So, you're thinking about how to start a laundry business in Dubai? That’s a great idea! With life being so fast in Dubai, most people don’t have time to do their own laundry. Whether it's busy professionals, families, or businesses like hotels and salons — everyone needs clean clothes, towels, or uniforms regularly.
At Fiscal Bricks, we help people like you set up businesses in Dubai, and laundry is one of the most in-demand services here. If you’re serious about it, this guide will walk you through everything — from planning to costs, paperwork, and how much profit you can expect.
Step 1: Plan Your Laundry Business
Before jumping in, think about what kind of laundry service you want to offer.
Will you provide just basic washing and ironing? Or include dry cleaning and home pickup/delivery too? Maybe you want to offer eco-friendly services with less chemicals?
The services you offer should match the kind of customers in your area. For example, if you're near a residential neighborhood, people will appreciate fast, affordable service. If you’re near luxury apartments or hotels, you can offer premium options.
Once you know what you want to do, choose your shop location and sign a rental contract (Ejari) — this is needed later for your business license.
Step 2: Understand the Legal Setup
When learning how to start a laundry business in Dubai, one big decision is choosing where to register your business — this is called your “jurisdiction.”
You can either open your business in:
- Mainland Dubai – Requires a local sponsor with 51% ownership but allows trading anywhere in Dubai, including government contracts and residents.
- Free Zone –Allows 100% foreign ownership but restricts trading to within the free zone or internationally, with limited mainland market access
Not sure which is better? That’s where Fiscal Bricks comes in — we’ll help you decide based on your goals and budget.
Step 3: Choose a Business Name
Pick a few business name ideas (3 to 5 is best), and we’ll help you check if they’re available. Your name should be simple, professional, and related to laundry. It also has to follow UAE’s business name rules.
Step 4: Submit the Paperwork
To get started officially, you’ll need to submit some documents. These include:
- Passport copies of all business owners
- Emirates ID (if you have one)
- Your Ejari (rental contract)
- The name of your business
- The service you’re offering (laundry)
- Initial approval from the authorities
In some cases, you might need extra permission from Dubai Municipality or Civil Defence, especially if your machines use heat or chemicals.
Don’t worry — Fiscal Bricks takes care of all of this for you. We’ll handle the forms, approvals, and back-and-forth so you don’t have to stress about it.
Step 5: Get Your Business License
Once all the paperwork is in order, you’ll sign a legal agreement (called a Memorandum of Association) and apply for your trade license. This license allows you to run your laundry business legally in Dubai.
Once you have your license, you can start getting your shop ready!
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Laundry Business in Dubai?
A common question we hear is: how much does it cost to open a laundry business in Dubai?
Here’s a basic idea of the costs:
- Business license – AED 15,000 to AED 30,000
- Shop rent (Ejari) – Starts at around AED 15,000 per year
- Laundry equipment – Around AED 30,000 or more (for washers, dryers, irons)
- Other costs – Staff salaries, visas, insurance, electricity, and water bills
So in total, you're looking at a starting cost of about AED 50,000 or more, depending on your location and the size of your shop. When you work with us, we’ll give you a clear cost breakdown so you can plan better.
Documents Required to Start a Laundry Business in Dubai
To keep it simple, here’s what you need to open a laundry shop in Dubai:
- Passport copies of all business partners
- Emirates ID (if you have one)
- Rental contract (Ejari) for your shop
- 3–5 name ideas for your business
- Details of your business activity (laundry services)
- Approval from DED (if you’re in mainland) or Free Zone authority
- Possibly approvals from Dubai Municipality or Civil Defence (depending on your setup)
Fiscal Bricks handles the full process from start to finish, making sure all documents are filled out properly and submitted on time.
How Profitable is the Laundry Business in Dubai?
Now the big question — how profitable is the laundry business in Dubai? The good news? It’s a solid, stable business.
Steady and Growing Demand
Dubai is a busy city filled with working professionals, expats, and tourists. Many people live fast-paced lives and don’t have time to wash and iron clothes regularly. That’s where laundry services come in.
But it's not just individuals — many businesses also need laundry help on a daily basis. This includes:
- Hotels and resorts, which need to wash bed linens, towels, and staff uniforms
- Salons and spas, which use towels and robes throughout the day
- Gyms and fitness centers, which offer fresh towels to members
- Clinics and hospitals, which need sterile and clean linens
- Restaurants and cafes, which require clean uniforms and tablecloths
These businesses usually prefer to work with professional laundry companies that can offer bulk services and long-term contracts, which means regular, predictable income for you.
