Industrial License UAE: How to Get an Industrial License in Dubai 

Industrial License UAE: How to Get an Industrial License in Dubai 

Investors and entrepreneurs from around the world are setting up the business operations in Dubai. To launch a production or manufacturing unit there, businesses need an industrial license. It authorises legal operations, including manufacturing, processing, and packaging goods across the UAE. 

Dubai’s industrial growth is booming, targeting AED 300 billion in GDP contribution by 2031. In this blog we have covered steps, costs, and requirements to get an industrial license in Dubai. 

What is an industrial license in Dubai, UAE? 

An industrial license in UAE or a manufacturing license is a mandatory legal permit issued to businesses which are engaged in production or manufacturing processes. It allows businesses to import and process raw materials, assembling products, and packaging for domestic or the international markets.  

Beyond compliance, it offers government recognition, protection, and benefits like reduced-cost industrial land plus utilities such as electricity and water. 

The UAE government has kept industrial development at the core of its growth plans to diversify the economy. 

What are the benefits of industrial license in Dubai? 

Key benefits of getting the industrial license in Dubai includes: 

  • Legal & Operational Compliance: Gives legal permit to manufacture and process goods, avoiding any kind of fines or penalties. 
  • Tax advantages:  No personal income tax and 0-9% corporate tax, as well as exemptions on import duties for machinery and raw materials. 
  • Government support & incentives: Affordable land subsidies and funding for R&D. 
  • Streamlined Processes: Makes the setup and operations easier. 
  • Competitive trade: Low Import/Export duties help to compete businesses globally. 

What are the activities covered under an industrial license? 

Industrial license in Dubai covers numerous activities in the diverse sectors like food & beverage, textiles, chemicals, machinery, metals, paper, petroleum, and pharmaceuticals, allowing production, R&D, and trade of manufactured products. 

The list of activities covered under industrial license includes:  

Manufacturing and Production Converting raw materials into finished goods.  
Packaging Packaging products for market. 
Processing Food processing, paper processing, casting metals, pharmaceutical packaging, textile & garments.  
Assembly Assembling of components to make the final product from parts.  
Research & Development (R&D) Researching and developing new manufacturing processes or products. 
Waste management Treatment and recycling of waste.  

What are the documents required to get an industrial license? 

Before starting the process to get an industrial license Dubai certain documents are required to get the approval. Documents required for approval are: 

  • Copy of passport and resident visa of foreign owners 
  • Initial approval certificate from Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or a Free Zone authority  
  • The Memorandum of Association is the company’s external constitution (name, objectives, capital, shareholders) and Article of Association is the internal rulebook (governance, direct roles, meetings, voting). 
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from local or sponsors if required 
  • Ejari registration certificate 
  • Business plan that outlines the operational plan for the factory operations 
  • Board resolution  
  • Lease agreement or tenancy contact 
  • Approval letters from Dubai Municipality, Civil Defence, or Environment Department, depending on the activity 
  • Shareholder certificates, if required 

What are the steps to get an industrial license in UAE? 

The steps to get an industrial license Dubai are mentioned below: 

1. Define business & structure 

Start by defining the business structure in detail. Be specific about the process and the product that you’ll make. 

  • For online process: Go to the official site of United Arab Emirates Ministry of Industry & Advance Technology 
  • For offline process: Visit the offline office/ centre. 

2. Choose your business jurisdiction 

Decide between Mainland and Free Zone. It is an important decision an impact the business significantly. 

Issuing authority: 

  • Mainland: Department of Economic Development (DED/DET) 
  • Free Zone: The specific Free Zone Authority 

3. Register company name and structure  

Register the company name, The company name should be unique and comply with the UAE’s naming conventions. It should be culturally appropriate for the UAE market. 

4. Obtain initial approval 

Submit your initial application with the required business information, proposed activities, and the reserved trade name. This approval confirms that your business concept is acceptable.  

5. Secure premises & approvals 

Companies in Dubai requires to have a registered address within the emirate. This includes traditional offices, co-working spaces, depending on your business needs. 

Note: Virtual offices aren’t allowed for an industrial license. 

6. Submit documents and final application 

After completing all the above steps, compile the documents and submit your complete application and applicable fess. 

  • Online Submission: Submit application via Dubai’s official e-service portal for convenience. 
  • Offline Submission: Visit the offline centre with all the required documents and fees. 

What is the timeline to get an industrial license in Dubai? 

The timeline to get the license ranges from 7 to 15 days for Free Zone setups, and 2 to 4 weeks for Mainland setup. 

What is the cost to obtain an industrial license? 

The Industrial license Dubai cost is dependent on various factors – Whether you choose mainland or Free Zone setup, Business type, facility needs. 

The approximate cost starts from AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 potentially rising to AED 35,000 to AED 50,000+ for complex setups. 

What are the requirements for renewal of industrial license Dubai? 

The industrial license Dubai requires annual renewal to maintain legal compliance. The initial license is usually valid for 1 year. There is also a grace period of 30 days after the official expiry date, to renew without immediate heavy fines. 

Renewal requirements for industrial license in Dubai are: 

  • Original copy of current license 
  • A valid tenancy agreement/ office space lease copy 
  • Relevant authority approval 
  • Employee accommodation details for companies with foreign shareholders 

Conclusion 

Obtaining an industrial license Dubai will ensure hassle free operations of the company and will benefit in various ways. The process includes multiple approvals, detailed paperwork and strategic choices, this is where right support can make the difference.  

Guided execution from Stratrich Consulting can make the entire journey more efficient and secure. Connect with our UAE experts to start your business journey in the world’s most dynamic commercial hubs. 

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