What documents does a Filipino national need to start a building maintenance business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Philippines passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Philippines, attested documents via Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and a business plan for your building maintenance venture.

How long does it take for a Filipino citizen to set up a building maintenance company in Dubai DED?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 3–6 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 13–23 business days.

What business activities can I include on my Dubai DED licence?

Your Dubai DED licence can include building maintenance as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Mainland licences can include multiple activities, provided they fall within the same licence category (professional, commercial, or industrial). IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Building Maintenance company in Dubai Mainland?

Yes, following the recent amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for most mainland activities, including building maintenance. Previously, a local sponsor holding 51% was required, but this is no longer the case.

What documents do I need to set up a Building Maintenance business in Dubai DED?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

Is Dubai Mainland good for building maintenance start-ups?

Dubai DED is well-suited for both start-ups and established businesses, offering trade anywhere in the uae and government contracts eligibility. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 15,000 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

What are the tax implications for a Building Maintenance business in Dubai Mainland?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Mainland companies are subject to the standard 9% corporate tax rate on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Building Maintenance in Dubai Mainland for Filipino nationals

MainlandServices

Building Maintenance in Dubai DED

Starting From

AED 12,000

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Building Maintenance

The UAE continues to attract Filipino entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and Dubai DED is one of the most popular jurisdictions for building maintenance operations. Third-largest expatriate community in the UAE (~700,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Dubai Mainland gives your Building Maintenance business access to Dubai's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as ejari office, co-working, private office and excellent connectivity. The Building Maintenance activity does not require any special regulatory approvals beyond the standard trade licence, simplifying the setup process considerably.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up building maintenance businesses in Dubai Mainland since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why Dubai DED for Building Maintenance?

Choosing Dubai DED for your building maintenance business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers trade anywhere in the uae, which is particularly valuable for building maintenance operations. Additionally, government contracts eligibility ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. Operating on the mainland allows you to trade directly with the local UAE market without restrictions, and you can bid on government contracts — a significant advantage over free zone entities. Office solutions start from AED 8,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. No geographic restrictions further enhances the appeal of Dubai DED for building maintenance professionals. Furthermore, wider business scope positions your building maintenance business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Dubai DED remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established services enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Filipino nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Filipino business community.

Trade anywhere in the UAE

Government contracts eligibility

No geographic restrictions

Wider business scope

Direct customer access

Visa Requirements for Filipino Nationals

For Filipino entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Filipino nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your building maintenance business in Dubai DED.

Banking for Filipino Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your building maintenance company in Dubai DED: Filipino entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. A solid business plan helps expedite the process. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Filipino business structures.

Document Attestation for Filipino Nationals

Document attestation for Filipino nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Philippines, (2) Attestation by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to building maintenance businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Philippines passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

5Completed application form for trade licence

6Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

7Office tenancy contract (Ejari) for the registered business address

8Initial approval from the Department of Economic Development

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	12,000
Visa Package (per visa)	4,500
Ejari Office	15,000
Co-Working	8,000
Private Office	30,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 31,500

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your building maintenance business plan and the best Dubai DED licence options for Filipino nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Philippines through Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the building maintenance licence application to Dubai DED. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official Dubai DED trade licence within 3–6 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Filipino nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Filipino entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation.

Start Operations

Your building maintenance business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 3 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Since the UAE's 2020 Commercial Companies Law amendment, Filipino nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including building maintenance.

Building Maintenance in Other Jurisdictions

DIC

From AED 15,000

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750

DSO

From AED 12,000