Some of the requirements for acquiring a cleaning company license in Dubai include selecting the most appropriate cleaning activity, obtaining a professional or commercial license, and complying with the UAE government regulations and staffing. These elements determine the scope of services and the required registration with the relevant authorities, and must comply with local labour, safety, and municipal regulations before operations can begin.
With Dubai’s ever-growing residential districts, commercial areas, and hospitality industry, demand for professional cleaning services is sustained. With tenants changing hands frequently, quick-moving real estate development, short-term rentals and strict cleanliness standards for offices, hotels and retail space, cleaning companies are becoming increasingly important service providers. In a global city like Dubai that has a reputation as both a world-class business and tourism destination, it is not surprising that the demand for licensed, regulation-compliant cleaning businesses is on the rise. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the cleaning company license setup cost and process in Dubai.
What is a cleaning company license in Dubai?
A cleaning company license issued in Dubai allows you to legally provide a range of residential, commercial or specialized cleaning services. The cleaning tasks you plan to offer will determine what license you have to apply for. These cleaning licenses fall into UAE business activity classifications including residential cleaning services, commercial cleaning services, building cleaning, facility cleaning, deep cleaning, and sanitisation services.
Mainland licenses are issued by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), while free zone licenses are issued by the applicable free zone authority. Some specialised services can also fall under the jurisdiction of Dubai Municipality or health authorities when chemicals, disinfectants, or industrial equipment are in use.
Why Dubai is ideal for opening a cleaning company
There are many reasons why Dubai is a good location to open a cleaning company in. These range from Dubai’s rapidly-expanding expat population and quick real estate turnover to a general, heightened demand for year-round cleaning services. These constant service requirements are supported by the city’s economic structure.
The demand for residential cleaning services is usually driven by relocations, holiday and business travel, and short-term leasing arrangements. When it comes to commercial demand, the strongest driving forces are office and retail spaces, clinics and doctors’ rooms, gyms, and co-working spaces that are in need of frequent cleaning in order to adhere to strict hygiene and safety regulations. The hospitality sector, including hotels, serviced apartments, and holiday rentals, depends heavily on outsourced cleaning providers to maintain brand and inspection requirements. These combined factors make cleaning one of the most reliable and scalable service businesses in Dubai.
How to start a cleaning company in Dubai
When you start a cleaning company in Dubai you are required to select the right cleaning activity, apply for a commercial or professional license, and make sure you comply with the labor and safety regulations of the UAE.
Deciding what type of cleaning services you want to offer is a very important step in starting your cleaning company. Make sure you select the activity that aligns with your proposed service offerings. Failing to do so can negatively impact many aspects of your business.
The following common categories exist for cleaning companies in Dubai:
– Residential cleaning services, providing cleaning services to private homes and apartments
– Commercial cleaning services, servicing commercial spaces such as offices, retail, and shared facilities
– Deep cleaning and sanitisation, comprising rigorous hygiene services
– Facility cleaning and maintenance, focusing on large buildings and complexes
Each category comes with specific compliance and labor considerations, especially where chemicals or equipment are used.
Step-by-step process to open a cleaning company in Dubai
There is a long checklist of things that need to be done when starting a cleaning business in Dubai. Here is a breakdown of the steps you need to take:
Step 1: Choose the cleaning activity
Before you do anything else, you need to choose the correct cleaning activity from the list provided by the DET or free zone authority. Most cleaning companies fall into one of three categories: commercial cleaning, residential cleaning, or niche services.
Step 2: Select the jurisdiction
Decide whether to register your business on the mainland or in a free zone. This choice affects where you may operate, who you may serve, ownership structure, and regulatory oversight. It is important that your choice aligns with your target market and business model.
Step 3: Reserve a trade name
Choose and register a trade name that complies with UAE naming conventions. The name must be unique, relevant to your activity, and approved by the relevant licensing authority before you can proceed further.
Step 4: Apply for initial approval
Shareholder details, passport copies, and activity info will have to be submitted to get initial approval. This confirms that the authorities have no objection to you establishing the business but does not yet permit operations.
Step 5: Secure office or flexi-desk space
Arrange a physical office or flexi-desk solution as required by your chosen jurisdiction. A valid tenancy contract or flexi-desk agreement must be provided as part of the licensing process.
Step 6: Apply for the cleaning company license
Submit all final documentation, including approvals and lease agreements, and pay the required license issuance fees. Once issued, the license legally authorises the business to operate within the approved scope.
Step 7: Register labor and immigration files
Open an establishment card and register with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). This enables you to legally hire staff, process work permits, and comply with UAE labour regulations.
Step 8: Apply for visas
Process investor and employee visas based on approved labour quotas. Visa allocations are determined by business activity, office size, and regulatory requirements.
Step 9: Arrange insurance and equipment
Secure the required business and employee insurance, and procure uniforms, cleaning tools, chemicals, and safety equipment in line with industry standards and municipal guidelines.
Step 10: Finalise operations
Set pricing structures, service packages, contracts, and internal operational procedures. Make sure you are completely compliant when it comes to your workforce and logistical systems prior to officially launching your cleaning company in Dubai.
Do cleaning companies require special approvals?
