The Emirate of Dubai’s rapid economic growth and diverse opportunities has led to the rise in the number of expats and working professionals across various sectors. With the rise in working parents and dual-income households, the need for trusted childcare options has grown. It has led to the demand for high-quality nurseries and early learning centres in Dubai for parents struggling to balance work and childcare.
Today, starting a nursery in Dubai is one of the most promising business opportunities in the Emirate. Obtaining a nursery license in Dubai not only allows entrepreneurs to contribute towards early childhood development but also lets you be a part of a thriving and socially impactful sector.
Why Start a Nursery in Dubai?
Whether you want to establish a playschool or a full-fledged early learning centre in Dubai, the business landscape offers numerous opportunities supported by government initiatives and easy regulations. Due to such streamlined regulations, entrepreneurs are attracted to secure a nursery license in Dubai for such ventures.
Let us see why so many entrepreneurs want to be a part of this sector:
- The growing number of working parents and expats in Dubai has created a constant demand for quality childcare and early education services.
- The UAE government actively promotes education-focused ventures, making nursery establishment a favorable business setup in UAE
- Consistent enrollment throughout the year offers steady revenue and helps in long-term growth prospects.
- The government policies encourage modern teaching methods, online courses and facilities, helping you create a top-tier early learning environment.
- Allows entrepreneurs to contribute to early childhood development while supporting families in balancing work and parenting.
General Rules for Availing a Nursery License in Dubai
If you are an entrepreneur who wants to initiate a step towards business incorporation in Dubai in this domain, then you have come to the right place. Here are the fundamental rules you must adhere to before applying for a nursery license in Dubai:
- The owner or license holder should be a UAE national.
- A ‘Police Clearance Certificate’ needs to be obtained.
- In case the region turns out to be a free zone, the partner must be a UAE national.
- The establishment should be either on the ground floor or the first floor.
- Three name options need to be submitted to the Ministry of Social Affairs with an Arabic translation.
- The lease agreement must be drafted only after getting approval from the Ministry of Social Affairs.
If you are exploring how to start a nursery in Dubai, you have to navigate through specific guidelines to ensure compliance with local authorities. With the help of expert business setup consultants in Dubai such as Commitbiz, the process can be quick and hassle-free.
Cost of Setting Up a Nursery or an Early Learning Centre in Dubai
When planning on how to open a nursery in Dubai, you should be aware of the government fees and operational costs involved. Below is an overview of approximate expenses for securing a nursery license in Dubai:
Description | Cost (AED)* |
Professional License Fees | 600.00 |
Government Cultural Fees | 20.00 |
Administrative Fees | 50.00 |
Non-trade Arabic Names (Emirates, Gulf, International, Abbreviation) | 2000.00 |
Name Board Permission Fees | 350.00 |
Market Fees (5 percent of Building Rent)-depends on the tenancy amount | 5500.00 |
Public Waste Service Fees | 2000.00 |
Knowledge Fees (Municipality) | 20.00 |
Service Improvement Fees (Professional) | 80.00 |
Local Fees (Professional License) | 100.00 |
Civil Defence Fees | 500.00 |
Total Cost | 11,220 |
*The costs mentioned above are subject to change and need to be incurred at the initial setup stage for setting up a nursery. Kindly connect with Commitbiz experts for more information.
In addition to the nursery license in Dubai, you will also incur costs when hiring nursery staff:
Description | Cost (AED)* |
Immigration Establishment Card This card must be prepared and submitted to the Immigration Office, which will be issued within 10 minutes. | 863.00 |
Labour Establishment Card This card should be typed at the Tas’heel Centre and submitted to the Labour Office. | 2300.00 |
License Renewal Fees | 5000.00 |
*The costs mentioned above are subject to change with change in fee structure by the relevant immigration and labour offices. Kindly connect with Commitbiz experts for more information.
Documents Required for a Nursery License in Dubai
When considering how to open a nursery in Dubai, you must ensure proper documentation for a smooth licensing process. To obtain a nursery license, you need to prepare and submit the following documents:
- Passport copy of the entrepreneur
- Owner’s educational certificates
- Copy of family book
- Copy of academic plan
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Passport size photo of the entrepreneur
- Appointment letter of the UAE local national as a manager
- Location and drawing of the nursery with proposed building address
How to Start a Nursery in Dubai?
You can choose to start a nursery business either in the Dubai free zones or the mainland, depending on the business needs and goals. To get the institution added to the ‘List of nurseries in Dubai’ and secure the nursery license in Dubai, you need to follow a structured process as below:
Step 1: Obtain Approval from Ministry of Education (MOE)
In the first step, it becomes essential for the owner to take approval from the Ministry of Education. For this you need to:
- Complete and submit the application form that includes the owner’s personal information and the project details.
- Set up a meeting with the representative of the MOE.
- Submit a copy of the academic plan to the MOE.
- Make changes if required and get approval from the education department.
- Approvals regarding the building need to be obtained as part of safety measures.
Step 2: Obtain Approval from Civil Defence and Municipality
Once you have the MOE’s preliminary approval, you need to take the below-mentioned steps:
- Submit the required documents to the Municipality and Civil Defence.
- A representative of MOE will visit the site to provide final approval regarding the building check.
- Submit another application to the proposed manager stating his/her details.
- Once filed, obtain an endorsement from the MOE regarding the manager’s interview.
Note: Any location that refers to an Industrial Area or Labour Housing is not allowed.
Step 3: Obtain a License from Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED)
The final stage involves securing the nursery license. Here the following tasks which needs to be done:
- Apply and obtain an Economic Department License.
- Apply for work-permit for self.
- Feed in information into the system regarding the nursery staff.
- Seek approvals for advertisements.
Why Commitbiz for Obtaining Nursery License in Dubai?
Whether you are an educator, investor, or entrepreneur, we can guide you on how to start a nursery in Dubai which meets all government standards and educational guidelines. From preparing documentation to securing the nursery license in Dubai, our experts handle the entire process efficiently.
We also provide other services such as accounting and bookkeeping in UAE, audit services in UAE, visa services in UAE, to name a few. Get in touch with us today to explore your options, understand licensing requirements, and establish the nursery in Dubai.
Are there location restrictions for nurseries in Dubai?
Yes, nurseries cannot be set up in industrial areas or labour housing zones. The facility should ideally be on the ground or first floor of a suitable building.
What are the staffing requirements for a nursery in Dubai?
Nurseries must appoint a qualified UAE national as a manager, and all teaching and caregiving staff should meet the Ministry of Education’s qualification criteria.
Can expatriates be involved in the management of a nursery?
Yes, expatriates can manage or operate a nursery in partnership with a UAE national, ensuring compliance with the regulations.
Where can I find a comprehensive List of Nurseries in Dubai?
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai maintains an official list of nurseries in Dubai, which includes licensed nurseries and early learning centres across the city.
Do I need insurance for my nursery in Dubai?
Yes, all nurseries and early learning centres in Dubai must have liability and staff insurance to meet government regulations and ensure child safety.
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