Starting a cleaning business in the UAE is a great opportunity, especially with the growing demand for professional cleaning services. But before you begin, it’s important to understand the cleaning company license cost in the UAE. Typically, it can range from AED 8,000 to AED 15,000 approximately, depending on whether you set up in the mainland or a free zone. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from costs and paperwork to the full setup process to help you start your journey with confidence.
What is a Cleaning Company License in the UAE?
A dubai cleaning company license is an official permit that gives you the legal right to start and run a cleaning business in the UAE. Whether you’re planning to offer services to homes, offices, or industrial sites, this license is a must. It’s issued by the concerned authorities in different Emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and others. Getting this license ensures that your business meets the required legal standards and follows local regulations.
Operating without a license can lead to fines or even shutdowns, so having one in place gives your business both credibility and security from the start.
Purpose of a Cleaning License
Getting a cleaning license serves several important purposes. It’s not just a legal formality, it’s a step that opens doors for your business to operate professionally in the UAE. Here’s why it’s essential:
- It gives you the legal right to run a cleaning company, allowing you to offer your services publicly and professionally
- It ensures your business complies with public health, hygiene, and safety regulations set by the UAE authorities
- It allows you to sponsor visas for employees or partners, which is vital for building a strong team
- It helps you open a corporate bank account under your business name, which is necessary for financial operations
Most importantly, having a registered and licensed business builds trust among customers. People are more likely to hire a company that’s properly licensed and approved by local authorities.
Types of Cleaning Licenses Available
The kind of cleaning license you apply for depends on the type of services you need to offer. Each category has its own scope and application process:
- Residential Cleaning License – This covers services for homes, villas, and apartments such as housekeeping, floor cleaning, or sofa and carpet cleaning
- Commercial Cleaning License – This allows you to work with offices, retail shops, warehouses, and other business spaces
- Industrial or Specialized Cleaning License – This is for companies offering more complex services like post-construction cleaning, factory cleaning, or sanitization of large industrial areas
- Maid and Domestic Worker Supply License – This is specific to companies that provide maids, nannies, or part-time domestic helpers to households
Each license may come with slightly different requirements and costs. The type of license you choose will influence your overall UAE cleaning service license fees and the business activities you are legally allowed to carry out.
How Much Does a Cleaning Company License Cost in the UAE?
If you’re planning to start a cleaning business, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: How much does a cleaning company license cost in the UAE? The price depends on several factors, mainly whether you choose to set up in the mainland or a free zone. Both options come with their own advantages and pricing structures, so it’s important to understand what you’re paying for.
Average Cost Range (Mainland vs Free Zone)
The cleaning company license cost in the UAE differs based on where you choose to register your business. Here’s a general overview:
1. Dubai Mainland
The cost usually falls around AED 10,000 and AED 15,000. This includes government fees, documentation, and local sponsorship or service agent charges. Mainland licenses give you more operational flexibility and allow you to serve clients across the UAE, including government contracts and larger corporations.
2. Free Zones
Popular options like Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) or International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) offer more budget-friendly options, usually approximately between AED 8,000 and AED 12,000. One big benefit of going with a free zone is 100% foreign ownership, but keep in mind that operating outside the free zone may require extra permits or the help of a local distributor.
While free zone setups are often cheaper and easier to launch, mainland companies enjoy greater business freedom, especially when it comes to servicing clients across different Emirates.
Breakdown of Expenses
To better understand where your money goes, here’s a closer look at the key costs involved in getting a cleaning license in the UAE:
| Expense Item | Description | Average Price Range (AED) |
| Initial Trade License Fee | Base fee for the business license issued by the authority | 6,000 – 10,000 |
| Name Reservation | Cost to reserve your company’s name before applying for the license | 600 – 1,000 |
| Initial Approval Fee | Government fee for preliminary approval to start the business | 1,000 – 1,500 |
| Notarization and MOA Drafting | Legal documentation outlining company structure and ownership details | 1,000 – 1,500 |
| Service Agent Fee (Mainland only) | Fee paid to a local service agent when setting up a business on the mainland | 5,000 – 7,000 |
These costs can vary slightly depending on your chosen jurisdiction, business activities, and whether you’re setting up a sole establishment or LLC. Always confirm with the respective licensing authority or a business setup consultant for the most accurate pricing.
Renewal and Maintenance Costs
Your cleaning business license isn’t a one-time expense. To keep your business active and legally compliant, you’ll need to renew your license annually. Here’s what to expect:
- License Renewal Fee: Generally falls between AED 5,000 and AED 8,000 per year.
- Visa Renewal Costs: If you have employees, you’ll also need to budget for visa renewals, medical insurance, and Emirates ID fees.
