Starting a Valet Parking and Parking Management Company - License & Approvals

Dubai is a city built on convenience, luxury, and efficiency. From high-end malls and hotels to residential communities and office towers, one thing every property has in common is the need for organized parking. Valet and parking management services are no longer just a premium feature. They are an essential part of day-to-day operations in many venues.

If you are an entrepreneur considering this business, Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer tremendous opportunities. But before you begin, you must understand the license options, setup process, approvals, and the post-formation formalities that make your company fully operational.

At COFTT, we have helped many entrepreneurs set up their businesses in Dubai smoothly and compliantly. From selecting the right license to securing approvals, our team makes the process fast, simple, and reliable.

Why Parking Services Are a Strong Business Opportunity

The UAE continues to see steady growth in real estate, retail, and hospitality. Each new hotel or shopping mall requires efficient valet and parking management. Even residential communities now contract professional operators to keep traffic smooth and safe.

This demand creates strong opportunities for businesses offering both traditional valet services and modern parking management solutions. Clients are looking for companies that combine well-trained staff with the latest technology, such as sensor-based parking guidance, automated ticketing, and surveillance systems.

Types of Licenses Available in Dubai

The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai provides specific activities under which you can register your parking-related business. Here are the key options:

Valet Parking Services (Activity Code 9609023)

Professional license that allows firms to provide valet parking in malls, hotels, and other venues where attendants manage cars for guests.

Parking Management Electronic Systems Installation & Maintenance (Activity Code 4390019)

Professional license for businesses that install and maintain electronic systems to guide cars to empty spaces. This covers ultrasonic sensors, entrance displays, and control boards.

Car Parking Systems & Equipment Trading (Activity Code 4773969)

Commercial license for trading systems and equipment used in traditional and automated car parks. This license also allows installation, repair, and maintenance of the products you deal in.

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Which license you choose depends on whether you want to run valet operations, provide electronic solutions, or trade in equipment. At COFTT, we help you select the most suitable option so your business model and activities stay fully compliant.

Step by Step Process to Start the Business

Step 1: Define your activity

Choose between valet operations, electronic system services, or equipment trading. This choice determines the license type.

Step 2: Choose jurisdiction

Decide whether to register in mainland Dubai for direct access to malls, hotels, and communities, or in a free zone if your focus is limited or technology-based.

Step 3: Reserve your trade name and apply for initial approval

Submit your preferred business name and receive initial approval for your activity.

Step 4: Secure office space

A registered address is required to issue the license. For valet services, a small office may be enough. For equipment trading, you may need a showroom or warehouse.

Step 5: Prepare documents

This includes passport copies, tenancy contract, and Memorandum of Association.

Step 6: Apply for the trade license

Submit documents to DED and collect your official license once approved.

Step 7: External approvals

For valet services, approval from Dubai Municipality and RTA may be required. For electronic systems, Dubai Civil Defence or other authorities may need to review your setup.

Post Business Formation Formalities

Once your trade license is issued, there are a few more important steps to complete before you start operations.

Bank Account Opening

Open a corporate bank account in the UAE to handle all client contracts and payments. Banks may ask for your license, tenancy agreement, and business plan.

Corporate Tax Registration

All companies must register for corporate tax, even if they qualify for zero percent rates in certain cases. This ensures compliance with UAE law.

VAT Registration

If your revenue crosses the AED 375,000 threshold, VAT registration becomes mandatory. This allows you to charge VAT on services and claim input VAT on business expenses.

Registration with MoHRE

Register with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. This enables you to hire employees legally and issue their labor contracts.

Visa Processing

Apply for visas for yourself and your employees under your company sponsorship. The number of visas available depends on your office size and activity.

Office Space Requirements

Every company must have a registered office address in Dubai. The requirement depends on your business activity. A valet parking services company may need only a small office, while a trading company may require warehouse or display space.

Virtual Office Option

In many cases, a license can be obtained with a virtual office address. This gives you a legal business presence without renting a physical office. However, not every activity qualifies for this option. To know whether your business activity allows a virtual office, reach out to COFTT and our consultants will guide you with the latest regulations.

Let COFTT Help You in This Journey

Valet parking and parking management is an attractive business in Dubai, driven by the city’s expanding real estate and hospitality sectors. But to succeed, you must select the right license, complete external approvals, fulfill post-formation requirements, and secure the proper office setup.

At COFTT, we guide you through every step. From helping you select the right license activity to arranging approvals with RTA and Dubai Municipality, from bank account opening to VAT registration, our team ensures that your company is fully compliant and ready for operations. Contact us Today or drop an email to info@coftt.com to book your consultation.