Industrial license in Dubai, UAE

Dubai’s industrial sector plays a major role in the emirate’s rapidly growing and diversified economy. To further strengthen its position as a global platform for knowledge-based, sustainable, and innovation-focused businesses, the government launched the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030. Backed by this strong initiative, the industrial sector offers promising opportunities for entrepreneurs aiming to become part of this dynamic ecosystem. 

An industrial license in Dubai gives entrepreneurs the legal authority to carry out a wide range of manufacturing and industrial activities. These activities include manufacturing, processing, assembling, packaging, and storage, among others. 

This guide provides comprehensive information on the industrial license in Dubai, including how to obtain it, the costs involved, and other essential details.  

What is an industrial license in Dubai? 

An industrial license is a legal permit that allows businesses to carry out manufacturing and industrial-related activities. This license is available in Dubai Mainland, which is issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). It is also offered in selected free zones, including JAFZA, Dubai Industrial City, Dubai South, Dubai Investment Park, and others. 

To obtain an industrial license, you must meet specific requirements, such as having a warehouse or factory, obtaining the necessary environmental clearances, and complying with all relevant Dubai government guidelines. 

What business activities can be conducted under an industrial license Dubai? 

A UAE industrial license covers a wide range of business activities such as: 

• Production or final product 
• Assembly of product 
• Purchase and processing of raw material 
• Importing goods used for manufacturing 
• Segregation, collection and packaging of products 
• Sale services and support 
• Extraction of petroleum and metals 
• Textile manufacturing 
• Food manufacturing 
• Electronic appliances manufacturing 
• Motor vehicle manufacturing 

You can explore many opportunities within the industrial sector of Dubai. These are just a few. To get a better understanding of permitted activities, we recommend you get in touch with our business setup experts in Dubai. 

How to get an industrial license in Dubai? 

To get an industrial license in Dubai, follow these steps: 

Step 1 – Choose your business activity:  

The first step would be selecting the right industrial activity. Remember that the activity you choose must be permitted by the Dubai government and must align with industrial license requirements.  

Step 2 – Decide the legal structure: 

Some of the most common legal structures in the UAE include Limited Liability Company (LLC), joint stock company, sole establishment, and branch of a foreign company, among others. 

Selecting the right legal structure is important, as it impacts your business’s tax liability, operational flexibility, and ownership pattern. 

Step 3 – Register trade name: 

Next step would be selecting trade name for your business. The name should be registered with the regulatory authority and must comply with Dubai’s naming rules. The name should not be offensive, should not be previously taken, and must reflect the activity of your business. 

Step 4 – Get the initial approval: 

Obtaining the initial approval is like asking the government, “Can I do business in Dubai?”, and you’ll receive a yes or no answer from the relevant authority. 

To begin, you will need to submit your initial business plan along with other documents to the authority concerned. They will review your proposal, and if they are satisfied with it, they will issue you a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and then you can proceed with the licensing process. 

Step 5 – Arrange office space: 

For an industrial license in Dubai, having a physical office and warehouse space is mandatory. The type and size of the facility will depend on the scale and nature of your industrial operations. 

Once you have rented or leased the space, make sure to register your lease agreement with Ejari, the official government portal for tenancy contract registration in Dubai. Remember, your warehouse, factory, or workshop must be located in permitted industrial areas or parks only, not in shops or residential areas. 

Step 6 – Get the external approvals:  

For some industrial activities, you may need to get additional approvals from specific government bodies such as Dubai Municipality, Ministry of Health, etc. It depends on the type of industrial activity your business will conduct. For example, for producing pharmaceuticals, a Dubai Healthcare Permit is required. 

Generally, these permits are required for industrial business: 

• Land department approval for plot to be used for industrial purposes. 
• Environmental clearance from Dubai Municipality, for manufacturing facilities. 

Our experts at Dubiz can help you secure all the necessary approvals. 

Step 7 – Apply for the industrial license: 

Finally, once you have secured the necessary permits, you can go ahead with the UAE industrial license application. Apply with the DET in case of mainland industrial license. For freezones, reach out to the respective freezone authority.  

Your application will be reviewed and if your documentation and approvals are as per requirements, your industrial license will be also approved. 

Step 8 – Obtain the necessary visas: 

Once you get your industrial license, you can apply for UAE residency visas for yourself and your employees. The total number of visas you can apply for, which is the UAE visa quota, will depend on your office size and other conditions.  As part of visa application, you will need to go through medical examinations and emirates ID registration also. 

Step 9 – Set up business bank account: 

A corporate bank account in UAE lets you handle your business’s financials and transactions. You can manage your payments, use it for investment, access bank credit and other financial services through bank account. 

Benefits of ob taining industrial license UAE 

Here are the advantages of getting an industrial license in Dubai: 

• Legal compliance: To run an industrial business in Dubai legally, you need an appropriate license. Having this license protects your business from legal problems and shows that your business is law-compliant. 
• Top infrastructure: Dubai offers modern and top-notch facilities, warehouses, roads, and logistics that facilitate smooth operations. 
• Tax advantages: There is 0% personal income tax and corporate tax exemptions that you can enjoy on qualifying income. 
• 100% ownership: You can start a business, and it remains completely yours, especially in free zones. No need for local partners. 
• Incentive support: Government incentives, subsidies, and support programs encourage industrial businesses and help them grow. 
• Skilled workers: You get access to various kinds of talent in Dubai, which is a pool of skilled professionals across all levels. 
• Wide market access: Dubai is strategically located, giving you easy access to global markets while also catering to the local market. 
• Custom exemptions: You can benefit from customs duty exemptions on importing raw materials and equipment needed for many industrial activities. 

Documents required for industrial license 

The following documents are needed for industrial license application in Dubai: 

• Copy of valid passport 
• Business plan 
• Partnership contract (if applicable) 
• Initial approval 
• External permits, as needed 
• Bank reference 
• Additional documents as may be asked 

There may be additional documents asked for by the authority. Let our experts guide you through the paperwork as well as approvals.

Cost of an industrial license Dubai 

Dubai industrial license cost starts at around AED 13,500*. Factors such as business type, legal structure, and jurisdiction may impact the cost of industrial business setup in Dubai. 

If you need a detailed cost breakdown of mainland and freezone business setup, you can contact our experts at Dubiz Business Setup. 

Conclusion 

Getting an industrial license in UAE is a smart choice if you wish to manufacture products or start a factory. Dubai’s industrial market is strong and diverse, and you can achieve great success by becoming a part of it. 

By following the steps mentioned in this guide, you can start your business smoothly. Remember, choosing the right business location and securing the right approvals and permits will be key to the process. Seeking guidance from industrial license experts in Dubai can streamline the journey for you. 

Get your industrial license with Dubiz 

Dubiz Business Setup can help you save your valuable time and resources by being your trusted business setup advisor. We have helped more than 7,000 entrepreneurs launch their businesses in Dubai, and we would be pleased to help you next. 

We will first discuss your specific needs and requirements, and then curate business setup solutions that are perfectly suited for you. We will help you with: 

• End to end business setup in Dubai 
• UAE trade license and renewals 
• Visa and immigration 
• Business bank account 
• Tax and accounting 
• PRO and documentation 

Contact us today: 

📞 Call: ‪+971 56 369 5485       

💬 WhatsApp: ‪+971563695485       

📧 Email: info@dubiz.co  

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