Dubai is shining—quite literally—and the demand for professional cleaning services is helping keep the city spotless. If you’re looking for a profitable business idea with minimal investment and high growth potential, starting a cleaning company in Dubai might be your perfect match.
From homes and hotels to office buildings and warehouses, everyone needs reliable cleaning services. But before you grab your mop and bucket, it’s important to understand the legal steps required to set up your company the right way. Here’s a complete guide that walks you through everything—from licensing to paperwork and more.
Why Start a Cleaning Business in Dubai?
Dubai’s booming economy, ever-growing population, and thriving tourism sector make it a perfect place to launch a cleaning business. From bustling commercial areas to high-rise apartments and luxury hotels, there’s a constant need for professional cleaning services across all segments. This creates a high demand from residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors, where individuals and companies regularly seek help to maintain hygiene and cleanliness in homes, offices, malls, hospitals, and more.
What makes this opportunity even more appealing is that starting a cleaning business in Dubai comes with low entry barriers and flexible service models. You don’t need a massive upfront investment—many successful businesses begin with basic equipment and a small team. Whether you choose to offer maid services, deep cleaning for villas, car cleaning, or industrial disinfection, you can tailor your services to your budget and expertise. Plus, Dubai’s pro-business policies and structured licensing options make it easier to legally start and grow your company.
Contact Raes Associates for expert help in setting up your business the right way.
Also, check out the top investment opportunities in Dubai to align your business with growing sectors.
Types of Cleaning Businesses You Can Start
There are multiple niches in the cleaning industry that you can tap into based on your budget, skillset, and target market.
Residential and commercial cleaning
These services include cleaning homes, villas, apartments, offices, retail stores, and similar premises. They require minimal equipment and offer quick setup options—ideal for startups and solo entrepreneurs.
Industrial cleaning and disinfection services
These are advanced cleaning services for warehouses, factories, and large facilities. They often include hazardous waste removal, pest control, and chemical disinfection. This sector needs specialized equipment and trained staff but offers high revenue potential.
Legal Requirements to Start a Cleaning Business
Before you get started, it’s essential to understand the legal structure and licensing required to run a cleaning business in Dubai.
Choose a mainland or free zone setup
- Mainland: Allows you to operate across all of Dubai and the UAE. Ideal for businesses that want to serve a broader client base including government contracts.
- Free zone: Offers 100% ownership, tax benefits, and full repatriation of profits. However, business is limited to within the free zone or international markets unless you appoint a distributor.
Confused about whether to choose a mainland or free zone setup.? Raes Associates can guide you to the best fit for your business needs.
Learn more about the difference between mainland and free zone business setups in the UAE.
Required trade license categories
- Professional license: Suitable for service-based companies. Offers full ownership and flexibility in business setup.
- Commercial license: Required if you plan to operate as an LLC. Useful for partnerships and large-scale operations.
Documents and approvals needed
- Passport copies of shareholders
- Business name reservation (at least 3 name choices)
- Entry stamp or residence visa
- NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)
- Initial approval from DED or the free zone authority
- Additional approvals for activities like waste disposal or pest control from Dubai Municipality
Step-by-Step Process to Register a Cleaning Company
Starting a cleaning company involves a few important steps. Here’s how you can make the process smooth and compliant:
Business name reservation
Choose a unique and professional business name. It must follow UAE naming guidelines (no offensive words or religious references). Submit 3 name options for approval.
Initial approval and licensing
Apply for initial approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED) or relevant free zone. This shows the government has no objection to your business activities.
Tenancy contract and Ejari
If you’re setting up a mainland company, you must lease an office and get the Ejari (tenancy contract). This is mandatory for completing your license registration.
Apply for employee visas (if required)
Once your trade license is issued, you can sponsor visas for yourself, your employees, and family members if needed. You’ll also need to apply for your establishment card for immigration purposes.
Costs Involved in Setting Up a Cleaning Business in Dubai
Starting a cleaning company in Dubai is cost-effective compared to other industries, but it’s important to plan your budget.
Trade license fees and other estimated costs
- Professional license: Approx. AED 14,500*
- Commercial license: Approx. AED 17,900*
Other costs include government approvals, visa charges, medical tests, Emirates ID fees, and office rent.
Hidden or optional costs (e.g., training, branding, etc.)
- Staff training and uniforms
- Insurance coverage
- Marketing (website, flyers, online ads)
- Equipment and cleaning supplies
- Transportation (if providing on-site services)
Need help calculating your startup costs and license fees? Get in touch with Raes Associates for a tailored business setup consultation.
For detailed insights, read our guide on the cost to set up a business in Dubai.
Tips for Growing a Successful Cleaning Business
Once your business is up and running, the next goal is to grow. Here’s how you can gain and retain more customers:
Investing in quality staff and equipment
Hire trained professionals and invest in eco-friendly, effective cleaning tools. Cleaners are the face of your brand—quality service leads to referrals and repeat business.
Marketing and building client trust
Build an online presence with a professional website and social media profiles. Offer promotions, loyalty programs, and request client reviews to build credibility and visibility.
Get Expert Support to Start Your Cleaning Company in Dubai
Dubai’s cleaning industry offers a profitable path for entrepreneurs looking to launch a service-based business. With low startup costs, high market demand, and support from the government, starting a cleaning company is more accessible than ever. But legal compliance is key to long-term success.
At Raes Associates, we can help you register your cleaning company in Dubai smoothly and legally. From choosing the right license to handling documentation and approvals, we’ve got you covered.
Get in touch today to start your journey!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is a cleaning company profitable in Dubai?
Yes, the cleaning sector in Dubai is highly profitable due to growing demand from residents, tourists, and businesses. - How much does a cleaning company license cost in Dubai?
It costs approximately AED 14,500 for a professional license and AED 17,900 for a commercial license. Costs vary based on setup type and business size. - What are the main types of cleaning services I can offer?
You can offer residential, commercial, or industrial cleaning, along with niche services like car cleaning, pest control, or disinfection services. - Can foreigners own 100% of a cleaning company in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can have 100% ownership, especially in free zones or when applying for a professional license in the mainland. - Do I need an office space to open a cleaning business in Dubai?
Yes, for mainland setups, renting a physical office and obtaining an Ejari contract is mandatory.
