee Requirement
This is a mandatory financial security. For Brokerage (Mediation) Agency:
- Minimum AED 300,000 bank guarantee
For Temporary Employment or Outsourcing:
- Minimum AED 1,000,000 bank guarantee
The guarantee must stay active during license validity. MOHRE can use this guarantee to cover:
- Worker dues
- Legal penalties
- Non-compliance fines
Credit Report Submission
A credit report of the applicant or partners must be submitted. This ensures financial reliability.
License Change Restrictions
No changes to license details are allowed without written MOHRE approval.
Additional Conditions
MOHRE may impose extra conditions through ministerial decisions.
Service Completion Time
⏱ 10 working days
If documents are complete and accurate.
MOHRE Brokerage Agency License Fees
Here is the official fee structure:
- AED 25,000 – Mediation Agency License
- AED 50,000 – Temporary Employment & Outsourcing License
- AED 75,000 – Combined License
Business centers may charge up to AED 72 as commission. Applying via MOHRE website or app is free. Fees do not include tax or collection charges.
Service Channels Available
You can apply through:
- MOHRE Service Centers
- MOHRE Official Website
- MOHRE Mobile Application
Target Audience for This License
- Employers
- Recruitment agencies
- Mediation service providers
MOHRE Brokerage Agency License Online Application
Applying for a MOHRE brokerage agency license is now mostly digital.
You do not need to run after offices if documents are ready.
You can apply through:
- MOHRE official website
- MOHRE smart mobile application
- Approved service centers (Tas’heel)
Best option: MOHRE website or app It is free and faster.
Step-by-Step MOHRE Brokerage Agency License Application Process
Let’s break this into easy steps, like a checklist.
Step 1: Decide the Business Activity
First, you must be clear about what you want to do.
Ask yourself:
- Do I only want to connect employers and job seekers?
→ Brokerage (Mediation) License - Do I want to hire workers and supply them?
→ Temporary Employment License
Choosing the wrong activity can delay or reject your application.
Step 2: Trade Name Reservation
You must reserve a commercial trade name.
Rules for trade name:
- Must match brokerage or recruitment activity
- Must follow UAE naming rules
- No misleading or restricted words
This step is usually done through the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Before applying online, keep these documents ready.
Basic Documents Required
- Passport copy of applicant
- Emirates ID copy
- Family book copy
- Certificate of good conduct
- Credit report from approved authority
- Written declaration (legal acknowledgement)
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Office location sketch or address proof
All documents must be clear and valid.
Step 4: Submit Application Online
Now log in to:
- MOHRE website
- OR MOHRE mobile app
Fill the application form carefully.
You will need to:
- Select service category
- Upload documents
- Confirm business activity
- Submit declarations
After submission, the system generates a reference number.
Step 5: MOHRE Verification Process
MOHRE reviews:
- Applicant eligibility
- Criminal record conditions
- Credit history
- Past labor law compliance
- Business address validity
If anything is missing, you will receive a notification to correct it.
Step 6: Pay MOHRE License Fees
Once approved, you must pay the license fee.
License Fee Summary
- Brokerage (Mediation) Agency: AED 25,000
- Temporary Employment & Outsourcing: AED 50,000
- Combined License: AED 75,000
Payment can be done online or via approved centers.
Step 7: Submit Bank Guarantee
This is a mandatory step.
For brokerage agencies:
- Bank guarantee of AED 300,000
The guarantee must:
- Be active at all times
- Auto-renew or be insured
- Be issued by approved bank
MOHRE can use this amount if the agency breaks rules.
Step 8: Final Approval and License Issuance
After:
- Fee payment
- Bank guarantee submission
MOHRE issues the Brokerage Agency License.
Processing time:
⏱ Up to 10 working days
If documents are perfect, it can be faster.
MOHRE Brokerage Agency License Cost
Many people confuse cost and fees.
Let’s keep it simple.
One-Time Costs
- License issuance fee
- Bank guarantee (refundable, but locked)
Ongoing Costs
- Office rent
- Guarantee renewal or insurance
- Trade license renewal
Bank guarantee is not a fee. It is a security deposit.
MOHRE Brokerage Agency License Fees Breakdown
Here is a clean summary:
- License issuance: AED 25,000
- Business center commission: up to AED 72
- Online application via MOHRE: Free
Taxes and collection charges are separate.
How to Check MOHRE Brokerage Agency License Status
You can check your application or license status easily.
Online License Check Method
- Visit MOHRE website
- Open “Services” section
- Select license inquiry
- Enter reference number or establishment details
The system shows:
- Application status
- Approval stage
- License validity
Service Category Details (Official Classification)
- Department Name: Labour
- Category: Employer Service
- Main Service: Issuance of establishment card
- Sector Type: Domestic & Establishment workers
- Service Classification: Subsidiary
Related Government Authorities
MOHRE works with:
- Economic Departments
- Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
- Customs and Ports Security
- Ministry of Finance
This ensures full legal compliance.
Types of Commercial Brokerage in the UAE
Commercial brokerage in the UAE is not limited to recruitment only. It covers multiple sectors where licensed agents act as intermediaries between two parties.
