Omar H.
Startup Founder
“From licence selection to banking support, Takween gave us a clear path and helped us avoid delays we would have hit on our own.”
Industrial License in Dubai – Manufacturing, Production & Factory Setup
An industrial license in Dubai is legally required for any business involved in manufacturing, production, processing, fabrication, or assembly activities in the UAE. Whether you are setting up on the mainland under Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or in a designated free zone such as Dubai Industrial City, JAFZA, or RAKEZ - a Dubai industrial license gives you the legal authority to produce, assemble, package, and distribute goods commercially.
At Takween Advisory, we manage the complete industrial license process in Dubai - from activity classification and government approvals to factory setup, visa processing, and corporate bank account opening.
500+ Industrial Licenses Successfully Processed
10+ Years Navigating UAE Licensing Rules
Industrial License Support Across 30+ UAE Jurisdictions
Compliance-Focused Licensing Support
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What industrial activity will your license cover?
An industrial license in Dubai covers a range of manufacturing and production activities.
Types of Industrial License in Dubai
Mainland Industrial License
Issued by DET for manufacturing, fabrication, and processing in Dubai's industrial zones - Al Quoz, Al Qusais, and Ras Al Khor. Civil Defence and EHS approvals required depending on production activity.
Free Zone Industrial License
Ideal for export-focused manufacturing with 100% foreign ownership and zero import/export duties. Key zones include Dubai Industrial City (DIC), JAFZA, RAKEZ, and Dubai South - with dedicated factory units and warehousing.
Light, Medium & Heavy Industrial License
Activities classified by scale and environmental impact - light (food processing, electronics assembly), medium (metal fabrication, plastics), and heavy (chemical manufacturing, steel production) requiring MOIAT approval.
How to Get an Industrial License in Dubai - Step-by-Step
Step 1: Activity Classification & Consultation
Classify your activity - light, medium, or heavy industrial - and select the right license type, mainland or free zone.
Step 2: Trade Name & Initial Approvals
Reserve your trade name and obtain clearances from DET, Dubai Industrial City, JAFZA, RAKEZ, or Dubai South.
Step 3: Facility & Documentation
Secure an approved factory or warehouse. Prepare Ejari lease, floor layout, and Civil Defence and EHS compliance documents.
Step 4: Submit Application & Obtain License
Submit with all approvals - Dubai Municipality, EHS, MOIAT where applicable. UAE industrial license issued within 2–4 weeks.
Step 5: Post-License Support
We handle visa processing, VAT registration, bank account opening, and annual Dubai industrial license renewal.
TESTIMONIALS
What Clients Say About Takween Advisory
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Reviews5.0 rating based on Google reviews
Mariam A.
SME Owner
“Their team made the compliance side simple. We always knew what was next, what was required, and how to stay on schedule.”
James T.
Consultancy Director
“Takween handled our setup with speed and precision. The communication was consistent, and every step felt organized and well managed.”
Leila R.
International Investor
“What stood out was the practical guidance. They did not just explain options, they recommended the structure that actually fit our goals.”
Ana Maria C.
Business Owner
“Takween made the setup process feel structured from day one. Every document, approval, and next step was handled with clarity.”
Luka P.
Founder
“What I valued most was how fast the team moved. They helped us avoid delays and kept the launch timeline under control.”
Mark D.
Managing Partner
“Their advice was practical, not generic. We got a setup route that fit our goals and the execution was smooth throughout.”
Mila S.
Operations Lead
“The communication was consistent and precise. We always knew what was pending, what was approved, and what came next.”
Peter N.
International Consultant
“Takween handled the process with confidence and speed. It saved us time internally and gave us much more certainty.”
Sofia A.
Investor
“They explained the tradeoffs clearly and helped us choose the right structure without wasting time on the wrong options.”
Nadia R.
E-commerce Founder
“The process felt organized from start to finish. Takween helped us launch quickly while keeping the compliance side under control.”
Karim S.
