Cleaning and facilities management is one of the most accessible business sectors in Dubai — lower capital requirements than most industries, steady demand from residential and commercial clients, and relatively straightforward licensing. But labour regulations and thin margins require careful planning.
Licensing and Permits
You need a DED commercial licence with cleaning services / building maintenance activity: AED 10,000-15,000/year. Dubai Municipality issues additional permits for specialised cleaning (pest control requires a separate licence and certification, tank cleaning needs environmental approval). If you handle waste or chemicals, Environment Agency approval is needed. The process is simpler than most industries — licence in 1-2 weeks, Municipality permit in 1-2 weeks.
Labour Quotas and MOHRE Rules
MOHRE controls how many workers you can sponsor through the Workforce Planning system. New companies start with a quota based on office size and capital. A small office gets 5-10 worker visas initially — you can increase by demonstrating revenue and expanding your facilities. Each worker visa costs approximately AED 3,500-5,000 including medical, Emirates ID, and insurance. Workers need basic health insurance (mandatory) and accommodation compliant with MOHRE standards. Wage Protection System (WPS) registration is mandatory — all salaries must be paid through approved banking channels.
Equipment and Supplies
Startup equipment for residential cleaning: AED 10,000-30,000 (vacuum cleaners, floor machines, supplies). Commercial cleaning requires industrial equipment: auto-scrubbers AED 15,000-50,000 each, pressure washers AED 3,000-10,000, window cleaning rigs AED 5,000-20,000. Vehicle for transport: AED 2,000-4,000/month lease. Cleaning chemicals and consumables run AED 2,000-5,000/month depending on contract volume. Branding — uniforms, vehicle wraps — adds AED 5,000-15,000.
Winning Your First Contracts
Residential: list on apps like Justlife, ServiceMarket, and HomeGenie — they take 20-30% commission but provide instant access to customers. Commercial: target building management companies and property managers — they outsource cleaning for entire towers. Government: register on Tejari and Dubai Government procurement portals. Price competitively but do not underprice — the cleaning industry in Dubai suffers from companies that win contracts at unsustainable rates, then cut corners on staff welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many workers can I sponsor for a new cleaning company?
New companies typically receive 5-10 visa allocations through MOHRE Workforce Planning, based on your office space and paid-up capital. You can increase this by demonstrating revenue growth and providing worker accommodation. Some companies start with a larger office specifically to get a higher initial quota.
What is the minimum investment for a cleaning company in Dubai?
Realistic minimum: AED 80,000-120,000 covering DED licence (AED 12,000), 3-5 worker visas (AED 17,500), basic equipment (AED 15,000), vehicle lease deposit (AED 8,000), office rent (AED 15,000), and 3 months operating expenses. You can start smaller with a two-person team and scale based on demand.
Do I need separate permits for pest control services?
Yes. Pest control requires a separate Dubai Municipality licence and certified technicians. Pest control operators must complete Municipality-approved training and pass an exam. You cannot add pest control to a standard cleaning licence without the additional certification. Many cleaning companies start without pest control and add it later as a separate activity.
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