- Office Rent or Flexi-desk Renewal: Free zone businesses usually renew shared office spaces or virtual offices, while mainland companies may need to renew full office Ejari contracts.
These ongoing costs are important to include in your yearly business budget, especially if you plan to scale or hire staff.
Mainland vs Free Zone: Where to Get Your Cleaning License?
Business Flexibility and Limitations
| Aspect | Mainland | Free Zone |
| Market Access | Full access to operate across all Emirates, including government projects | Restricted to free zone operations unless additional permits are obtained |
| Ownership Structure | Requires a local service agent (UAE national) | 100% foreign ownership allowed |
| Staff Hiring | No limit on the number of employees | Staff quota may be limited based on office size or free zone policy |
| Office Setup Flexibility | Freedom to choose any business location across the UAE | Often includes flexi-desk or shared office options within the free zone |
| Speed of Setup | May take longer due to additional documentation | Generally quicker and more streamlined process |
| Government Contracts | Eligible to bid for local government tenders and contracts | Usually not eligible for government contracts without a mainland presence |
Best Free Zones for Cleaning Business Setup
Some affordable and popular free zones include:
- Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
- International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
- Fujairah Creative City
- Ajman Free Zone
These are cost-effective options with fast processing times and flexible office solutions.
Step-by-Step Process to Get a Cleaning License in the UAE
Setting up a cleaning business in the UAE is a structured process, but it’s quite straightforward when you understand each step. Here’s how it typically works:
Business Name Registration
The first step is choosing a name for your cleaning company. Make sure the name aligns with the UAE’s naming guidelines; it should be professional, not offensive, and not duplicate existing business names. Once you’ve chosen a suitable name, you’ll register it with the relevant authority, either in a free zone or on the mainland.
License Application
Next, you’ll need to apply for your business license. During this step, you’ll select your business activity, such as residential or commercial cleaning, from an official list of approved activities. This ensures your license matches the specific services your business will provide.
You’ll also submit basic paperwork, such as passport copies, visa details (if applicable), and other required documents. Once everything is verified, your application will move forward to the approval stage.
Local Sponsor or Ownership Rules
Ownership rules depend on whether you’re registering in the mainland or a free zone:
- Mainland Setup: You’ll need a local service agent (LSA) or a corporate sponsor who is a UAE national. While they don’t have a stake in your company, they act as your representative with local authorities and are legally required for licensing.
- Free Zone Setup: You can own 100% of your business without needing a local partner. This is a major advantage for many foreign entrepreneurs, especially those starting small or operating online or from a shared office space.
Final Approvals and Trade License Issuance
After your application and all documents have been reviewed and approved, you’ll receive your trade license. Trade license is the official green light to start your cleaning business in the UAE.
At this point, you can legally operate, start marketing your services, hire staff (if needed), and open a corporate bank account. The entire process usually takes between 5 to 10 business days, depending on the authority and completeness of your application.
Documents Required to Apply for a Cleaning License
Personal Identification
- Passport copies of all shareholders
- Visa copy (if applicable)
- Passport-size photos
Business Plan or Activity Details
As part of the application, you may need to submit a simple business plan or activity overview. This outlines the cleaning services you intend to offer such as residential, commercial, or specialized cleaning and the type of clients you plan to serve. It helps ensure your business activity aligns with the license type and supports a smoother approval process.
Office Address or Ejari Requirements
- Mainland setups require Ejari (tenancy contract)
- Free zones usually provide flexi-desk or shared office options
Additional Costs to Consider When Starting a Cleaning Business in the UAE
Visa Costs and Employee Sponsorship
- Investor visa: AED 3,000 – AED 5,000
- Employee visa: AED 4,000 – AED 6,000 per person
- Medical insurance: AED 1,000 – AED 2,000 per person
Office Space Rental or Virtual Office Setup
- Shared office or co-working space: AED 6,000 – AED 10,000/year
- Private offices (mandatory for some licenses): AED 15,000 and above
Insurance and Safety Compliance
- Liability insurance: AED 1,000 – AED 3,000 annually
- Health & safety permits: May apply for commercial operations
How Long Does It Take to Get a Cleaning License in the UAE?
The entire process typically takes 5 to 10 business days, provided all documents are correct and fees are paid. Free zones may offer same-week processing, whereas mainland approvals can take slightly longer.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the cleaning company license cost in the UAE is essential for anyone planning to start a cleaning business. Whether you choose the mainland or a free zone, each option has its costs, benefits, and setup requirements. By knowing the expenses, required documents, and setup process in advance, you can plan your budget better and avoid delays. With the right preparation, launching a cleaning company in the UAE can be a smooth and profitable journey.
Planning your cleaning budget? Learn what cleaning services typically cost in the UAE.