SME Director
“We came in with a lot of uncertainty and left with a clear plan. The team was responsive, practical, and easy to work with.”
Permitting your production line
What the industrial licence engagement puts in motion
Production-activity definition
We translate what you intend to make — manufacture, assembly, processing, or packaging — into the registered industrial activities, since the licence is written against a defined production process, not a trading scope.
Facility-site assessment
An industrial permit needs real plant, so we match your output to a factory or warehouse and confirm the site can carry the equipment and storage your process demands.
Authority and jurisdiction routing
We set the path through the Department of Economy and Tourism for a mainland unit or through a designated industrial free zone, depending on whether you serve the local market or export.
Technical and environmental approvals
Production lines draw extra sign-offs on safety, emissions, and process, which we identify against your activity and pursue alongside the core application.
Raw-material import enablement
Because an industrial licence permits importing the inputs you process, we set up the activity so raw materials can clear into the facility from day one.
Issuance and plant-startup support
The licence is tracked to release and paired with the establishment and banking groundwork a producing facility needs before its first run.
Plant, approvals, permit
From a production plan to a manufacturing permit
Industrial licensing layers facility and regulator approvals on top of the usual gates, so the sequence is built around securing the plant and its sign-offs before issuance.
01
Process and activity scoping
We map your manufacturing process to the correct industrial activities and flag which steps will attract a technical or environmental review.
02
Jurisdiction and site selection
A mainland or industrial-free-zone route is chosen, and a factory or warehouse that suits the process and its space rules is identified.
03
Production in-principle approval
The authority confirms the proposed production activity is permitted at the intended location before commitments are made.
04
Facility lease and registration
The industrial premises are leased and recorded, evidencing the physical plant the licence is built around.
05
Regulator sign-offs
Safety, environmental, and process approvals tied to your output are obtained and added to the file.
06
Issuance and operational readiness
With approvals in place the licence is issued, and we close out establishment and banking so production can be commissioned.
What the plant file needs
What an industrial application requires
Facility-owner identity record
Passport copies for shareholders and the appointed manager, plus visa and Emirates ID where held, establish who runs the facility.
Production-activity description
A detailed account of what is made and how lets the authority assess the process and the approvals it will trigger.
Factory or warehouse lease
The signed lease for the industrial premises evidences the plant the licence is issued against.
Initial-approval certificate
The in-principle approval from the relevant authority confirms the production activity is cleared to proceed.
Technical and environmental clearances
Where the process calls for them, safety and environmental sign-offs from the responsible regulators are gathered and attached.
Pace, cost & what stalls it
Timing, cost drivers, and what stalls a plant licence
How the build-out paces
Issuance waits on the facility and its regulator approvals, so the timeline is driven by securing the site and clearing the technical reviews rather than by the licence form itself.
- Process scoping and site selection
- Facility lease and registration
- Regulator clearances and issuance
What the cost turns on
The figure follows the jurisdiction, the type of industrial activity, the scale of the factory or warehouse, the approvals your process needs, and the visa quota the plant runs on.
- Jurisdiction and activity type
- Facility size and approval load
- Visa quota for the workforce
What delays a producing facility
Files stall when a site cannot pass a technical inspection, when an environmental clearance is sought too late, or when the raw-material activity is not set up before inputs arrive.
- A site that fails technical inspection
- Environmental sign-off requested late
- Raw-material activity not enabled in time
Getting the factory ready
Where our industrial-licence support reaches
Site-and-process fit
We make sure the premises you commit to can actually host your production line and clear the inspections, so the lease is not signed on a site that will fail review.
Approval orchestration
We sequence the technical, safety, and environmental sign-offs so they run in parallel with the core application instead of stacking up at the end.
Supply-chain enablement
We confirm your licence lets raw materials in and finished goods out through the right channels so the plant is not idle waiting on a permit.
Compliance horizon
We map the renewals and recurring regulator checks a manufacturing unit carries so the facility stays in good standing year on year.
