
The demand for professional cleaning services is growing rapidly in Dubai.
From residential towers and office buildings to retail spaces and warehouses,cleaning service providers are essential to maintaining hygiene and operations across the city.
With the right trade license, you can legally offer cleaning services and scale your business through local and international contracts.
This detailed guide explains how to get a cleaning company license in Dubai, the available business activities, and how Meydan Free Zone makes the process fast, compliant, and cost-efficient.
Types of Cleaning Services in the UAE
Before applying, it is important to identify the types of cleaning services in the UAE your business will offer.
Some of the most common activities include:
- Residential building cleaning
- Office and commercial space cleaning
- Post-construction cleanup
- Interior and exterior glass cleaning
- Warehouse and industrial facility cleaning
- Hotel, gym, and spa sanitation services
- Event and venue cleaning
- Deep cleaning and disinfection services
These activities fall under the broader category of cleaning services license in the UAE and must be listed when applying for your trade license.
Start a Cleaning Business in Dubai
Here is a breakdown of how to start a cleaning business in Dubai through Meydan Free Zone:
- Define Your Cleaning Services
Choose the scope of work your company will focus on — commercial, residential, or both. This will help you select the correct license activities. - Register a Trade Name
Pick a unique name that complies with UAE naming rules. Meydan Free Zone helps you reserve this online. - Apply for a Building Cleaning License
Submit your chosen business activity list and choose your visa allocations. Meydan Free Zone offers multi-activity licensing options. - Complete Visa and Emirates ID Procedures
After licensing, you can apply for your UAE residence visa and Emirates ID digitally. - Secure Insurance and Operational Permits (if needed)
For larger contracts, some clients may request proof of insurance, staff certifications, or third-party approvals.
Dubai Cleaning Company Registration with Meydan Free Zone
Registering your Dubai cleaning company with Meydan Free Zone offers several benefits:
- 100 percent foreign ownership
- Fast online setup with a license issued in under 60 minutes
- Visa options for owners and staff
- Access to Meydan Plus for VAT, customs, and banking services
- No physical office required with a flexi-desk option included
- Wide activity selection, including all types of cleaning services
This makes it easy for startups and solo operators to enter the UAE cleaning market legally and affordably.
Commercial Cleaning License in Dubai
A commercial cleaning license in Dubai allows you to serve corporate clients such as:
- Business centres and coworking spaces
- Retail chains and malls
- Warehouses and logistics firms
- Government offices
- Hospitality venues
- Construction companies (post-build cleaning)
If your business targets commercial buildings, be sure to select the right activity when registering.
We will guide you on choosing compliant activity codes.
Cost of a Cleaning Company License in Dubai
The cost of a cleaning company license in Dubai depends on several factors:
- Number of business activities selected
- Visa requirement (owner-only or staff included)
- Add-on services like VAT registration or insurance
- Fast-track setup option (Fawri)
At Meydan Free Zone, pricing is transparent with no hidden charges. You can speak to one of our agents to get a custom quote based on your scale and needs.
Permits and Compliance for a Cleaning Business in Dubai
After licensing, you may need the following, depending on your service offering:
- Municipality approvals (for deep cleaning or disinfection services)
- Worker health and safety certifications
- Labour contracts and staff insurance
- VAT registration if annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000
Meydan Plus offers support with permits, compliance, and invoicing, so your business is always up to date with UAE laws.
FAQs
1. Do I need a license to offer cleaning services in Dubai?
Yes. You must have a valid trade license that lists cleaning services as a permitted activity.
2. How long does it take to get licensed with Meydan Free Zone?
Your cleaning company license can be issued digitally in under 60 minutes.
3. Can I offer both residential and commercial cleaning under one license?
Yes. You can choose from over 2,500 business activities and select up to 3 activity groups for your license, that includes both sectors.
4. What is included in the license package?
Business license, digital incorporation, visa eligibility, and access to Meydan Plus for compliance.
5. How many employees can I sponsor?
You can apply for multiple staff visas depending on your business activity and office space allocation.
6. What is the cost of a cleaning license in Dubai?
Costs vary based on activity selection and visa needs. Meydan Free Zone offers tailored pricing based on your business model.
7. Do I need a physical office?
Not unless needed. A flexi-desk solution is included with your license from Meydan Free Zone.
8. Can I start as a freelancer or solo operator?
Yes. You can begin with a single-owner license and scale up later as your client base grows.
9. Will I need external approvals?
Some cleaning activities may require approvals from Dubai Municipality or other authorities, especially for sanitation and disinfection.
10. Can I get VAT and bank support through Meydan Free Zone?
Yes. Meydan Plus offers VAT registration, filing services, and assistance with opening a corporate bank account.