Processing fee
Rs 2,000
Certificate valid
One year
This is Part 2 of our five-part series on the Real Estate Agent Authority Act 2020 (the Act), which created the Real Estate Agent Authority (the Authority). Part 1 explained who must register and by when.
The five-part series
- Who must register
- How to register (this article)
- The duties of a registered agent
- Commission and the agency contract
- The consequences of non-registration
Registration is done online and has three parts
- The applicant must qualify.
- The application must be complete.
- The fees and follow-up steps must be handled on time.
Who may apply
An individual, a company, or a société or partnership registered under the Business Registration Act may apply. Applications go through the National Electronic Licensing System under the Real Estate Agent Authority (Registration and Fees) Regulations 2026 (the Registration Regulations).
Who qualifies
- An individual must be at least 21. He must hold a diploma in real estate or an equivalent qualification approved by the Board, or satisfy the Board of at least five years' experience in real estate transactions.
- A company must be incorporated or registered under the Companies Act and have at least one director registered as a real estate agent.
- A société or partnership must be registered under the Business Registration Act and have at least one member, partner or director registered as a real estate agent.
- Some people are barred. Examples are a person convicted of a financial crime offence, listed on a United Nations sanctions list, or declared bankrupt.
What the application contains
The application must give the applicant's name and contact details, the identity card or company registration number, details of qualifications and experience, a declaration of compliance with the Act and confirmation of eligibility.
The Authority must also approve the money laundering reporting officer, the deputy and the compliance officer of a real estate agent.
What it costs
Processing fee
Rs 2,000
Non-refundable. Paid on application.
Certificate, real estate agent
Rs 20,000
Paid once the application is approved.
Certificate, land promoter or developer
Rs 100,000
Paid once the application is approved.
The processing fee is Rs 2,000. It is non-refundable and is paid on application. The certificate fee is paid once the application is approved. It is Rs 20,000 for a real estate agent and Rs 100,000 for a land promoter or property developer.
The Act also requires security before registration, in a prescribed amount. It may be cash, a bank bond, an insurance policy or a mortgage. The Registration Regulations prescribe no amount yet, so applicants should expect one to follow.
After approval
Certificate
Valid for one year
Not transferable without the Authority's written approval.
Financial Intelligence Unit
Five working days
To apply for registration after registration with the Authority.
The Register
Rs 500 to inspect
Open to anyone.
The certificate is valid for one year and is not transferable without the Authority's written approval. Within five working days of registration, the agent must apply for registration with the Financial Intelligence Unit. Failure is an offence.
Anyone may inspect the Register for a fee of Rs 500. Clients should do so before they sign.
Next in this series
Part 3 sets out what registered agents and developers must do next.
About the author
Attorney-at-Law | SC Legal
Yeshnah practises in commercial litigation, civil law, employment law, corporate governance, transactional drafting and international commercial arbitration.
operations@scarrimlegal.com
shaheena@scarrimlegal.com
WhatsApp +230 5255 2410
See also our real estate and property practice.
This article is general information. It is not legal advice. Please take advice on your own facts.