Cleaning companies generally do not require special approvals when providing basic residential and commercial services. Approval from the municipality and various health authorities may be required for other services. The overall approval requirements are determined by the cleaning materials used and the nature of the services.
If you plan to offer sanitization and other deep cleaning services that make use of disinfectants to your clients, additional permissions may be required from the Dubai Municipality. You will also need these extra approvals if you count industrial cleaning using hazardous chemical and heavy machinery, under your service offerings. Depending on the specific approvals you need to legally run your business, the authorities might conduct regular inspections and require your staff to undergo safety training. Cleaning companies have to adhere to chemical handling regulations, personal protective equipment standards, and workplace safety rules. Performing services outside the licensed scope can lead to fines, license suspension, or cancellation.
Mainland vs free zone for a cleaning company
Mainland configuration is generally the best option as it enables you to service customers anywhere in Dubai, while free zones can be beneficial if it is admin-only or B2B. The decision has a direct impact on operational reach and regulatory flexibility. Mainland cleaning companies are able to deliver services directly to homes, offices, hotels, and commercial properties throughout Dubai without restrictions.
Free zone providers may have difficulty providing physical services in mainland areas and will have to enlist the service of a subcontractor in most instances. While mainland licenses are associated with higher costs than free zone licenses, they allow unrestricted market access. Free zone licenses usually offer lower setup costs but are best suited for administrative or contract-based operations.
Setup cost of a cleaning company license in Dubai
The setup cost of a cleaning company license in Dubai varies based on jurisdiction, staffing levels, and the type of cleaning services offered. Entry-level businesses are relatively affordable, while larger operations require higher investment.
License fees
Typically range from AED 10,000 to AED 18,000 annually, depending on jurisdiction and activity type.
Office or flexi-desk rental
Flexi-desk packages start from AED 5,000 per year, while physical offices may cost AED 15,000 to AED 50,000 annually.
Establishment card and labor quotas
Labour file and establishment registration generally cost AED 2,000 to AED 4,000.
Visa packages
Investor and employee visas usually range from AED 3,500 to AED 7,000 per person.
Insurance
Public liability and worker safety insurance typically cost AED 2,000 to AED 6,000 per year.
Uniforms, tools, and equipment
Initial setup costs range from AED 5,000 to AED 30,000, depending on scale.
Annual renewals
License, visa, and insurance renewals form recurring yearly expenses
Documents required to start a cleaning company in Dubai
When starting a cleaning company in Dubai, you will be required to complete and submit a series of paperwork to the relevant authorities in order for your license to be granted. Complete, accurate documentation will ensure that the application process is without any delays.
The most common documents you will have to submit include passport copies of all shareholders and managers, passport-size photos, and valid UAE visas or entry stamps. Other documents include your trade name reservation certificate and your initial approval certificate. Depending on the nature of your business, you might also need a memorandum of association or service agent agreement alongside a registered office or flexi-desk lease agreement.
Some other documents that you may need:
- The municipality or special activity approvals, depending on services.
• Documentation on the registration of establishment cards.
• Certifications for employee insurance policy and public liability.
• Vehicle registration and cleaning equipment documentation where relevant.
The licensing is much faster once all necessary paperwork is prepared and filed during the first step. Partnering with a professional guarantees regulatory requirements are properly fulfilled so that the business can kick off and operate in full compliance from the outset.
Types of cleaning services a company can offer
In Dubai, a licensed cleaning company can provide a combination of residential, commercial, and specialised services as long as such services are approved as activities in the city.
Permitted services commonly include:
– Residential cleaning
– Office cleaning
– Deep cleaning
– Move-in and move-out cleaning
– Window and façade cleaning
– Hotel and hospitality cleaning
– Industrial and warehouse cleaning
– Sanitisation and disinfection services
– Post-construction cleaning
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to open a cleaning company in Dubai?
Formal experience in the cleaning industry is not legally required to register a cleaning company in Dubai. However, having operational knowledge or prior industry exposure greatly improves service quality, staff management, health and safety compliance, and customer satisfaction. Many first-time owners choose to appoint experienced supervisors or outsource training to meet industry standards.
How long does it take to get a cleaning company license?
Once all required documents are correctly submitted and approved, the licensing process typically takes 7 to 14 working days. Delays may occur if additional approvals are required, documents need correction, or if there are changes to the selected business activity or jurisdiction.
Can I run a cleaning company from home?
Operating a cleaning company from your place of residence is generally restricted. Most authorities will require you to supply a registered business address during the license application process. Flexi-desks and serviced offices are generally allowed. Your workspace should comply with all regulatory and licensing requirements.
What insurance does a cleaning business need in Dubai?
Cleaning firms are required to carry public liability insurance to cover third-party damage or injury, as well as worker safety and medical insurance for their employees. Depending on the services offered, additional coverage such as equipment or vehicle insurance may also be recommended.
About Set Hub
The process of starting a cleaning company in Dubai can be simplified a lot by enlisting the services of a trusted business setup partner. For the past ten years, Set Hub has helped entrepreneurs turn their business dreams into a success story. The multilingual team brings a global perspective to every interaction with clients and prides themselves on a 96% satisfaction rate.
Reach out to the Set Hub team if you are looking for a dedicated partner to assist you with every aspect of your cleaning business setup in Dubai.