Industrial License in Dubai – Complete Guide 2026
An industrial license in Dubai is a legal permit issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for mainland companies, or by free zone authorities such as Dubai Industrial City, JAFZA, RAKEZ, and Dubai South - authorising businesses to manufacture, process, assemble, fabricate, and distribute goods within the UAE and internationally. Whether you are setting up a factory, production unit, or industrial workshop, selecting the correct activity classification and jurisdiction is the most critical step in your Dubai industrial license setup. Takween Advisory manages the complete process - from MOIAT approvals and facility selection to license issuance and corporate bank account opening.
Activities Allowed Under an Industrial License in Dubai
A UAE industrial license covers a broad range of manufacturing and production activities. Common activities permitted under a Dubai industrial license include:
- Manufacturing and production of finished and semi-finished goods
- Assembly and packaging of components and products
- Processing and fabrication - metals, plastics, chemicals
- Industrial workshops, factories, and production facilities
- Food and beverage production and processing (subject to Dubai Municipality approval)
- Garment and textile manufacturing
- Electronics and machinery assembly
- Medical equipment manufacturing (subject to DHA and MOHAP approvals)
- Chemical and petrochemical processing (subject to EHS approval)
- Printing and paper-based product manufacturing
If your activity involves specialized plant equipment or transforms raw materials into finished products - it is classified as industrial and requires a manufacturing license in Dubai. Our consultants identify and register the correct activities in full compliance with UAE regulations and the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT) guidelines.
Industrial License for Mainland & Free Zone Companies in Dubai
Businesses applying for a Dubai industrial license can choose between two jurisdictions - mainland or free zone company setup. Each has distinct advantages depending on your target market, production scale, and budget.
Mainland Industrial License in Dubai
A mainland industrial license in Dubai is issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and permits manufacturing, fabrication, processing, and assembly within Dubai's designated industrial zones - Al Quoz, Al Qusais, and Ras Al Khor. Mainland industrial companies have full access to the UAE local market and can distribute goods directly to UAE-based customers. Government approvals from Dubai Municipality, Civil Defence, and the Environment Health and Safety (EHS) department are required depending on your production activity.
Free Zone Industrial License in Dubai
A free zone industrial license offers 100% foreign ownership, zero import/export duties, and access to dedicated factory units and warehousing infrastructure - ideal for export-focused manufacturing and international trade. Key industrial free zones in the UAE include:
- Dubai Industrial City (DIC) UAE's largest industrial hub, ideal for heavy and medium manufacturing
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) best for import/export manufacturers with direct port access
- RAKEZ cost-effective option for light and medium industrial activities
- Dubai South ideal for logistics-linked manufacturing near Al Maktoum Airport
Mainland vs Free Zone Industrial License - Key Differences
| Feature | Mainland Industrial License | Free Zone Industrial License |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | DET (Dubai Economy & Tourism) | DIC, JAFZA, RAKEZ, Dubai South |
| UAE Market Access | Full access | Via local distributor only |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% | 100% |
| Import/Export Duties | Standard UAE rates | Zero duties |
| Physical Facility | Mandatory - factory or warehouse | Mandatory - dedicated industrial unit |
| Government Approvals | DET, Municipality, Civil Defence, EHS | Free zone authority + MOIAT if applicable |
| Setup Cost | Higher | Medium to lower |
| Best For | Local market manufacturing | Export-focused production |
Industrial License Cost in Dubai
The Dubai industrial license cost depends on several factors - jurisdiction, activity type, facility size, visa quota, and government approvals required. Below is a general cost breakdown:
| Cost Component | Mainland | Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| License Registration Fee | AED 10,000 – 20,000 | AED 8,000 – 15,000 |
| Industrial Unit / Factory Lease | AED 30,000+ per year | AED 20,000+ per year |
| Government Approvals (EHS, Civil Defence) | AED 2,000 – 8,000 | AED 1,000 – 5,000 |
| MOIAT Registration (if applicable) | AED 1,000 – 3,000 | AED 1,000 – 3,000 |
| Annual License Renewal Fee | AED 8,000 – 15,000 | AED 6,000 – 12,000 |
At Takween Advisory, we provide transparent UAE industrial license pricing with no hidden fees. Contact our consultants for a detailed cost breakdown based on your specific manufacturing activity and location.
