To start a manufacturing or production company in Dubai you must have an industrial licence. Unlike a trading or professional licence, an industrial licence is specifically designed for industrial and manufacturing business activities. Holding the correct industrial licence is essential for your business to operate within the law; being efficient in operations; as well as having access to modern industrial products and infrastructure available from Dubai.
This guide provides useful information about obtaining an Industrial Licence for your business in Dubai including; eligible types of businesses; approvals and requirements to apply; types and costs of different types of industrial licences available; types of facilities you may require and compliance obligations.
What Is an Industrial License in Dubai?
An industrial license in Dubai is a legal permit which businesses use to conduct their industrial operations which include manufacturing and processing and assembling products. The license functions as a part of business licenses yet it specifically serves industrial business operations.
The license is issued by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for businesses established in mainland areas while specific free zone authorities grant licenses to companies that operate in designated industrial free zones.
Holding an industrial license allows businesses to:
- Manufacture and process goods legally
- Sell or export products within Dubai, the UAE, or internationally
- Access government-supported industrial zones and incentives
Businesses That Need an Industrial License
Businesses that require an industrial license in Dubai typically include:
- Manufacturing units producing consumer goods
- Food processing and packaging companies
- Chemical or pharmaceutical production companies
- Machinery or equipment assembly operations
- Electronics and hardware manufacturers
All assembly shops and light manufacturing workshops need specific industrial licenses for their operations. The correct type selection guarantees compliance with regulations while preventing any potential regulatory problems.
Requirements for Industrial License Approval
Approval for an industrial license in Dubai involves meeting certain criteria set by regulatory authorities. Requirements include:
- Approval of Business Activity: The industrial or manufacturing activity requires specific permission to operate. Certain products require additional permissions from health organizations and environmental bodies and safety authorities.
- Shareholder and Corporate Documentation: The organization requires copies of passports and Emirates ids and the Memorandum of Association (MOA) together with other corporate documentation.
- Trade Name Reservation: The company name must comply with UAE naming regulations and show that the company conducts its business activities in the permitted industrial sector.
- Approval of Facility: Facility Approval consists of an inspection by the competent authorities to assess the facility’s adhesion to criteria as specified by regulatory guidelines.
Accurate documentation and compliance with these requirements are essential for obtaining an industrial license in Dubai efficiently.
Cost of Industrial License in Dubai
The cost of an industrial license in Dubai varies depending on:
- Business activity type
- Jurisdiction (mainland or free zone)
- Size and scale of manufacturing operations
- Number of employees and visas
Mainland Industrial License Cost
A mainland industrial license in Dubai typically ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 40,000+. This includes license issuance, approvals, and trade name registration.
Free Zone Industrial License Cost
Specialized industrial free zones may offer licenses starting from AED 10,000 to AED 25,000, often bundled with office or warehouse facilities.
Warehouse & Facility Requirements
A company with an industrial license in Dubai must maintain compliance with the regulations that apply to its warehouse or manufacturing establishment. The following are the requirements:
- Adequate area for both manufacture and store of raw materials.
- Comply with health, safety and fire regulations
- Have proper systems for waste disposal and process control
- Depending on your type of operation, some facilities will require inspection and approval from government agencies.
When you select the correct facility to operate in, you get greater chances of smooth approval and less risk to your operations. When establishing a new facility, most industrial free zones will supply warehouses and production areas with already pre-approved licenses, allowing for the rapid establishment of these types of operations.
Compliance & Renewals
Like many other types of businesses, industrial licenses in Dubai must be renewed every year. In addition to maintaining a valid license and any applicable approvals, all businesses with an industrial license are required to:
- Keep accurate records of all production and industrial operations.
- Comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Obtain and renew any external permits that are needed for certain products.
Failure to meet these obligations could result in financial penalties, temporary suspension, or revocation of your industrial license.
Docman Industrial License Services
Docman specializes in providing end-to-end services for obtaining an industrial license in Dubai.
- Comprehensive Setup Support : From activity selection to document preparation, Docman handles all steps to secure your industrial license efficiently.
- Faster Approvals : With expert guidance, Docman ensures faster approvals with mainland authorities and industrial free zones.
- Transparent Costs : Docman provides a clear breakdown of costs, including license fees, facility approvals, and regulatory charges.
- Ongoing Compliance Support : Post-issuance, Docman assists with renewals, compliance monitoring, and amendments to keep your industrial operations fully legal and efficient.
