To start your handyman business in Dubai, you need to select the appropriate technical services activity from the list provided by the DET, obtain a relevant trade license, and comply with local UAE safety and compliance requirements before providing your services. Starting your handyman business also includes selecting the best jurisdiction and detailing your service offerings. The home maintenance market in Dubai will continue to increase as a result of steadily growing numbers of residential and commercial developments, high tenant turnover, and the fact that reliable maintenance and repair services are key areas for people who depend upon good repairs.
Dubai’s home maintenance industry is growing steadily with increasing residential and commercial developments, a high tenant turnover, and a growing need for reliable maintenance and repair services. The Dubai handyman industry presents consistent opportunities to both independent operators and larger service providers with the huge number of offices, retail spaces, villas, and apartments that require constant upkeep. It is one of the most profitable technical services sectors of the UAE, and is expected to expand further across multiple commercial, residential, and short-term rental markets. In this guide, we will examine the ins and outs of starting a handyman business in Dubai in 2026, focusing on everything from licensing requirements to potential services that can be offered.
What does a handyman business do in Dubai?
A handyman business in Dubai focuses on providing small-scale repairs, maintenance, and installation services that mainly provide repairs to residential and commercial properties. These services typically focus on non-structural tasks that improve functionality, safety, and appearance. Handyman work normally consists of minor electrical repairs, basic plumbing support, painting and patchwork, furniture assembly, wall mounting, light carpentry, air-conditioning assistance, or similar light tasks. The role is intended to address everyday property maintenance concerns rather than large construction or renovation projects. Handymen must operate strictly within the activity scope listed on their trade license and avoid work that requires a full contracting license, as required in Dubai’s regulated environment.
Why Dubai is ideal for a handyman business
A handyman business is a good addition to Dubai’s real estate sector, considering constantly advancing properties, high population turnover, and the demand for year-round repair and maintenance services. New apartments, villas, and mixed-use developments contribute to the rapidly expanding property market in Dubai. The expat turnover in Dubai has created an anticipation for continuous move-in and move-out repairs, installation and replacements of fixtures and furniture, and paint touch-ups. Property managers and short-term rental agents also need trusted providers to assist in keeping units operational and compliant. Regular maintenance is also needed to uphold the safety and visual appearance of offices, shops, and other commercial properties. Thanks to this, there is a steady demand for quality handyman businesses in Dubai and across the UAE.
How to start a handyman business in Dubai
A handyman business in Dubai can only be legally operated under a professional or technical services license for handyman and building maintenance services. The setup would need to comprise choosing the appropriate activity classification, getting preliminary approvals, and licensing in the jurisdiction chosen. It is vital to choose the right sort of business activity as it can affect many aspects of your business. Common activities to choose from include Building Maintenance, Technical Services, and Repair Services. The activity states what services you can legally provide in the UAE. You also have to decide whether to focus on residential clients, commercial clients, or both. The licensing authority will evaluate your application based on service scope, compliance requirements, and staffing plans before issuing the trade license.
Step-by-step process to open a handyman business in Dubai
There are many important steps that need to be followed when starting a handyman business in Dubai in 2026. Here is a detailed explanation of the most important steps:
Step 1: Choose the business activity
Choose the business activity. Define what your niche is and then choose the best activity from a list provided by the DET or free zone authority. Examples of popular activities are Building Maintenance, Technical Services, and Repair Services. The wrong activity can cause delays and legal problems when applying for a trade license.
Step 2: Decide the jurisdiction
Determine if you want to set up your handyman business on the mainland or in one of Dubai’s free zones. Mainland businesses are favored as it enables handymen to work directly in residential zones.
Step 3: Reserve a trade name
Select a distinct business name, free of any religious or offensive connotations, and register it with the DET or free zone authority.
Step 4: Obtain initial approval
The next step is to apply for preliminary approval. Approval means authorities won’t object to your proposed business activities.
Step 5: Secure office or flexi-desk space
Getting an office space or flexi-desk in Dubai is required at this step. Your office space or flexi-desk needs to be appropriate for a handyman business in Dubai. If your company is a mainland operation, you will have to procure a physical office or workshop space.
Step 6: Apply for the trade license
Apply for the trade license. Finalize and submit all the required documents and pay any licensing fees that are due. After receiving your license, you can legally provide your handyman services in Dubai.
Step 7: Register for visas and labor cards
Register for visas and labor cards. Now you can also apply for investor visas and employee permits (if necessary) if you’re hiring technicians.
Step 8: Arrange insurance and equipment
Secure worker insurance, liability cover, tools, and vehicles before your operations begin.
Do handyman businesses require special approvals?
Yes, handyman businesses do require special approvals to legally operate in Dubai. In January 2026, new rules governing contracting and maintenance service providers came into effect. A handyman needs to register with the Dubai Municipality and be classified accurately to start providing a legal service.
A handyman or light-works license for basic handyman work, like simple repairs and general maintenance, is required. Special technical work, including electrical installations, HVAC (air-conditioning) modifications, and advanced plumbing tasks would require specific specialist contractor licensing and have to be carried out by certified technicians.
