How to Start a Cleaning Company in Dubai: Step by Step Guide

Are you looking to set up an economic company in Dubai? With minimal investment and basic equipment, you can start a cleaning company in Dubai.  According to Industry ARC, UAE Cleaning Services Market size was estimated at $2.3 Million in 2020, projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period 2021-2026. UAE, especially Dubai, is attracting more residents and businesses every day. With people spending much of their day outside, there’s a growing demand for cleaning services to keep up with the busy lifestyles.

Also, the steadily increasing population of the UAE, fueled by tourists visiting Dubai, has led to a rise in the demand for cleaning services in hotels, restaurants, free zones, and commercial areas. Thus, a cleaning business can be a profitable opportunity for those looking to start a business in Dubai.

The Dubai government has issued numerous licenses for cleaning companies, recognizing it as a promising sector. However, because it is a competitive field, it is essential to understand the key aspects before starting your own venture. This guide will provide you with all the necessary details on how to start a cleaning company in Dubai, cleaning company license cost in Dubai, the requirements, and more.

Types of cleaning services in Dubai: 

There are three broad categories of cleaning services in Dubai:

Residential cleaning services:

These services are tailored to meet the cleaning needs of residential properties such as villas and apartments. They concentrate on tidying up kitchens, bedrooms, and other living spaces. They are particularly suitable for startups and small entrepreneurs as they only require basic equipment, supplies and a small team.

Commercial cleaning services:

These services are designed for commercial environments such as offices, buildings, hospitals, grocery stores, and retail stores. They may require more advanced equipment and supplies than residential services, as the spaces are often larger and demand specialized expertise.

Industrial cleaning services:

These services are available for maintaining and cleaning industrial structures like warehouses and factories. They cater to specific needs of industrial units, such as waste removal, hazardous waste cleaning, and disposal of harmful chemicals. They require highly sophisticated industry-standard equipment, a large team of cleaners, industrial solvents, and cleaning supplies.

The following are the sub-business activities which you can include in your business:

• Advertising signboards cleaning services 
• Runways & roads cleaning services
• Building cleaning services 
• Yacht cleaning services 
• Car cleaning services
• Streets cleaning services
• Sea & shore cleaning services

Cleaning service license: Professional or commercial

To start a cleaning company in Dubai, you can opt for either a commercial license or a professional license, depending on the preferred shareholding structure:

Professional license:

• Allows to have 100% ownership of the company.
• The company can be registered as a sole proprietorship or a civil company.
• Process involves trade license fees, name and initial approvals, Tasheel fees, LSA notary fees, company stamp, Emirates ID, and visa stamping.

Commercial license:

• Company can be registered as a limited liability company (LLC)
• The setup process encompasses trade license fees, name and initial approvals, Tasheel fees, MOA notary fees, company stamp, immigration card, change of status, medical tests, Emirates ID, and visa stamping.

How to start a cleaning company in Dubai: Step-by-step guide

The following steps can be followed to start a cleaning company in Dubai:

Step 1 – Conduct market research and choose business activities:

The first step is to do market research and understand the market. This helps you know which cleaning services are popular and who your competitors are. After researching and considering your budget and abilities, you can decide what type of cleaning service to offer. You can choose from three main industries: residential, commercial, and industrial, each with different sub-activities.

Step 2 – Choose a location:

After deciding on the type of cleaning service you’ll provide, you need to choose whether to operate in the mainland or a free zone. A free zone company formation in Dubai offers benefits like 100% ownership, tax incentives, and full profit repatriation. On the other hand, setting up a mainland company allows you to operate anywhere in the UAE and comes with additional advantages. You should pick the option that best suits your business needs and budget.

Step 3 – Select legal structure:

Choosing the legal structure for your company is crucial as it determines ownership, liability, and tax responsibilities. In Dubai, you have options like a sole proprietorship, a civil company and an LLC. Your choice will depend on the jurisdiction you select and the nature and size of your business.

Step 4 – Finalize a trade name:

You need to choose a unique and recognisable name for your business. When selecting the name, ensure 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 trade name.

Our experts at DUBIZ can help you to pick the most ideal business name; please get in touch.

Step 5 – Get initial approval:

You must acquire initial DED approval to start a cleaning company in Dubai. The NOC proves that the UAE government has no objections to your business in the city. Then, you can proceed with the next steps.

Step 6 – Prepare the documents:

Once you’ve obtained initial approvals, the next step is to gather the necessary documents for your license application. If you are applying for a professional license, you will need to contact a local service agent and sign the Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement. On the other hand, if you’re applying for a commercial license, you must draft a Memorandum of Association (MOA).

Step 7 – Secure an office space:

Having a physical office space is mandatory if you plan to start a cleaning company in Dubai mainland. You will need to rent a suitable office space and secure an “Ejari” agreement, a legal contract between the company and the real estate agency for the office unit or shared workspace you plan to lease.

