How to Start a Cleaning Company in Dubai, UAE: License Cost & Complete Guide

A cleaning company could be a great option. You donβt need a big budget or fancy tools to get going. Just some basic supplies and youβre ready to start offering services in a city where the need is always growing.
Dubai is changing fast. New people are moving here, shops and offices are opening every day, and tourists are coming in large numbers. With so much going on, many people donβt have the time or energy to do their own cleaning. Thatβs why cleaning help is always in demand.
A report from Industry ARC said that in 2020, the cleaning service market in the UAE was worth around $2.3 million. It also said the market is likely to grow by about 5.3% each year until 2026. This shows thereβs a lot of opportunity in this space.
If you have been thinking about starting a cleaning business in Dubai, now could be a good time. You donβt need to spend much at the start. With smart planning and good service, your business can grow and do well for years to come.
How to Start a Cleaning Company in Dubai: A Step-by-Step Guide
The following steps can be followed to start a cleaning company in Dubai:
Do Market Research And Choose Your Business Activities:
Start by learning about the market and how it works. This helps you see what cleaning services people want and who else is offering them. Once you check your budget and what you can handle, you can decide the kind of cleaning service you want to give. You can pick from three main areas: home, office, or industrial cleaning. Each one has its own set of tasks.
Choose a Legal Structure:
Choose a legal setup for your company. This choice affects who owns the business, who is responsible for what, and how you handle taxes. In Dubai, you can set up as a sole owner, a civil company, or an LLC. The right option depends on the place you choose to register and how big or small your business is.
Choose a Location:
After deciding what type of cleaning service you will offer, you need to choose whether to operate on the mainland or in a free zone. Forming a free zone company in Dubai offers benefits such as 100% ownership, tax incentives, and full profit repatriation. On the other hand, establishing a mainland company allows you to work anywhere in the UAE and provides additional benefits. You should choose the option to suit your business needs and budget.
Finalize The Business Name:
You need to choose a unique and recognizable name for your business. While choosing a name, make sure that it complies with the rules and regulations of the relevant authorities and market trends. Secure approval for one of the three name options submitted for the business name.
Our experts at DBS Group can help you choose the most ideal business name; please get in touch.
Get Initial Approval:
You must obtain initial DED approval to start a cleaning company in Dubai. The NOC proves that the UAE government has no objection to your business in the city. Then, you can proceed with the next steps.
Secure Office Space:
If you want to open a cleaning company in Dubai Mainland, you must have a real office. You need to rent a proper office and get an βEjariβ contract. This is a rental document between your company and the property owner or agent from whom youβre renting the office or shared space.
Prepare The Documents:
After you get the first set of approvals, start collecting the necessary paperwork for your license. If you are going for a professional license, you have to find a local service agent and sign a Local Service Agent (LSA) deal. If you choose a commercial license, you need to make a Memorandum of Association (MOA).
Apply For a Cleaning Service License With The Necessary Paperwork:
Once you complete the above steps, it is time to apply for your cleaning business license, which is necessary to start a cleaning company in Dubai. This includes submission of a full application form and including passport copies, no-objection certificate, initial approval certificate, and any additional permit required documents. You will also have to pay the required fees along with your application.
After submitting your application and approved by the authorities concerned, you will get your cleaning business license, which allows you to legally operate your business in Dubai.
Apply For a Visa And Open a Bank Account:
Once you obtain your cleaning business license, you can apply for visas for yourself, your employees, and if necessary, for family members. You also have to open a corporate bank account to maintain your commercial transactions and manage the company's finance.
Recommended to Read: How to Get an E-commerce License in Dubai, UAE | Cost & Requirements
Types of Cleaning Services in Dubai
You can start a cleaning company in Dubai by choosing from three main sectors. These sectors are:
Commercial Cleaning
Commercial cleaning refers to cleaning crowded public spaces such as malls, offices, shopping centers, and other workplaces. There is more competition in this sector, so you need to show that your business can do a good job. Here, most clients want a company that has some experience. Once you enter this sector, you can get regular work and long-term cleaning deals.
Industrial Cleaning
If you choose the industrial cleaning sector, you will be handling larger spaces and will need more workers and robust cleaning equipment. This sector includes cleaning factories, warehouses, machine areas, and other large places. You should build a team that can take care of heavy work and large cleaning tasks. This type of work requires more time and effort, but it also brings bigger projects and better salaries.
Residential Cleaning
If you want to provide cleaning services for homes like apartments, villas, flats and houses in gated communities, then the residential cleaning sector is good. You donβt need a big team for this. Just a few helpers are enough to clean the house and keep your customers happy. This is a simple and easy way to start your cleaning business without much cost or equipment.
Cleaning Business License Cost in Dubai
The cost of starting a business in Dubai depends on the type of business you choose, how big your company is, and where you plan to open it.
Typically, setting up in a free zone can cost between AED 20,000 and AED 25,000. This amount covers both the license and visa. But if your work requires special training or additional approvals, you may have to pay more.
It is best to talk to DBS Group directly. We have the latest cost details and can customize a package that fits exactly what you need. We will give you a clear and fair price based on your plan.
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