How to Start a Laundry and Dry Cleaning Business in Dubai (2026)
Short answer: To start a laundry and dry cleaning business in Dubai, get a trade licence with a laundry or dry cleaning activity from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and lease a shop or workshop with suitable water, drainage and power. Laundry services also need a health and safety no-objection permit from Dubai Municipality. Then install washers, dryers, dry cleaning and pressing equipment, and set up pickup and delivery. If you’d rather buy a running laundry, see our laundry business for sale in Dubai page.
What types of laundry business can I start?
| Model | Customers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Neighbourhood laundry and pressing shop | Residents nearby | Small shop, steady daily demand |
| Dry cleaning shop | Office workers, formal wear, delicate items | Specialised machines and solvents, higher prices |
| Central laundry with pickup and delivery | App and phone customers across a wide area | Larger plant, vehicles and booking system |
| Commercial laundry | Hotels, restaurants, gyms, clinics | Contracts, high volume and industrial machines |
| Self-service laundromat | Residents without machines at home | Coin or card machines and fewer staff |
Which licences and approvals does a laundry need in Dubai?
- Trade licence: from DET (or a free zone) with laundry, dry cleaning or pressing activities.
- Dubai Municipality health and safety permit: Dubai Municipality’s technical requirements for health and safety activities list laundry services and cloth pressing services in their scope. You need the permit for a new company or branch, layout changes, added activities and new locations.
- Civil Defence: fire safety approval for the premises and equipment.
- Lease: registered on Ejari, in premises that allow laundry use.
- Environmental rules: check the requirements for wastewater and for any dry cleaning solvents with Dubai Municipality.
What are the steps to start a laundry business?
- Choose your model and target customers.
- Write a business plan with pricing per item and per kilo, volumes and costs.
- Get initial approval and a trade name from DET.
- Find premises with the right water, drainage, ventilation and power, and register the lease on Ejari.
- Apply for the Dubai Municipality health and safety permit with your layout.
- Install the equipment: washers, dryers, dry cleaning machines, steam presses and ironing tables, plus a boiler if needed.
- Hire staff, arrange visas, and set up POS, tagging and a booking system.
- Launch pickup and delivery, and approach buildings, hotels and offices for contracts.
How much does it cost to start a laundry in Dubai?
Costs depend on the model. A small pressing shop needs modest equipment, while a central or commercial laundry needs industrial machines, a boiler, vehicles and larger premises. Budget for licence and approval fees, rent and deposit, fit-out (plumbing, drainage, electrical), equipment, vehicles, staff visas and salaries, marketing and working capital. Utility costs for water and electricity are significant, so get estimates for your expected volumes. If you plan to operate in the capital, compare a running laundry for sale in Abu Dhabi before you buy new equipment. Read how to start a business in Dubai in 2026 for the full steps.
Is a laundry business profitable in Dubai?
Demand is steady: many residents live in apartments without space for drying or pressing, and busy professionals use pickup and delivery. Profit depends on volume, utility costs, labour efficiency and pricing. Monthly packages and commercial contracts give more predictable income than walk-in trade. Track the cost per item cleaned, not just total revenue. Our car wash business in Dubai guide explains the details.
Should I start a laundry or buy one?
Buying a running laundry gives you equipment, approvals, customers and trained staff straight away. Starting new lets you choose the location and equipment but takes longer. Compare listings on our laundry business for sale page, and read how to buy a business in Dubai for due diligence. For choosing a laundry as a customer, see how to choose a dry cleaner in Dubai.
How should I price laundry services?
Most laundries in Dubai combine three pricing methods:
| Method | Best for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Per item | Dry cleaning, suits, abayas, curtains | Price by fabric and care level |
| Per kilo | Everyday wash and fold | Set a minimum order to cover delivery |
| Monthly packages | Families and busy professionals | Gives predictable revenue and loyal customers |
Check competitors’ prices in your area, and calculate your cost per item (labour, utilities, chemicals, packaging and delivery) before you set yours.
How can a new laundry win its first customers?
- Offer a first-order discount and free pickup in nearby buildings.
- Ask building managers to share flyers or allow a drop box.
- List on delivery apps and Google Maps, and ask happy customers for reviews.
- Approach nearby salons, gyms, clinics and restaurants for towel and uniform contracts.
Key takeaways
- A laundry needs a DET licence with laundry activities and a Dubai Municipality health and safety permit.
- Choose premises with suitable water, drainage, ventilation and power.
- Pickup and delivery, monthly packages and commercial contracts drive steady income.
- Compare starting new with buying a running laundry.
Related guides
- Which Business Is Most Profitable in Dubai? Sectors and Checks
- How to Start a Pet Grooming and Boarding Business in Dubai
- Essential Steps to Open a Restaurant Business in Dubai
- How to Start a Mini Supermarket in Dubai: Steps, Staff and Costs
Frequently asked questions
What licence do I need for a laundry in Dubai?
A trade licence with laundry, dry cleaning or pressing activities from DET or a free zone, plus a Dubai Municipality health and safety permit.
Does Dubai Municipality regulate laundries?
Yes. Laundry and cloth pressing services are in the scope of Dubai Municipality’s health and safety no-objection requirements.
What equipment does a laundry need?
Washers, dryers, steam presses and ironing tables, plus dry cleaning machines and a boiler for larger or dry cleaning operations.
Is a laundry business profitable in Dubai?
It can be, with steady demand from residents and businesses. Profit depends on volume, utility costs, labour and pricing.
Can I buy a running laundry instead of starting one?
Yes. Running laundries are listed for sale on BusinessFinder.me with equipment, approvals and customers included.
Last updated: 19 October 2026