A landscaping licence in Dubai costs between AED 15,000 and AED 30,000 in your first year, including all setup fees and DET approval. The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) processes applications under two main activity codes: soft landscaping (gardening, horticulture) and hard landscaping (construction, irrigation installation). Most approvals complete within 2–4 weeks.
What Is a Landscaping Licence in Dubai?
A landscaping licence authorises your company to provide garden design, maintenance, planting, and grounds management services across Dubai and the UAE. The licence sits under the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and requires a separate Dubai Municipality landscaping permit for on-site work. Whether you operate a Dubai business setup or expand an existing entity, DET registration is mandatory before you accept any client contracts. The distinction between soft landscaping (plants, turf, horticultural elements) and hard landscaping (paving, irrigation systems, structural garden features) determines your exact activity classification and insurance requirements.
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DET Activity Codes for Landscaping and Gardening
The Department of Economy and Tourism publishes two primary activity codes for landscape businesses:
| Activity Code | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| 81302 | Landscape Services | Soft landscaping: garden design, planting, horticultural maintenance |
| 81303 | Landscape Construction | Hard landscaping: hardscape installation, irrigation, earthworks, paving |
Most garden maintenance companies operate under code 81302. If you install water features, irrigation systems, or structural elements, you may require code 81303 or both. DET will confirm your eligible codes during the application stage.
Landscaping Licence Cost Breakdown 2026
The total first-year cost for a landscaping licence in Dubai ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 all-in. This includes:
- Trade licence (DET): AED 4,000–8,000
- Professional indemnity insurance: AED 2,500–5,000
- General liability insurance: AED 3,000–6,000
- Municipality landscaping permit (Dubai Municipality): AED 1,500–3,000
- DET processing, document review, and setup admin: AED 2,000–4,000
- Agency/consultancy services (if used): AED 2,000–3,000
Renewal costs in subsequent years typically fall to AED 6,000–12,000 (licence and insurance only). Dubai business setup consultants can help you optimise this spend.
Get a fixed quote in 10 minutes: email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com with your scope and location.
Soft vs Hard Landscaping: Licence Scope Difference
Soft landscaping covers plants, shrubs, turf, seasonal bedding, pruning, irrigation maintenance, and horticultural advisory. Hard landscaping includes pergolas, retaining walls, decking, paving, gravel pathways, irrigation installation, and water features. A soft landscaping licence (code 81302) typically requires no additional trade certifications. Hard landscaping (code 81303) may require a valid MOHRE-approved construction contractor card or an engineering qualification, depending on the scope of structural work.
If you offer both services, you’ll register under both codes and ensure your insurance policies cover both scopes. DET will specify which codes apply at approval.
Dubai Municipality Landscaping Permit Requirements
Beyond DET registration, Dubai Municipality requires a separate landscaping permit for any on-site work, including:
- Tree felling or major pruning
- Soil preparation and site preparation
- Installation of water features or hardscape elements
- Chemical application (fertilisers, pesticides)
The permit costs AED 1,500–3,000 and is usually processed within 5–10 working days after your DET licence is approved. Dubai Municipality will also conduct an initial site inspection if the project exceeds AED 50,000 in value. You do not need a separate horticulture qualification, but proof of experience (CV, portfolio, or client references) strengthens your application.
DET Approval Timeline and Next Steps
Once you submit your completed application to DET—including trade name, activity codes, premises lease, and insurance certificates—approval typically takes 2–4 weeks. The timeline assumes:
- All documents are complete and error-free
- Your premises meets DET zoning requirements (residential or commercial zones are permitted; check with DET first)
- No background objections arise during security checks
After DET issues your trade licence, apply to Dubai Municipality for the landscaping permit (5–10 days). Once both are in hand, you can legally operate and invoice clients. Start from day 1 by engaging a Dubai business setup consultant to coordinate documents in parallel.
Fast-track your DET filing: WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 now for document checklist.
Insurance and Compliance for Landscaping Companies
Professional indemnity and general liability insurance are compulsory before DET will issue your licence. Professional indemnity (AED 2,500–5,000 annually) covers design errors and failed recommendations. General liability (AED 3,000–6,000 annually) covers bodily injury, property damage, and third-party claims on client sites. Both policies must name your company as the insured and extend to the emirates in which you work. Some clients—especially hotels, gated communities, and government agencies—require minimum coverage limits of AED 500,000 to AED 2 million.
Keep all insurance certificates current and on file. Expired or lapsed coverage voids your DET approval and exposes you to legal liability. Many landscaping contractors also maintain employer’s liability and tools/equipment cover.
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 for your first year, including DET trade licence (AED 4,000–8,000), professional indemnity insurance (AED 2,500–5,000), general liability insurance (AED 3,000–6,000), Dubai Municipality permit (AED 1,500–3,000), and setup admin fees. Renewal years cost AED 6,000–12,000 (licence and insurance only). Costs vary by company size, location, and scope.
What municipality approvals apply to landscaping and gardening services?
Dubai Municipality issues a separate landscaping permit (AED 1,500–3,000) for on-site work such as tree felling, soil preparation, water features, and chemical application. The permit is processed within 5–10 working days after your DET trade licence is approved. Projects exceeding AED 50,000 may trigger a site inspection. You must obtain this permit before starting any on-site work.
Does soft vs hard landscaping change the licence activity?
Yes. Soft landscaping (code 81302) covers plants, shrubs, turf, and horticultural maintenance and requires no special trade certification. Hard landscaping (code 81303) includes paving, irrigation installation, retaining walls, and pergolas and may require a MOHRE-approved contractor card or engineering qualification. Many companies register under both codes to offer both scopes legally.
Do landscaping companies need a horticulture qualification?
No formal horticulture qualification is mandatory to obtain a DET landscaping licence, particularly for soft landscaping (code 81302). However, DET and clients appreciate proof of experience: a CV detailing years in the industry, a portfolio of completed projects, and client testimonials strengthen your application and win larger contracts. Hard landscaping may require construction credentials.
How long does it take to licence a gardening company in Dubai?
DET approval typically takes 2–4 weeks from submission, assuming all documents are complete. The Dubai Municipality landscaping permit adds another 5–10 working days. Total timeline from application to full operation is roughly 4–6 weeks if documents are prepared in parallel and no queries arise. Using a consultant accelerates this process.
What are the main DET activity codes for landscaping?
DET lists two primary codes: 81302 (Landscape Services—soft landscaping, design, and maintenance) and 81303 (Landscape Construction—hard landscaping, irrigation, paving, and structural elements). Most garden maintenance companies operate under code 81302. Larger contractors with installation services register under both codes to legally offer comprehensive landscaping solutions.
Can I start a landscaping company from a residential address in Dubai?
Generally, no. DET requires a registered commercial premises (office or warehouse lease) for landscaping businesses. However, some residential zones allow home-based consultancy with restricted on-site client work. Contact DET before committing to premises. Dubai Municipality will also verify that your address complies with zoning regulations before issuing the landscaping permit.
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