Documents Required for Industrial License in Dubai
The following documents are required to apply for a manufacturing license in Dubai. Requirements may vary slightly between mainland and free zone jurisdictions.
Individual Shareholders
- Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
- UAE Visa and Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Proof of residential address
Corporate Shareholders
- Certificate of Incorporation of parent company
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Board Resolution authorising UAE industrial business setup
- Certificate of Good Standing
Facility & Activity Documents
- Factory or warehouse Ejari lease agreement
- Floor layout and site plan
- Detailed business activity description
- Environmental impact assessment (EHS requirement)
- Civil Defence compliance certificate
- Initial approval from DET or relevant free zone authority
- MOIAT registration (for industrial manufacturers)
- Dubai Municipality NOC (if applicable)
Industrial License vs Commercial vs Professional License in Dubai
Choosing the wrong license type is one of the most common and costly mistakes in Dubai business setup. Here is how an industrial manufacturing license in Dubai differs from other license types:
| Feature | Industrial License | Commercial License | Professional License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Manufacturing, production, fabrication | Trading, import/export, retail | Services, consultancy, freelance |
| Physical Facility | Mandatory - factory or warehouse | Office or retail space | Office or virtual office |
| Government Approvals | DET, EHS, Civil Defence, MOIAT | DET or free zone authority | DET or free zone authority |
| Raw Material Processing | Yes | No | No |
| MOIAT Registration | Required | Not required | Not required |
| VAT Registration | Mandatory above AED 375,000 | Mandatory above AED 375,000 | Mandatory above AED 375,000 |
| Corporate Tax | 9% above AED 375,000 | 9% above AED 375,000 | 9% above AED 375,000 |
| Best For | Factories, production units | Traders, distributors | Consultants, service providers |
If your business transforms raw materials or components into finished or semi-finished products using specialized plant equipment - a Dubai industrial license is the only legally valid option. Operating under a commercial or professional license for manufacturing activities can result in penalties and facility shutdowns.
Make it in the Emirates - UAE Industrial License Incentives
The UAE government's Make it in the Emirates initiative and Operation 300bn strategy aim to grow the industrial sector's contribution to GDP to AED 300 billion by 2031 - making this the most strategic time to obtain a manufacturing license in Dubai. Licensed industrial businesses in the UAE benefit from:
- Access to government-subsidised industrial land and factory units
- Priority MOIAT registration and fast-track approvals
- Export support and preferential customs treatment
- Access to the National In-Country Value (ICV) programme
- Government procurement preference for UAE-manufactured goods
- Reduced utility rates for licensed industrial facilities
- Access to Emirates Development Bank (EDB) financing for manufacturers
Businesses registered under the UAE industrial license framework and MOIAT can directly participate in Make it in the Emirates - unlocking incentives unavailable to commercial or professional license holders.
VAT & Corporate Tax for Industrial License Holders in Dubai
Understanding your tax position is essential before setting up a manufacturing business in Dubai. Here is what UAE industrial license holders need to know:
- VAT registration mandatory for industrial businesses with annual turnover above AED 375,000. Most manufacturers qualify from day one given facility and operational costs. Input VAT on raw materials, machinery, and equipment can be reclaimed.
- Corporate tax UAE corporate tax of 9% applies to taxable income above AED 375,000. Free zone industrial companies may qualify for 0% corporate tax on qualifying income - subject to substance requirements.
- Customs duty mainland industrial manufacturers pay standard UAE customs duty on imported raw materials (typically 5%). Free zone manufacturers benefit from zero import duties on raw materials used in production.
- ESMA compliance products manufactured in the UAE must meet Emirates Authority for Standardization (ESMA) product registration requirements before distribution.
