What documents does a Pakistani national need to start a cleaning services business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Pakistan passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Pakistan, attested documents via Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan, and a business plan for your cleaning services venture.

How long does it take for a Pakistani citizen to set up a cleaning services company in Abu Dhabi 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 are the tax implications for a Cleaning Services business in Abu Dhabi 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.

Can I get a residence visa with my Cleaning Services licence from Abu Dhabi DED?

Yes, your cleaning services licence from Abu Dhabi DED entitles you to apply for residence visas. The number of visas depends on your office space size — larger offices qualify for more visas. Each visa costs approximately AED 4,000.

What documents do I need to set up a Cleaning Services business in Abu Dhabi 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.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Cleaning Services business in Abu Dhabi Mainland?

The annual licence renewal for a Cleaning Services Abu Dhabi DED company costs approximately AED 10,000, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Cleaning Services company in Abu Dhabi Mainland?

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

Cleaning Services in Abu Dhabi Mainland for Pakistani nationals

MainlandServices

Cleaning Services in Abu Dhabi DED

Starting From

AED 10,000

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Abu Dhabi

About Cleaning Services

The UAE continues to attract Pakistani entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and Abu Dhabi DED is one of the most popular jurisdictions for cleaning services operations. Second-largest expatriate community in the UAE (~1.5 million), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Abu Dhabi Mainland gives your Cleaning Services business access to Abu Dhabi's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as ejari office, co-working, private office and excellent connectivity. The Cleaning Services 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 cleaning services businesses in Abu Dhabi 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 Abu Dhabi DED for Cleaning Services?

Choosing Abu Dhabi DED for your cleaning services business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers capital city strategic advantage, which is particularly valuable for cleaning services operations. Additionally, government project access 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 6,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. Trade anywhere in UAE further enhances the appeal of Abu Dhabi DED for cleaning services professionals. Furthermore, growing economic diversification positions your cleaning services business for long-term success in the region. With Abu Dhabi continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Abu Dhabi 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 Pakistani nationals specifically, the Abu Dhabi government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Pakistani business community.

Capital city strategic advantage

Government project access

Trade anywhere in UAE

Growing economic diversification

100% foreign ownership

Visa Requirements for Pakistani Nationals

For Pakistani entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Pakistani nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Business visa or residence visa can be sponsored by the company once incorporated. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your cleaning services business in Abu Dhabi DED.

Banking for Pakistani Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your cleaning services company in Abu Dhabi DED: Pakistani entrepreneurs can open corporate bank accounts with standard documentation. Some banks may require additional proof of business activity. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Pakistani business structures.

Document Attestation for Pakistani Nationals

Document attestation for Pakistani nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Pakistan, (2) Attestation by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to cleaning services businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Pakistan passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

5Detailed business plan or activity description

6Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

7Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

8Completed application form for trade licence

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	10,000
Visa Package (per visa)	4,000
Ejari Office	12,000
Co-Working	6,000
Private Office	25,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 26,000

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

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your cleaning services business plan and the best Abu Dhabi DED licence options for Pakistani nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Pakistan through Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the cleaning services licence application to Abu Dhabi DED. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

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

Visa Processing

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

Bank Account

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

Start Operations

Your cleaning services 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, Pakistani nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including cleaning services.

Cleaning Services in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750