The corporate sector in the United Arab Emirates is experiencing rapid growth. With the expanding business landscape, obtaining a license is essential for starting a new venture. One of the essential licenses is the Industrial License in Dubai. It is available across various industries, including manufacturing, import/export, housekeeping, and freelancing.
An industrial license in the UAE is granted to businesses that convert raw or semi-manufactured materials into finished products. This transformation can be done manually or mechanically. Everyday activities under this license include production, segregation, accumulation, and packaging.
The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) generally issues the license, but approvals from the Dubai Municipality and other relevant authorities may also be required.
An Industrial License in Dubai is a legal requirement for businesses involved in manufacturing or industrial activities. Issued by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), this license allows companies to produce, assemble, and process goods using raw materials. It’s essential for food production, textile manufacturing, chemical processing, and machinery assembly.
To obtain the license, businesses must meet specific criteria, including securing a physical warehouse or factory, obtaining environmental clearances, and adhering to Dubai’s industrial regulations. This license enables businesses to operate legally and exploit the city’s robust industrial infrastructure.
Businesses engaged in manufacturing must secure an Industrial License. This license applies to a wide range of sectors, including:
An Industrial License in UAE offers several benefits for businesses involved in manufacturing or industrial activities. Here are some key advantages:
Before applying for an Industrial License in UAE, ensure you’ve met the following requirements:
To obtain an industrial license in Dubai, the following documents are essential:
Dubai is a global industrial hub with plenty of opportunities in manufacturing and production. To operate legally, businesses must obtain an industrial license from the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to getting through the process of obtaining an industrial license in Dubai.
The first step is identifying the industrial activity your business will engage in. The activity must align with Dubai’s specific industrial regulations, whether manufacturing, processing, or assembling goods.
Make sure your chosen activity is on the list of permitted industrial activities in Dubai to avoid any legal issues later.
Choosing the correct legal structure is essential as it impacts your business’s liability, ownership, and regulatory obligations. The most common options are:
Choosing a trading name for your business is an important step. Make sure that the company name reflects the nature of your industrial activities and complies with DED’s naming guidelines.
Avoiding offensive language, abbreviations, and references to religious entities. Once the name is approved, it is reserved for your business.
Once your business name is secured, apply for an Initial Approval Certificate from the DED. This certificate confirms that the UAE government has no objections to your business setting up in Dubai and proceeding with the next steps.
Apply for an industrial license from DED or the relevant free zone authority and provide all the necessary documents as requested. Pay the required license fees.
For an industrial license, businesses must have office and warehouse space. The facility size should align with the scope of your industrial operations.
Make sure the warehouse meets the zoning regulations specific to industrial businesses in Dubai, such as fire safety, ventilation, and structural requirements. Having a physical location is critical for license approval.
Some industrial activities require additional approvals from other governmental bodies and ministries. Depending on your sector, you may need to obtain approvals from:
Each external approval is critical to ensure your business adheres to Dubai’s standards and regulations.
Once you have gathered all necessary approvals, submit your application and documents to the DED. After a thorough review, the DED will issue your Industrial Trade License, allowing you to commence operations. This license is renewable annually, and you must ensure all compliance measures are met for renewals.
With the license issued, you can apply for residency visas for your employees and investors. The number of visas you can obtain depends on your business size and office space. Visa applications typically require medical exams, proof of employment, and other documentation.
Opening a corporate bank account in Dubai is crucial for managing your business finances. A local corporate account will help you seamlessly manage salaries, pay suppliers, and conduct other financial transactions.
By following this guide, businesses can efficiently acquire an Industrial License in Dubai, setting the stage for growth in one of the world’s most dynamic industrial hubs.
If you apply for your industrial license on the mainland, it will determine the cost. In addition to the cost of the trade license, you can factor in the cost of additional permits and registrations, as well as the cost of leasing space. The overall cost estimate is around AED 25,000 for an industrial license in Dubai.
Shuraa Business Setup makes getting an industrial license in Dubai easy for new businesses. Our team knows the local rules and what paperwork is needed, so we help you fill everything out correctly and on time. We guide you through each step, from choosing the suitable business activity to getting all necessary approvals, which removes much of the stress.
Shuraa also shares valuable information about the business scene in Dubai, helping you find good opportunities and make intelligent choices. With our support, you can avoid common mistakes and focus on growing your business.
