Industrial License in Dubai, UAE
Looking to manufacture, process, or assemble goods in Dubai? An industrial license from DED is essential to operate legally in designated industrial zones. With the right license, you can sponsor employees, ensure full regulatory compliance, and expand your business across UAE and international markets.
What is an Industrial License?
An industrial license is a special permit that businesses in Dubai need if they plan to manufacture, assemble, process, or package goods. It is issued by the Dubai Department of Economic Development and is different from commercial or professional licenses because it is designed specifically for factories. Any company that transforms raw materials into finished products must have this license to operate legally.
There are three types of industrial licenses based on the size and nature of the business. Light industrial licenses are for small workshops under 2,000 square feet, medium licenses are for factories bigger than 2,000 square feet, and heavy industrial licenses are for large plants that may handle hazardous or high-risk operations. Companies in UAE free zones can also enjoy 100% foreign ownership, and the license is valid for one year. It also allows businesses to sponsor employees and apply for family visas, making it easier for workers to live and work in the UAE.
This license is ideal for manufacturers, textile and food producers, metal and chemical industries, machinery assemblers, and companies that make electronics or furniture. With an industrial license, businesses can operate across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other UAE industrial zones. It ensures they follow the rules, stay legally protected, and grow smoothly within the country's fast-developing industrial sector.
Benefits of Industrial License in Dubai
100% Foreign Ownership
Free zone companies retain full ownership. Mainland requires local sponsor but grants direct market access.
Manufacturing Authority
Operate legally to produce, process, assemble, and package goods across all emirates.
Industrial Zone Access
Set up in Dubai Industrial City, JAFZA, Dubai South with top-tier infrastructure.
Tax Benefits & Exemptions
Corporate tax exemption under AED 375,000; free zones offer zero duties and incentives.
Export & Trading Opportunities
Eligible for GCC and international export; 100% duty exemption on raw materials in free zones.
Government Contracts & Tenders
Participate in government manufacturing procurement, supply contracts, and industrial tenders.
Requirements for Industrial License
- Valid industrial activity from DED approved manufacturing, processing, or assembly operations list with feasibility study
- Choose company structure: sole proprietorship, LLC, one-person company, or civil company based on scale
- Reserve unique business trade name via DED portal complying with UAE industrial naming regulations
- Provide passport copies, visa pages, and Emirates ID for all owners, shareholders, and management personnel
- Secure designated industrial zone location; lease factory, warehouse, or workshop; register with Ejari
- Obtain DED initial approval confirming business activity acceptance and preliminary regulatory compliance
- Prepare comprehensive business plan with financial projections, technical documentation, and equipment specifications
- Prepare detailed factory blueprints, manufacturing process documentation, and quality control procedures
- Collect external approvals: NOC from Dubai Municipality, DEWA, Civil Defense, and environmental authorities
- Submit complete industrial license application with all technical files, approvals, and supporting documentation
Documents Required for Industrial License
| Personal Documents | Business Documents | Technical & Approvals | Facility & Regulatory |
|---|---|---|---|
Passport copies (all owners) | Trade name reservation | Factory blueprints & plans | Tenancy contract original |
UAE visa & Emirates ID copies | Memorandum of Association | Feasibility study & analysis | Ejari registration certificate |
Recent passport-size photos | Initial approval certificate | Equipment & machinery list | DED initial approval |
Birth certificates (if applicable) | Business plan & model | Technical specifications | Building permit approval |
Specialized Requirements by Industrial Category
01.Food Manufacturing
Food safety certificate required from Dubai Municipality. HACCP needed for perishables. Strict hygiene, refrigeration, and waste rules. Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority approval if operating across emirates.
02.Textile & Garment Manufacturing
GSO quality standards required. Labor compliance for factories. Machinery safety checks mandatory. Products must follow consumer protection rules and labeling regulations.
03.Metal & Chemical Processing
Environmental permit from MEAP. Chemical safety data sheets required. Hazardous storage licensing mandatory. Insurance needed for chemical handling and environmental risks.
04.Food & Meat Processing
Dubai Municipality food license required. Veterinary inspection for meat units. Wastewater compliance essential. Cold chain certification needed for perishable handling.
05.Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
DHA approval for production sites. GMP and quality control certification needed. Environmental health and safety rules apply. Dubai Medicine licensing required for products.
06.Heavy Manufacturing & Recycling
Environmental impact assessment required. Industrial waste plan approval. Air and noise compliance needed. Regular environmental audits mandatory for operations.
07.Electronics & Electrical Assembly
Electrical safety certification required. EMC testing needed for devices. E-waste disposal plan required. Products must meet international safety standards.
08.Plastic & Polymer Manufacturing
Environmental permit for emissions and waste. Polymer safety certifications required. Workplace safety compliance essential. Proper waste recycling and disposal mandated.
Industrial License Renewal Process
Step 1: Prepare
Review current facility compliance, update factory documentation, confirm operational status with MOIAT registration.
Step 2: Submit
Upload renewal application via DED portal 4-6 weeks before license expiry. Provide compliance certifications and updated technical files.
Step 3: Verify
MOIAT verifies facility compliance, may conduct inspection, within 3-5 working days. Request updated certifications if needed.
Step 4: Pay Fees
Upon approval, pay annual renewal fees (AED 8,000–15,000) including regulatory and administrative charges.
Step 5: Download
Receive renewed industrial license valid for one more year. Continue manufacturing and production operations legally.
Is an Industrial License in Dubai Costly?
Industrial license costs in Dubai start from AED 20,000 for light manufacturing, making entry affordable for small producers. Total first-year investment (AED 20,000–50,000) includes government fees (AED 8,000–15,000), facility lease, equipment, and compliance approvals—still competitive against major global manufacturing hubs.
Rizmona helps optimize costs through strategic planning—choosing the right industrial zone, streamlining documentation, coordinating multi-authority approvals, and identifying tax incentives and free-zone benefits. We provide full cost clarity, prevent unnecessary spending, and ensure clients stay within budget by avoiding common compliance errors.
Dubai Industrial License Cost Calculator
Get a comprehensive cost breakdown for your industrial license setup in Dubai.
Industrial License in Dubai
Rizmona sets up industrial licenses for manufacturers, processing plants, and assembly facilities across Dubai and UAE free zones. We simplify approvals, facility setup, and regulatory compliance for your manufacturing business. Our expert consultants handle activity selection, technical documentation, facility coordination, and multi-authority approvals efficiently and accurately. We provide trusted, timely guidance on industrial regulations. Our licensed professionals have expertise across all manufacturing sectors and license categories, ensuring your business starts and grows smoothly.
Industrial License in Dubai
Rizmona sets up industrial licenses for manufacturers, processing plants, and assembly facilities across Dubai and UAE free zones. We simplify approvals, facility setup, and regulatory compliance for your manufacturing business. Our expert consultants handle activity selection, technical documentation, facility coordination, and multi-authority approvals efficiently and accurately. We provide trusted, timely guidance on industrial regulations. Our licensed professionals have expertise across all manufacturing sectors and license categories, ensuring your business starts and grows smoothly.
Get Your Industrial License Fast
Expert guidance for rapid 5-10 day approval. Complete support from zone selection to operations.