Good Profit Potential
A laundry business doesn’t have to be expensive to start — especially if you begin small. And once your setup is in place (machines, shop, staff), your ongoing costs are relatively low compared to many other businesses.
Here’s how you make money:
- Charging per item or per kilo for laundry
- Offering ironing, dry cleaning, or stain removal as premium services
- Providing pickup and delivery, which customers love (and you can charge extra for)
- Creating monthly packages or subscriptions for regular customers
- Taking on bulk orders from hotels, salons, and offices
With the right strategy, many laundry businesses in Dubai make profit margins of 20–30%, especially those that focus on customer service, reliability, and niche offerings (like eco-friendly cleaning or urgent 2-hour delivery).
Let’s Build Your Business — the Smart Way
Now that you know how to start a laundry business in Dubai, it’s time to take action. The setup process can feel a bit overwhelming at first — but you don’t have to do it alone.
At Fiscal Bricks, we help you every step of the way: - From choosing the right setup - To registering your license - To getting your shop up and running
If you’re serious about starting your laundry business in Dubai, let’s talk. We’ll guide you through everything — simply and clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I open a laundry business in Dubai if I’m not a UAE citizen?
Yes! As a foreigner, you can start a laundry business in Dubai. If you set up in a Free Zone, you can even own 100% of the business. In the mainland, a local sponsor is usually required — but Fiscal Bricks can help you structure it properly and legally.
2. Do I need experience in laundry or dry cleaning to start this business?
Not necessarily. While it helps, it's not required. You can hire trained staff to handle the technical side (washing, ironing, stain removal), while you focus on managing and growing the business.
3. How long does it take to get my laundry business license?
It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your setup, location, and how quickly you submit the required documents. Fiscal Bricks can speed up the process by handling all the paperwork for you.
4. Is it better to open a laundry shop in the mainland or in a free zone?
It depends on your business goals.
- Mainland lets you serve customers across all of Dubai and work with other local businesses.
- Free Zone allows full foreign ownership but limits who you can trade with inside the UAE. Fiscal Bricks can help you choose what’s best for your needs.
5. Can I run the laundry business from home or online only?
No. You need a physical location for your laundry shop to operate legally in Dubai. That location must be registered (with Ejari) and approved. However, you can offer online booking and delivery, which is very popular with customers.
6. What kind of equipment will I need?
At a minimum, you'll need:
- Washing machines (industrial or heavy-duty preferred)
- Dryers
- Steam irons and pressing tables
- Packaging and folding area
- Water heaters and maybe stain removal stations
Fiscal Bricks can connect you with reliable local suppliers if needed.
7.What approvals do I need from the government?You'll need:
- Trade license from DED (mainland) or Free Zone authority
- Ejari (rental agreement for your shop)
- Possibly extra approvals from Dubai Municipality or Civil Defence if you're using heat, chemicals, or large equipment We’ll guide you through every approval step
8. How much does it cost to open a laundry business in Dubai?
The cost to start a laundry business in Dubai can vary depending on the size of your shop, your location, and the type of services you offer. Here's a simple breakdown from your blog:
- Business License: AED 15,000 to AED 30,000
- Shop Rent (Ejari): Starts around AED 15,000 per year
- Laundry Equipment: Around AED 30,000 or more (for washers, dryers, ironing tables, etc.)
- Other Costs: Staff salaries, visa fees, insurance, utility bills (electricity, water), and cleaning supplies So in total, you're looking at startup costs of approximately AED 50,000 or more.
Working with a setup expert like Fiscal Bricks helps you understand the exact costs upfront and plan
9. Can I offer laundry services to hotels and corporate clients?
Yes, and it’s a great idea! Businesses often need daily laundry and will sign long-term contracts — providing you with steady, high-volume income. Just make sure your setup and staff can handle bulk orders consistently.
10.What are some ways to stand out in this competitive market?To succeed, focus on:
- Offering pickup and delivery
- Using eco-friendly detergents
- Providing fast turnaround times
- Building a mobile app or easy website
- Giving discounts or loyalty rewards to regular customers
11. Can Fiscal Bricks help me beyond the setup stage?
Absolutely. We not only help with the setup and licensing — we also assist with:
- Choosing the right location
- Finding suppliers and equipment
- Business planning and budgeting
- Marketing advice and growth support
- Tax Advisory and Accounting
- Opening Bank Account in UAE