With the increasing urbanization in the UAE, it comes as no surprise that there’s a rising demand for effective cleaning services. As people’s lives get busier, services that free up their time and create a clean environment to live and work in are becoming more coveted.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, a greater awareness of cleanliness to prevent the spread of diseases has gripped the UAE. Similarly, the rise of disposable income and the real estate boom have fueled a demand for cleaning services. The industry is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate of roughly 5%, driven by these diverse factors.
Entrepreneurs looking to develop their businesses in the cleaning industry should be aware that the market is segmented into residential cleaning, commercial cleaning, disinfection/sanitation services, and other specialized services such as window cleaning, carpet cleaning, and upholstery cleaning.
Within this lucrative industry, SPC Free Zone recommends a range of business licenses for cleaning companies, all of which can be taken under an instant license from SPC.
8121.00 – General cleaning of buildings
Keep in mind that cleaning services require proper cleanliness practices, the use of harmless and eco-friendly products, and knowledge of effective cleaning techniques—so conducting thorough research and hiring experienced workers is crucial. If you’re looking to carry out cleaning services for houses and commercial office cleaning services, this activity is essential.
8121.01: We recommend this license for entrepreneurs targeting offices, houses, apartments, factories, shops, and other similar institutions. General cleaning of all building types falls under this license, making it a handy one to have in tow.
8121.02: This covers general cleaning of all kinds of business spaces, offices, apartment buildings, and condos. It mainly focuses on internal spaces, but might also include windows, hallways, and other outside areas that are right next to the building.
| It’s important to note that this license mostly covers general cleaning—not specialized interior cleaning activities. As such, cleaning of chimneys, fireplaces, stoves, furnaces, incinerators, boilers, ventilation ducts, and exhaust units are prohibited under this license. For those looking to conduct these activities, see 8129.00 below. |
- Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity
- Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8120.00 is exempt from this requirement
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8120.00 is exempt from this requirement
4330.10 – Cleaning of new buildings after construction
Under the broad arm of building completion and finishing, primarily carried out by construction crews and engineers, comes the cleaning of new buildings after construction. Cleaning companies are hired during the end of the process, working in tandem with other experts.
This is a crucial step before a building can be occupied. It involves removing all the dust, debris, and leftover materials from the construction process to create a clean, safe, and presentable space. Specialized cleaning comes into play here as well.
By following a thorough cleaning process, cleaning companies ensure that new buildings are ready for occupants to move in and enjoy a clean, healthy, and functional space.
| For cleaning companies who wish to carry out specialized interior and exterior cleaning of such buildings, we recommend obtaining license 8129.00 (listed above) as well, since this license prohibits the mentioned activity. It’s also noteworthy to mention that companies with this license cannot engage in road painting, installing automated doors, general interior cleaning, interior decoration, and furniture assembling. |
- Third-party Approval: Third-party approval from Sharjah Municipality/Dubai Civil Defense is required for this business activity, post obtaining your business license
- Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 4330.10 is exempt from this requirement
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 4330.10 is exempt from this requirement
8110.01 – Provision of a combination of support services within a client’s facility
If you’re looking to provide clients with a host of combined support services, including general interior cleaning and maintenance, this activity is the way to go.
It enables companies to carry out trash disposal, guard and security, mail routing, reception services, laundry, and other related services. In short, the operations required to keep a facility running on the ground level.
So, how does this work? As a company that provides the above services, including cleaning, you will simply provide a team of competent staff to carry out these activities within a client’s space. Remember that these employees cannot contribute to the core business activities carried out within this facility.
| Note that this category focuses on companies providing a combination of support services to keep facilities running smoothly. Companies cannot provide just one support service, or even provide the entire management and operating staff a facility would need for operations. Companies also can’t manage computer systems or data processing, and are prohibited from operating within correctional facilities. |
- Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity
- Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8110.01 is exempt from this requirement
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8110.01 is exempt from this requirement
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