Cleaning Services
Start a Cleaning Company in Dubai
A clear, cost-transparent guide to licensing and launching a cleaning services company in Dubai.
Cleaning is one of Dubai's steadiest service sectors, with constant demand from residential towers, offices, retail units and holiday homes. It has a relatively low entry cost and a straightforward licence, which makes it a sensible first business for many owner-operators. The catch is that cleaning is a regulated activity, so the licence route and approvals matter more than most people expect.
A cleaning services company is usually set up on the Dubai mainland under a Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) commercial licence, because most clients and contracts require you to operate anywhere in the emirate. Alongside the trade licence you will need external approval from Dubai Municipality, which reviews the activity, staff arrangements and, where relevant, the use of cleaning chemicals.
This page walks through the licence, the approvals and realistic 2026 costs. We keep figures honest: government fees change and every application is assessed on its own merits, so we quote ranges rather than promises. If you want an exact quote for your activity and visa needs, our team at DBM can price it in a single call.
Why Set Up With DBM
Mainland Commercial Licence
We register your cleaning company under DET so you can serve clients and win contracts across Dubai.
Municipality Approval
Cleaning is a controlled activity, so we handle the Dubai Municipality external approval as part of the process.
Realistic Cost Ranges
Expect roughly AED 18,000 to 35,000 for a first-year setup including a licence and a couple of visas.
Labour Visas & Quota
We arrange your establishment card and worker visa quota so you can hire cleaning staff legally.
Office & Ejari
A tenancy contract and Ejari are mandatory for the licence; we can source compliant, budget-friendly space.
PRO & Renewals
Our PRO team manages document clearing, Emirates ID, medicals and annual licence renewals on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cleaning company licence cost in Dubai?
A cleaning services licence on the Dubai mainland typically starts around AED 15,000 to 20,000 for the licence and DET fees. With Dubai Municipality approval, an establishment card and two staff visas, realistic first-year costs run from about AED 25,000 to 35,000. Office rent, chemical storage approvals and additional visas will increase this.
What approvals do I need to start a cleaning company in Dubai?
You need a DET commercial licence plus external approval from Dubai Municipality, which is specific to cleaning activities. If you handle specialised work such as pest control, facade cleaning or chemical-based services, extra approvals may apply. We confirm the exact list once we know your intended activities.
Can a cleaning company be 100% foreign-owned?
Yes. Cleaning services generally qualify for 100% foreign ownership on the Dubai mainland, so a local sponsor is not required for most activities. We verify eligibility for your specific activity code before filing, as a small number of activities still require an Emirati partner or agent.
How long does it take to set up a cleaning business in Dubai?
Once your documents and tenancy are ready, licence issuance usually takes around 5 to 10 working days. Dubai Municipality approval and staff visa processing can add one to three weeks. We cannot promise fixed timelines because approval depends on the authorities reviewing your file.
Start Your Cleaning Services Journey Today
Get a free consultation and an itemised, no-surprises quote — usually within the hour.