A landscaping licence in Dubai costs AED 15,000–30,000 all-in during year one, with approval from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) taking 2–4 weeks. The licence covers both soft landscaping (planting, turf, horticulture) and hard landscaping (hardscapes, irrigation installation) under separate DET activity codes. Dubai Municipality also mandates landscaping permits for on-site works.
What Is a Landscaping Licence in Dubai?
A Dubai business setup in landscaping or gardening services requires a commercial licence issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The licence authorises your company to deliver landscape design, garden maintenance, soft landscaping (planting and horticultural services), and hard landscaping (paving, irrigation, hardscape installation) to residential and commercial clients across the Emirate.
DET Activity Codes for Landscaping and Gardening Services
The DET classifies landscaping under two primary activity codes:
| Activity Code | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| 8130 | Landscaping Activities | Landscape design, garden maintenance, soft landscaping (planting, turf, trees) |
| 4221 | Hard Landscaping and Hardscape Installation | Paving, pathways, retaining walls, irrigation systems, hardscape features |
If your company offers both soft and hard services, you may register under both codes. Confirm your primary revenue stream with Dubai business setup consultants to optimise your licence structure.
Unsure which code applies? WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 for a free activity classification review.
Soft vs Hard Landscaping: How It Affects Your Licence
Soft landscaping covers all living elements: tree and shrub planting, grass turf installation, garden design, horticultural maintenance, and plant health services. This typically falls under DET code 8130.
Hard landscaping encompasses non-living structural features: paving, decking, pathways, retaining walls, pergolas, and irrigation system installation and maintenance. This sits under code 4221.
Many successful landscape companies in Dubai operate under both codes to capture the full market. However, you must declare your primary activity at licence application. If you pivot significantly, amend your licence with DET (usually AED 500–1,500 amendment fee).
Need help structuring your scope? Contact DBS for a complimentary scoping call today.
Cost Breakdown: First-Year Landscaping Licence in Dubai
The all-in first-year cost to establish a landscaping company licence in Dubai ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 30,000. This includes:
- DET Commercial Licence: AED 3,500–6,000 (depends on activity code and capital investment)
- Trade Name Reservation & Registration: AED 1,500–2,500
- Office Space / Business Address (12 months): AED 3,000–8,000 (virtual or physical)
- Visa / Labour Approval (if applicable): AED 2,500–5,000
- Professional Indemnity Insurance (optional but recommended): AED 2,000–4,000
- Municipality Landscaping Permit & Inspections: AED 1,000–3,000
- Consulting & Document Processing: AED 1,500–2,000
Years 2 onwards, your licence renewal is typically AED 3,500–5,500 annually. Additional costs arise only if you expand staff, open satellite offices, or upgrade your capital investment.
Dubai Municipality Landscaping Permits & Approvals
Beyond DET licencing, the Dubai Municipality requires approval for all landscaping and garden maintenance works on public and private land. Key approvals include:
- Landscaping Contractor Permit: Mandatory before on-site work begins. Duration: 2–4 weeks. Cost: AED 500–1,500 per project.
- Environmental & Safety Clearance: If your scope includes pesticide application or irrigation on municipal land, you must obtain a Municipality environmental health certificate.
- Waste Removal Licence: If you collect and dispose of garden waste, the Municipality may require a separate waste handling endorsement (typically AED 1,000–2,000 one-off).
Your DET licence is the foundation, but the Municipality permit is your legal clearance to execute on-site. Always obtain the permit before commencing work.
DET Approval Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
From application to DET licence issuance, expect 2–4 weeks under standard processing. Timelines vary based on:
- Completeness and accuracy of your submitted documents (trade name, office lease, capital declaration)
- Clarity of your activity code and scope definition
- Any clarifications requested by the DET examiner
Dubai Business Services prioritises rapid document collection and submission to DET, often achieving approval within 14–18 working days. Expedited processing (5–7 days) may be available at an additional fee of AED 500–1,000.
Do You Need Horticulture Qualifications to Licence a Landscaping Company?
The DET does not require formal horticulture or landscape architecture qualifications to obtain a landscaping licence in Dubai. However, best practice—and many corporate clients’ procurement policies—favour applicants with:
- Landscape Design Diploma or equivalent (e.g., from an accredited institute)
- International Soft Landscaping Certification (e.g., RHS or similar)
- Health & Safety in Landscaping (e.g., IOSH or CIEH)
If you lack formal credentials, you can hire a qualified landscape designer or horticulturist as a manager or technical advisor and list them in your DET application. This strengthens your bid for larger contracts and insurance approval.
Thinking of bringing in a qualified manager? WhatsApp us to discuss visa sponsorship and staffing options.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a landscaping licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
A landscaping licence in Dubai costs AED 15,000–30,000 all-in during year one. This covers DET licence registration (AED 3,500–6,000), office space (AED 3,000–8,000), trade name (AED 1,500–2,500), Municipality permits (AED 1,000–3,000), visa approvals if needed (AED 2,500–5,000), and consulting fees (AED 1,500–2,000). Renewal costs in subsequent years drop to AED 3,500–5,500 annually.
What municipality approvals apply to landscaping and gardening services?
Dubai Municipality requires a Landscaping Contractor Permit before on-site work commences. Cost: AED 500–1,500 per project; processing time: 2–4 weeks. If you handle garden waste removal or pesticide application, the Municipality may require environmental health certification (AED 1,000–2,000). Your DET licence alone is insufficient; the Municipality permit is your legal execution clearance.
Does soft vs hard landscaping change the license activity?
Yes. Soft landscaping (planting, turf, horticulture) operates under DET code 8130. Hard landscaping (paving, irrigation installation, hardscapes) falls under code 4221. Many Dubai landscape companies register under both codes to offer full-service delivery. Declare your primary activity at licence application; pivoting later requires a code amendment (AED 500–1,500 fee).
Do landscaping companies need a horticulture qualification?
No formal qualification is mandated by the DET. However, clients and insurers favour credentials such as a Landscape Design Diploma, RHS Soft Landscaping Certification, or IOSH Health & Safety in Landscaping. If you lack formal qualifications, hire a qualified horticulturist or landscape designer as a manager and list them in your DET application to strengthen credibility and insurance approval.
How long does it take to licence a gardening company in Dubai?
DET approval typically takes 2–4 weeks from complete application submission. Processing depends on document accuracy, activity code clarity, and any examiner clarifications. Dubai Business Services usually achieves approval within 14–18 working days. Expedited processing (5–7 days) is available for an additional AED 500–1,000 fee.
Can I operate a landscaping company from home or do I need a physical office?
You must register a business address with the DET. This can be a virtual office (AED 3,000–5,000 per year) or physical premises (AED 5,000–8,000 per year). Virtual offices are widely accepted for landscaping companies since on-site work is your primary activity. Your office serves as the administrative and licensing headquarters only.
What is the difference between a landscaping licence and a Municipality landscaping permit?
Your DET commercial licence is your business’s legal operating authority issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism. The Municipality Landscaping Contractor Permit is a project-specific work clearance issued by Dubai Municipality before on-site execution. You need both: the DET licence to operate the company, and the Municipality permit to legally perform each landscaping project on-site.
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