With an industrial license in Dubai, businesses have access to top-notch ports, airports, and roads, facilitating smooth global trade and supply chain management.
Industrial licenses in Dubai allow 100% foreign ownership, permitting foreign investors to do business without a local partner across most industrial sectors.
Companies holding a Dubai industrial license enjoy massive tax benefits, including corporate tax exemption for a certain period, increasing profitability.
Dubai industrial license offers a quick and effective setup process, especially while establishing a business in a free zone, making it easier to start.
Compared to other industrial hubs globally, the cost of an industrial license in Dubai is highly competitive, with packages that oftentimes include office space, visa quotas, and utility bills.
The strategic location of Dubai is a crossroads for trade between Europe, Asia, and Africa, and therefore a great place for companies looking to expand worldwide.
A Dubai industrial license provides sufficient support from government-supported initiatives, incentives, and dedicated industrial zones, enabling long-term growth.
An industrial license in Dubai entitles business owners and employees to UAE residency visas, providing them with an enhanced lifestyle advantage, such as healthcare and education.
An industrial license in Dubai is a necessity for companies involved in manufacturing, processing, fabrication, and packaging. Be it the local production of products or export to the rest of the world, getting an industrial license in Dubai, UAE provides access to world-class infrastructure, high-tech logistics, and a pro-industry regulatory environment.
The Dubai industrial license is issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) for companies in the mainland, and free zones have their regulatory authorities such as Dubai Industrial City, JAFZA, and Dubai South which also offer competitive industrial setup options. The license allows companies to carry out light or heavy industrial activities and is thus apt for food manufacturing, building materials, electronics, textiles, etc.
You need to know the cost of an industrial license in Dubai for your investment planning. The total cost varies depending on whether the company is to be established in the mainland or a free zone, the size of the factory or warehouse, the number of visas required, and whether there is a requirement for any external approvals. Notably, the cost of an industrial license in Dubai increases with warehouse rent, approvals, and labor accommodation.
For the license, the most critical is fulfilling the industrial license requirements. These include choosing a suitable activity, reserving a trade name, arranging for storage space, submitting a feasibility study, and obtaining environmental clearances. Free zones may have slightly different but simplified industrial license requirements.
A Dubai industrial license not only promotes local production but also offers a boost for international trade opportunities, with connectivity to sea, air, and road networks. Whether a startup or large manufacturer, obtaining an industrial license in Dubai, UAE is a strategic step towards long-term industrial success in the region.
Timeline: 4 to 8 weeks
Choose Your Business Activity
Choose the industrial activity you will be carrying out, as that will determine the type of industrial license you need. Make sure your activity is among the list of activities available in the mainland or the free zone.
Choose Your Jurisdiction
Choose whether you would like to set up in a mainland or free zone. Both have different benefits, and the Dubai industrial license requirements differ based on your choice. Free zones are less expensive, but the mainland has easy access to the local market.
Book a Trade Name
Reserve your trade name with the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant free zone authority. The name must comply with naming guidelines and obtain approval before proceeding with the application.
Submit the Initial Approval Application
Submit your initial approval application to DED or the free zone authority. This is for the purpose of ensuring that your proposed business activity complies with UAE law and regulations for an industrial license in Dubai.
Lease a Warehouse or Facility
Secure a physical location for your industrial activities. You’ll need a warehouse or manufacturing facility to meet the industrial license requirements. Free zones often offer flexible options such as shared or flexi-desk office spaces.
Prepare and Submit Required Documents
Prepare the necessary documents, you may need to obtain a feasibility study depending on your business activity. All documents must be presented to the authorities for examination.
Obtain External Approvals (if applicable)
There will be additional approvals from government departments in some industries (e.g., environmental permits, health and safety protocols, or local municipality approvals).
Finalize and Pay Fees
After your documents are all approved, remit the appropriate fee for your Dubai industrial license. The price can vary depending on your jurisdiction, location, and extra services.
Obtain the Industrial License
After your application is processed, you will receive your license. You can now lawfully and efficiently start your industrial activities.
Apply for Residence Visas
Where applicable, you can apply for residency visas for staff, partners, and yourself upon receiving your license.
| Document | Mainland | Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Copies of Shareholders | ✅ | ✅ |
| UAE Visa or Emirates ID (if applicable) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Passport-sized Photographs | ✅ | ✅ |
| Business Activity Details | ✅ | ✅ |
| Trade Name Reservation Certificate | ✅ | ✅ |
| Initial Approval from DED/Free Zone | ✅ | ✅ |
| Lease Agreement for Industrial Space (Ejari) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Memorandum of Association (MOA) (if LLC) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Local Service Agent Agreement (for Sole Proprietors) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Feasibility Study/Business Plan | ✅ (for certain activities) | ✅ (for certain activities) |
| External Approvals (if applicable) | ✅ (depends on activity) | ✅ (depends on activity) |
| NOC from Current Sponsor (if applicable) | ✅ | ✅ |
The cost of an industrial license in Dubai varies based on several factors such as the business activity, location (mainland or free zone), size of the industrial facility, number of visas required, and any additional regulatory approvals. On average, the cost of an industrial license in Dubai starts from AED 10,000, but this can fluctuate depending on the specific needs of your business.
Setting up in a free zone is often more affordable, with comprehensive packages that include visa allocations, warehousing options, and tax exemptions. Dubai industrial license fees in free zones are typically bundled, making them an attractive choice for small to medium-sized businesses looking to streamline costs. On the other hand, setting up on the mainland usually comes with added costs, such as a local sponsor fee, office rent, and additional government service charges.
To calculate the precise industrial license in Dubai cost, a detailed breakdown of your setup requirements is necessary, including trade name reservations, approvals from relevant authorities, leasing of industrial space (Ejari), and other operational permits. Consulting with an expert can ensure that your industrial license requirements are met while keeping costs within your business plan and maintaining compliance with UAE regulations.
At RadiantBiz, we provide expert support throughout the application process for an industrial license in Dubai, ensuring a smooth and successful business establishment.
Our experience, industry insights, and commitment to excellence make us your ideal partner in getting your industrial license in Dubai.
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