Step 8 – Get the additional approvals, if any:

In certain cases, you may need additional approvals from entities like the Dubai Municipality to start a cleaning company in Dubai. These approvals are usually required for specific services included in your cleaning packages, such as waste disposal or pest control.

Step 9 – Apply for the cleaning service license with the necessary paperwork:

Once you’ve completed the preceding steps, it’s time to apply for your cleaning business license required to start a cleaning company in Dubai. This involves submitting a completed application form and supporting documents such as passport copies, no-objection certificates, initial approval certificates, and any additional approvals required. You will also need to pay the necessary fees along with your application.

After submitting your application and having it approved by the relevant authorities, you will receive your cleaning business license, allowing you to operate your business in Dubai legally.

Step 10 – Apply for visa and open bank account:

Once you have obtained your cleaning business license, you can apply for visas for yourself, your employees, and family members if necessary. You must also open a corporate bank account to maintain your business transactions and manage the company’s finances.

Process of registering your cleaning company in the Dubai municipality:

Here are the simple steps to register your cleaning company with Dubai Municipality:

1. Visit official website of Dubai Municipality and register yourself as a customer. Once your account is successfully created, log in using the same credentials.
2. Once logged in, simply click on the “Company Registration” tab, and you will be redirected to a new page automatically.
3. Fill in all the necessary information about your cleaning company and personal details meticulously, ensuring compliance with the regulations for company registration in Dubai, UAE.
4. Before final submission, carefully proofread all the information that you have filled in to ensure its accuracy. Once confirmed, click on “Register”. 
5. After successful registration, you will receive a confirmation email from Dubai Municipality. Ensure you have soft copies of the company’s logo, trading license, etc., as you will need to upload them on the registration portal.

Requirements for cleaning service license application:

Things required to start a cleaning company in Dubai:

• Filled application form
• At least three company name alternatives
• Copies of shareholder’s passport
• Entry stamp or visa for foreigners
• NOC from a current sponsor if shareholder has a residence visa
• Other approvals as per DED if needed

Please note that the above list is not exhaustive, please contact our experts at DUBIZ for more information.

Cleaning company license cost in Dubai:

The cost of obtaining a cleaning company license in Dubai typically ranges between AED 10,000 and AED 18,000, depending on several factors such as your business activities, company size, and location.

• For professional license: AED 14,500*
• For commercial license: AED 17,900*

The cost of a cleaning company license depends on numerous factors, such as your location, company size, chosen activities, government fees, and other operational costs. Please contact our experts at DUBIZ to find out your exact costs that you will have to incur to start a cleaning company in Dubai. 

Start your cleaning company in Dubai with DUBIZ!

Setting up a cleaning company in Dubai’s thriving cleaning sector presents a lucrative opportunity. With minimal investment and a growing demand driven by the city’s bustling lifestyle and increasing population, success is within reach. If you are considering to start a cleaning company in Dubai but feel overwhelmed, do not fret. Our expert team is here to assist you at every stage, handling all legal procedures seamlessly. 

All you need to do is connect with us!

Contact DUBIZ today at +971 56 369 5485 or WhatsApp us at +971 56 369 5485. You can also drop an email at info@dubiz.co for any inquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a cleaning company profitable in Dubai?

Yes, the cleaning business in Dubai is profitable. The UAE, particularly Dubai, is experiencing a surge in residents and businesses, resulting in an increased demand for cleaning services to accommodate busy lifestyles. Additionally, the growing population, driven by tourism in Dubai, has led to a heightened need for cleaning services in various sectors such as hotels, restaurants, free zones, and commercial areas.

2. How much is the cleaning company license in Dubai?

The approximate cost of obtaining a cleaning business license is AED 14,500* for a professional license and AED 17,900* for a commercial license.

3. How to start a cleaning company in Dubai?

Follow these simple steps to start a cleaning company in Dubai:

• Conduct market research and choose business activities
• Choose a location
• Select legal structure
• Finalize a trade name
• Get initial approval 
• Prepare the documents
• Secure an office space
• Get the additional approvals if any
• Apply for the cleaning service license with the necessary paperwork
• Apply for visa & open bank account

4. What type of cleaning services can I offer in Dubai?

You can offer various cleaning services, including residential, commercial, industrial, runways & roads cleaning services, building cleaning services and many other specialized cleaning services in Dubai.

5. What are the benefits of opening a cleaning business in Dubai?

To start a cleaning business in Dubai provides many benefits including:

• Low initial investment
• Stable income stream
• Growing demand
• Range of activities to choose from
• Minimal operating expenses
• High income potential
• Limited customer interaction
• Tax benefits in free zones