Real Estate Brokerage
Real estate brokers help buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants. They deal with residential, commercial, and industrial properties and guide clients through property transactions.
Retail Brokerage
Retail brokers assist businesses in finding suitable shops and retail spaces in malls, shopping centers, and commercial areas.
Office and Industrial Brokerage
This type focuses on office spaces, warehouses, factories, and industrial units required for business operations.
Hospitality Brokerage
Hospitality brokers connect investors with hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and tourism-related properties.
Investment Brokerage
Investment brokers support high-value deals such as business partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, and long-term investments. Recruitment and labor-related brokerage activities fall strictly under MOHRE regulations.
Understanding Recruitment and Brokerage Licenses in the UAE
Recruitment services in the UAE are tightly regulated to protect workers and employers.
Brokerage Agency License (Mediation License)
- Acts as a mediator between employers and job seekers
- Does not employ workers
- Does not sponsor visas
- Bank guarantee requirement: AED 300,000
This license is suitable for consultancies that focus only on recruitment and placement.
Temporary Employment Agency License
- Employs workers under agency sponsorship
- Supplies manpower to other companies
- Sponsors work visas
- Bank guarantee requirement: AED 1,000,000
This license is designed for manpower supply businesses.
For lower risk and simpler operations, the brokerage license is the preferred option.
Benefits of Starting a Brokerage Agency in the UAE
Starting a brokerage agency in the UAE offers strong business potential.
High Market Demand
- Thousands of companies operate in the UAE
- Continuous demand for skilled and unskilled workers
Lower Legal Risk
- Workers are not on the agency payroll
- Fewer compliance responsibilities
Profitable Business Model
- Income through placement fees
- Employer consultancy contracts
- Recruitment support services
Wide Market Reach
- Local recruitment support
- Coordination for international hiring
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
Many applications are delayed or rejected due to basic errors.
- Selecting the wrong license category
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Delaying bank guarantee submission
- Hiding past labor violations
- Providing unclear office address details
Even a small mistake can result in license rejection.
MOHRE Brokerage Agency License Check
You can check your application or license status online at any time.
How to Check Online
- Visit the MOHRE official website
- Open the “Services” section
- Select establishment or license inquiry
- Enter your reference number or trade license details
You can view:
- Application status
- License approval stage
- Validity period
License Validity Period
- The brokerage agency license is usually valid for one year
- Renewal must be completed before expiry
- Bank guarantee must remain active
Late renewal may result in penalties or suspension.
Renewal of MOHRE Brokerage Agency License
To renew the license, you must:
- Maintain a valid bank guarantee
- Submit updated documents
- Have no outstanding legal violations
- Pay the renewal fee on time
Renewals can be completed through the MOHRE website or mobile application.
Role of MOHRE in Brokerage Licensing
All recruitment and mediation activities in the UAE are regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. MOHRE ensures:
- Worker rights protection
- Employer compliance
- Fair and transparent recruitment practices
Operating without a MOHRE license is illegal and punishable.
FAQs
What is a MOHRE brokerage agency license?
Ans: A MOHRE brokerage agency license allows a business to act as a mediator between employers and job seekers in the UAE. The agency only connects both sides. It does not hire workers or sponsor visas. This license is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Who is eligible to apply for a MOHRE brokerage agency license?
Ans: Only UAE nationals can apply for a MOHRE brokerage agency license. The applicant must be at least 21 years old. If the business has partners, all partners must also be UAE nationals. Expatriates cannot apply for this license.
How can I apply for a MOHRE brokerage agency license online?
Ans: You can apply online through the MOHRE official website or the MOHRE mobile application. The process includes filling out the application form, uploading required documents, paying the license fee, and submitting the bank guarantee. The entire process is digital.
What is the cost of a MOHRE brokerage agency license?
Ans: The license issuance fee for a brokerage (mediation) agency is AED 25,000. In addition, a bank guarantee of AED 300,000 is required. The bank guarantee is a security deposit and not a service fee.
How long does MOHRE take to issue the brokerage license?
Ans: If all documents are complete and correct, MOHRE usually processes the application within 10 working days. Delays may happen if documents are missing or information is incorrect.
How can I check my MOHRE brokerage agency license status?
Ans: You can check your license or application status online through the MOHRE website. Use your reference number or establishment details to see approval status, validity, and license information.
Is the bank guarantee refundable?
Ans: Yes. The bank guarantee is refundable if the license is cancelled and there are no pending fines, violations, or worker-related dues. MOHRE may deduct amounts only if legal obligations are not met.
What is the difference between a brokerage license and a temporary employment license?
Ans: A brokerage license allows you to connect employers and job seekers only. A temporary employment license allows you to hire, sponsor, and supply workers to other companies. The temporary employment license requires a higher bank guarantee.
Conclusion
Getting a MOHRE brokerage agency license is essential for running a legal recruitment or mediation business in the UAE. The process is structured, transparent, and designed to protect employers and job seekers. By meeting eligibility requirements, submitting accurate documents, and maintaining the required bank guarantee, businesses can operate safely. Online applications through MOHRE make licensing easier. When followed correctly, this license supports long-term growth in the UAE employment market.
