Dubai is known for its luxury lifestyle, fast cars, and impeccable standards of cleanliness and that includes its vehicles. With thousands of cars on the road daily and residents who value convenience, mobile car wash businesses in Dubai are in high demand.
If you’re thinking about starting a business in the UAE and want a low-cost, practical idea with strong returns, this oneโs a winner. In this guide, AB Capital Business Setup Services walks you through how to get a mobile car wash licence in Dubai, what you need to prepare, and how we help entrepreneurs launch in just days.
In Dubai, residents can face a fine for leaving their car dirty on public parking spaces. A first offense will result in a 500 AED fine, and subsequent violations can lead to higher penalties, including 1,000 AED for a second offense and 2,000 AED for a third offense.
Why Start a Mobile Car Wash Business in Dubai?
Starting a mobile car wash business in the UAE, especially in Dubai, is one of the best low-investment opportunities right now. Hereโs why:
- The UAE has one of the highest car-to-population ratios in the world
- Demand for at-home and on-site car cleaning services has increased post-pandemic
- Mobile businesses cut down on overheads like office rent
- You can target both residential and commercial clients
- Services can include eco-washing, steam cleaning, detailing, sanitization, and more
With the right license, you can operate legally and scale your services across Dubai or even expand to other emirates.
What Is a Mobile Car Wash License in Dubai?
A mobile car wash license is a professional service license issued by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) or selected free zones, allowing businesses to offer on-site car cleaning services.
This license covers activities such as:
- Mobile car washing
- Interior vacuuming and detailing
- Exterior steam cleaning
- Car sanitization services
- Eco-friendly waterless cleaning
This setup allows your team to visit clients at their home, office, or parking locations and deliver services on the spot.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Mobile Car Wash License in Dubai?
1. Choose Your Jurisdiction: Mainland or Free Zone
- Mainland (DED license): Allows you to serve clients anywhere in Dubai without restrictions.
- Free Zone: May be more cost-effective but often restricts business operations to within the zone unless a service agent is appointed.
For mobile car wash businesses targeting residential or commercial clients citywide, we typically recommend a mainland license for maximum flexibility.
2. Select Your Business Activity
Under the DED, the relevant activity is listed as:
โCar washing services using mobile vansโ or โAutomobile Cleaning Servicesโ
This must be chosen accurately to ensure compliance.
3. Reserve a Trade Name
Pick a unique and appropriate business name for your company. AB Capital Services will help check availability, reserve it, and handle approvals with DED.
4. Prepare Your Documents
Youโll need:
- Passport copy of owner(s)
- Emirates ID (if applicable)
- NOC from current sponsor (if on another visa)
- Lease agreement for storage or vehicle parking (if required)
- Location plan and mobile van details (in some cases)
If youโre a foreign investor, AB Capital Business Setup Services helps you secure investor status and apply for your UAE residency.
5. Get Initial Approval
This is an early-stage approval confirming the business can be registered. After this, you proceed with final licensing, approvals, and payment of fees.
6. Obtain Municipality and Environmental Clearance
Because your business involves the use of water, chemicals, and waste disposal, you may need approval from Dubai Municipality or environmental bodies, especially if using water-based cleaning.
We guide you through the process and help ensure your service is eco-friendly and regulation-compliant.
7. Submit Final Application and Receive License
Once all documents and approvals are submitted, youโll receive your official trade license from the DED. At this point, you can legally begin operations.
Cost of Getting a Mobile Car Wash License in Dubai
The business setup in Dubai cost for a mobile car wash license depends on your setup, but hereโs a general estimate:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (AED) |
| Trade License (Mainland DED) | 8,000 โ 12,000 |
| Local Service Agent (if required) | 3,000 โ 5,000 annually |
| Vehicle and branding | Varies (one-time investment) |
| Municipality approvals | 1,000 โ 2,000 |
| Company setup services | Included with AB Capital |
AB Capital Services offers low-cost business setup in Dubai packages with full support from trade name setup to license issuance โ starting at AED 12,500.
Required Equipment to Start a Mobile Car Wash in Dubai
To begin operations, youโll need:
- A registered mobile van with your branding
- Water tank or eco-wash system
- Power generator or battery source
- Cleaning chemicals and tools
- Uniforms and safety gear for staff
- Booking system (app or website optional)
We also help connect you with local vendors for vehicle modification, branding, and digital marketing.
How AB Capital Services Helps You Launch?
Setting up a mobile car wash is simple when you have the right partner. At AB Capital Services, we help you:
- Choose the right jurisdiction for your goals
- Get approvals from DED and Municipality
- Handle complete company setup
- Assist with visa applications and medical tests
- Set up a business bank account within 3 working days
- Stay compliant with ongoing support and renewals
Whether you’re a UAE resident or a foreign investor, we make the process seamless, fast, and fully compliant.
Final Word: Start Small, Grow Smart
The mobile car wash industry in Dubai is growing, and the entry barriers are low if done right. With a minimum investment and the right license, you can start earning from day one and scale with more vans and staff.
Looking for a low cost business setup in Dubai thatโs practical and profitable?
Contact AB Capital Business Setup Services today to get your mobile car wash business registered and operating within days.
