How to Open a Massage Shop in Dubai
Massage and wellness services are regulated. Establishment licensing, premises approvals, and staff qualification controls must align with the licensed activity classification and the competent authorities’ requirements, including inspection standards and operating conditions.
Who is it for / Suitable for
Wellness operators establishing a compliant massage / spa service business.
Hospitality groups adding wellness services under approved licensing scope.
Investors seeking formal approvals to mitigate enforcement and reputational risk.
Operators requiring structured staff credentialing and inspection readiness.
Key Requirements
Trade license with the correct wellness/massage activity classification and permitted scope.
Premises suitability and approvals, including layout and operational controls as required.
Staff qualification and licensing/permits where applicable, with documentation retained on file.
Compliance with inspection standards and operating conditions (including any restrictions tied to the activity).
Clients need to provide the following information / documents
Document Name
Notarized
Passport copies (shareholders/manager)
Identity verification for licensing file.
No
Trade license application / activity selection
Correct massage/wellness activity; scope must match operations.
No
Premises lease / EJARI
Evidence of compliant premises; may be required for approvals/inspections.
No
Staff qualification certificates
Therapist credentials; legalization/notarization may be required depending on origin and role.
Yes
Police clearance / background documents (where required)
May be requested for owners/manager/staff depending on approval pathway.
No
Average Processing Time
Typically 25–40 business days, subject to premises approvals, staff credential verification, and inspection/clearance timelines.
What you would get when the application is complete
Trade License (massage / wellness activity)
Operational approval / permit confirmation (authority-dependent)
Staff permits/registrations (where applicable)
On-going Compliance Requirements
After completion, businesses must maintain ongoing compliance:
Maintain staff credential files and renew any professional permits as required.
Comply with operating conditions and periodic inspections; address corrective actions promptly.
Renew trade license and any operational approvals on time.
Report material changes (ownership, management, premises layout, activity scope) to the competent authority when required.
Government Agencies Involved
Government agencies involved / overseeing this application:
Dubai Municipality
Premises oversight and inspections depending on activity classification.
Department of Economy & Tourism (DET)
Trade license issuance and activity scope (mainland) where applicable.
Dubai Police (where applicable)
Clearances and related compliance requirements in certain cases.
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