Starting Cleaning Business in Dubai - License Cost & Approvals

Thinking about starting a cleaning company in Dubai? You’re onto something big. With shiny skyscrapers, luxury villas, and busy lifestyles everywhere, the demand for cleaning services never slows down.

Isn’t this amazing? Dubai doesn’t just shine on the outside - it needs a whole army of cleaners to keep everything spotless. And that’s where you come in.

Let’s walk you through how to start your own cleaning business, what will be the cleaning company license cost and other formalities like Dubai Municipality approvals. Let's first discuss about the business opportunity:-

Why Cleaning is a Hot Business in Dubai

Dubai never sleeps. New towers are built every week. Tourists come in millions. Businesses run 24/7.

So, who keeps it all looking perfect? Cleaning companies like the one you’re about to start.

Did you know? Dubai’s hygiene standards are among the highest in the world. Since the pandemic, both homes and businesses are even more willing to pay top dirhams for quality cleaning. From high-rise offices to sparkling yachts - this is a service that’s always in demand.

Isn’t it simple? The city’s growth = more buildings = more cleaning = more business for you.

Now let’s talk about the kind of cleaning services you can offer.

Choose Your Cleaning Activity

First, determine what type of cleaning service you want to provide - because each one requires a separate license.

Yes, that’s right. You need the right license for the specific service you plan to offer. The good news? You can even combine multiple services under one license.

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Want to know what works best for your business plan? COFTT can guide you.

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Here’s a quick breakdown of the cleaning activities you can choose from:

Building Cleaning Business

Perfect for real estate firms and facility management companies. It covers full-building interior and exterior cleaning.

House Cleaning Business

Everyone wants a clean home, but not everyone has time. Offer services like dusting, mopping, and kitchen deep-cleaning on a regular schedule.

Commercial Building Cleaning

Think malls, offices, restaurants, and gyms. These are big contracts that need daily or weekly cleaning with professional teams.

Industrial Cleaning

This one’s heavy-duty. Factories and warehouses need specialised cleaning - sometimes dealing with chemicals, oil, or machinery.

Yacht Cleaning

Luxury boats need luxury cleaning. Dubai’s marinas are full of potential clients looking for interior and exterior detailing.

Aircraft Cleaning

Yes, you can clean private jets. It’s high-paying, niche, and very premium. This one’s for those who want to go elite.

Street Cleaning

This is usually done via contracts with municipalities. It requires equipment and trucks, but the contracts can be large and long-term.

Advertising Signboards Cleaning

Ever noticed those shining billboards on Sheikh Zayed Road? Someone has to clean them. That someone could be you.

Seashore Cleaning

Love the beach? This one’s for you. Companies and government projects often outsource beach cleaning.

Car Washing and Cleaning

Still one of the most profitable small business models. You can set up a fixed location or even offer mobile car cleaning services.

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You must be wondering - which one should I pick? That depends on your budget, expertise, and target market. But don’t worry, COFTT will help you figure that out.

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Now that you’ve understood the types of cleaning services, let’s walk through the setup process.

How to Register a Cleaning Company in Dubai ?

Here’s the exciting part: Starting a cleaning company in the UAE is surprisingly simple. You can choose to visit the Department of Economic Development (DED) or apply online, the process is fast and smooth.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Identify the Nature of Your Business Activity

Cleaning companies usually fall under the "Commercial License" category. There are 6 types of trade license in UAE and we have separate article on that, you can read that article here.  

Also, the UAE has over 2,000 approved economic activities, and you can combine some under one license.

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Pro tip: The right combination saves you time and money. COFTT can help you pick the perfect one.

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Step 2: Choose the Right Legal Structure

Your company’s legal form affects how it’s taxed, owned, and operated. There are several legal structure for businesses in the UAE, below are some of them:

a. Sole establishment
b. Civil company
c. LLC (most popular for cleaning businesses)
d. Branch of a local/foreign company
e. Joint stock companies (for larger ventures)

Let’s make this simple. If you’re a solo entrepreneur or small team - start with an LLC.

Step 3: Register Your Trade Name

Your business name matters more than you think. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

a. Add the legal structure (like LLC)
b. Avoid offensive or government-related terms
c. Make sure it matches your business activity
d. Must be unique and not already registered
e. Approved by DED and Ministry of Economy

Step 4: Get Initial Approval

This is the government’s way of saying: "Go ahead, we like your cleaning business idea!" But it doesn’t mean you can start operations just yet.

Step 5: Draft MOA or LSA Agreement

Depending on your company type, you’ll need:

MOA (Memorandum of Association) if you’re forming an LLC

LSA (Local Service Agent Agreement) for sole proprietorships

Step 6: Choose a Physical Location

All businesses in the UAE need a registered office. In Dubai, your lease must be registered via the Ejari system. You can also go with virtual office address.

Example: Want to start a mobile car cleaning service? You still need an official business address - even if the work is done outside.

Step 7: Get External Approvals

Some cleaning activities need approvals from external authorities, like:

a. Dubai Municipality
b. Environment & Safety departments
c. Roads & Transport Authority (RTA)

Don’t stress - COFTT handles this for you.

Step 8: Submit All Your Documents

You’ll need:

a. Initial approval receipt
b. MOA/LSA
c. Registered lease contract
d. All external approvals

Step 9: Pay Fees and Collect Your License

Once approved, pay the fee and - voila! - your cleaning company is officially licensed.

Step 10: Register with Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry

This gives your business extra credibility and access to industry resources.

Cleaning Company License Cost

You must be wondering - how much does it all cost? Let’s make this simple. If you’re planning to launch a cleaning company in Dubai, the business license itself typically costs around AED 18,000 without any visa allocation. If you’d like to sponsor yourself or a team member under your license, you can expect to pay around AED 6,500 per visa, including medical and Emirates ID fees.

Isn’t it amazing that you can start a fully licensed company in Dubai for under AED 25,000? And guess what - COFTT can help you cut through the red tape and get it done smoothly.

After You’re Registered: What’s Next?

1. Corporate Tax Registration

Since 2023, all businesses in the UAE must register for 9% Corporate Tax. It’s essential and mandatory.

2. VAT Registration

If your revenue exceeds AED 375,000, you must register for VAT. Even if you’re under that threshold, you can register voluntarily (which helps with larger contracts).

3. Open a Business Bank Account

You’ll need this to receive payments and pay your team. Want quick approvals and bank recommendations? COFTT can help.

Let COFTT Help You Shine

Setting up a cleaning business in Dubai sounds like a lot, right? But with the right support, it’s a breeze.

COFTT has helped dozens of entrepreneurs like you build thriving businesses - step-by-step, stress-free. From choosing the right license to handling approvals and branding, we do it all.

Are you excited to launch your cleaning business in Dubai? Let’s make it spotless - together. Contact COFTT Today!