It is illegal to operate outside the scope of your approved service category. Doing so can result in fines, the suspension of your license and even the closure of your business. At present, subcontracting work is subject to prior approval from the relevant authorities. All service providers must comply with the regulatory requirements regarding the services they provide.
Mainland vs free zone for a handyman business
Mainland registration is more appropriate for a handyman business, as it allows you to serve customers anywhere in Dubai without being subjected to geographic restrictions. Free zones are more suitable for businesses providing limited B2B maintenance services. Your choice of jurisdiction affects the freedom to operate, the costs of licensing, and coverage of services.
Mainland businesses can deal directly with residential customers, property managers, and commercial clients throughout the emirate. Free zone companies may be limited when serving mainland customers and often need local service agents or subcontracting arrangements. Mainland licenses usually have higher setup costs but offer greater market access, compared to free zones where there is a lower entry cost but narrower operating rights.
Cost of starting a handyman business in Dubai
The cost of starting a handyman business in Dubai depends on the jurisdiction, visa requirements, staffing needs, and equipment investment. Entry-level setups are affordable, but costs rise when hiring technicians, purchasing vehicles, or offering regulated services.
Common cost components include:
License fees
Trade license fees usually range between AED 10,000 and AED 18,000 annually depending on jurisdiction and activity.
Office or flexi-desk rental
Flexi-desk packages start from AED 5,000 per year, while physical offices increase costs significantly.
Visa packages
Investor visas and employee visas typically cost AED 3,500 to AED 7,000 per person.
Insurance
Worker compensation and public liability insurance are essential and may cost AED 2,000 to AED 6,000 annually.
Tools and equipment
Initial tool investment ranges from AED 5,000 to AED 20,000 depending on service scope.
Vehicle costs
Service vans or utility vehicles add AED 30,000 to AED 80,000 if purchased or leased.
Annual renewal fees
License renewals, visa renewals, and insurance renewals form recurring annual expenses.
Documents required to start a handyman business in Dubai
If you are looking to start a handyman business in Dubai, you need to submit the required personal and corporate documents for license registration and visa application. Documents must be accurate and comply with all authority regulations.
Typical documents include:
– Passport copies of shareholders and managers
– UAE entry stamp or visa copy
– Passport-size photographs
– Trade name reservation certificate
– Initial approval certificate
– Memorandum of association or service agent agreement
– Office or flexi-desk lease agreement
– Visa application forms
– Insurance policy certificates
What services can a handyman business offer
Under the new regulatory landscape in Dubai, a handyman business can provide a defined range of services to its customers, including minor maintenance and repair work that is within the scope of its approved trade license as well as classification. Services must remain within non-structural, non-specialist limits and must not include work requiring specialist contractor licensing or certified technicians under the new rules.
Handyman businesses conduct regular maintenance of residential, retail, and light commercial sites. Dubai Municipality and its associated authorities have a specific scope permitted by them that work must stay within, and outside this, most notably major electrical, HVAC, or structural work, requires the relevant specialist licensing or competency certification.
General licensed services for which services can be performed include:
– Minor electrical fixes, including socket replacement and light fitting.
– Basic plumbing support, including tap repairs and leak sealing
– AC filter cleaning and thermostat replacement.
– Painting touch-ups and wall patching.
– Furniture assembly and disassembly.
– Home maintenance packages for routine upkeep.
– Minor carpentry repairs like door alignment and cabinet fixes.
Staff qualifications should also be in accordance with regulatory requirements for the types of work being performed, and all services must be delivered in compliance with your licensed activity categories.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need qualifications to start a handyman business in Dubai?
You don’t need any formal academic qualifications to register your basic handyman business, but new rules require technical staff doing regulated work (such as electrical work, HVAC work or advanced plumbing) to have the competency certifications accepted by government. When you get certified, your team is in compliance and avoids penalties.
Can I run a handyman business from home?
You can only run a handyman business from home if you meet a series of strict requirements including having a flexi-desk or business-service license, municipal consent, as well as some other approvals related to your chosen business activities. Dubai’s regulatory environment has been significantly elevated with regards to well-defined business premises and activity scope.
How long does it take to get the business license?
It can take anywhere from 7 to 14 working days after submitting the necessary documents and getting the required approvals in place, to get your business license. Delays can occur if you did not choose the correct business activity or most suitable jurisdiction when setting up your business.
Can a handyman business advertise openly in Dubai?
Advertising is permitted but must comply with UAE marketing laws and avoid misrepresenting service scope. Promotions will be based on the services listed in your trade license and cannot imply abilities outside of those approved by your license. This means you should avoid advertising specialist services, unless your business is licensed and certified to do so.
About Set Hub
Set Hub has more than a decade of experience in all aspects of business setup in Dubai. The team helps entrepreneurs launch fully compliant companies across mainland and free zones. With expertise in technical services licensing, zoning approvals, visa processing, and compliance planning, Set Hub simplifies every stage of your business journey.
Whether you are launching a solo handyman operation or building a multi-technician maintenance company, Set Hub provides end-to-end support for licensing, documentation, approvals, and operational readiness. Contact Set Hub today to start your handyman business in Dubai with confidence and clarity.