Industrial License Dubai - Industry-Specific Requirements
Certain manufacturing activities in Dubai require additional approvals beyond the standard Dubai industrial license process:
| Industry | Additional Approval Required | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Food & Beverage Manufacturing | Food safety permit | Dubai Municipality |
| Medical Equipment Manufacturing | Medical device registration | DHA / MOHAP |
| Chemical & Petrochemical Processing | Hazardous material permit | EHS / Civil Defence |
| Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | Manufacturing authorisation | MOHAP |
| Electronics Assembly | ESMA product registration | Emirates Authority for Standardization |
| Radioactive Material Handling | FANR licence | Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation |
Our consultants identify all industry-specific approvals required for your manufacturing license in Dubai before the application is submitted - avoiding costly delays and rejections.
Why Choose Takween Advisory for Your Industrial License in Dubai?
Setting up an industrial business in Dubai requires navigating multiple government authorities, approvals, and compliance requirements. Takween Advisory simplifies the entire process:
- Activity classification light, medium, or heavy industrial, correctly identified from day one
- Jurisdiction selection mainland DET or free zone (DIC, JAFZA, RAKEZ, Dubai South) based on your goals
- Government approvals we liaise with DET, Dubai Municipality, Civil Defence, EHS, and MOIAT on your behalf
- Facility sourcing approved factory units and industrial warehouses in designated UAE industrial zones
- Fast processing free zone licenses within 5–7 working days, mainland within 2–4 weeks
- Post-license support visa processing, VAT registration, corporate bank account opening, and annual industrial license renewal in Dubai
- Transparent pricing no hidden fees, clear breakdown of all Dubai industrial license costs
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An industrial license in Dubai is a legal permit issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or a free zone authority that authorises businesses to manufacture, assemble, process, or fabricate goods in the UAE. It is mandatory for any company operating a factory, production unit, or industrial workshop in Dubai.
The Dubai industrial license cost typically ranges from AED 18,000 to AED 45,000+ depending on jurisdiction, activity type, facility size, and government approvals required. Free zone industrial licenses are generally more affordable than mainland setups. Contact Takween Advisory for a transparent, itemised quote.
A commercial license covers trading and import/export activities. An industrial manufacturing license in Dubai is specifically for businesses that transform raw materials into finished or semi-finished products using specialized plant or equipment. If your business produces goods - you need an industrial license, not a commercial one.
A free zone industrial license in Dubai can be issued within 5–7 working days after document submission. A mainland company setup industrial license typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on the approvals required from DET, Civil Defence, EHS, and Dubai Municipality.
Key documents include passport copies of shareholders, Ejari factory lease agreement, floor layout, Civil Defence and EHS compliance certificates, business activity description, and MOIAT registration where applicable. Corporate shareholders require additional company documents including board resolution and Certificate of Incorporation.
Yes. Both mainland and free zone industrial licenses in Dubai allow 100% foreign ownership. There is no requirement for a UAE national partner or local sponsor for most industrial activities under current UAE company law.
Depending on your manufacturing activity, approvals may be required from Dubai Municipality, Civil Defence, Environment Health and Safety (EHS), Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT), and Dubai Health Authority (DHA) for food or medical manufacturing. Our consultants manage all approvals on your behalf.
Dubai Industrial City (DIC) is the UAE's largest dedicated industrial hub, offering purpose-built factory units, warehouses, and world-class logistics infrastructure. It is ideal for medium to heavy manufacturing businesses. Takween Advisory can set up your industrial license in Dubai Industrial City from start to finish.
No. A warehouse license covers storage and distribution activities only. An industrial license in Dubai is required if your facility involves any manufacturing, processing, assembly, or fabrication - even on a small scale. Using the wrong license type can result in penalties and operational shutdowns.
Yes. The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT) registration is mandatory for most industrial manufacturers in the UAE under the Make it in the Emirates initiative. MOIAT registration also gives manufacturers access to government incentives, industrial land allocations, and export support programs.
Get your factory licensed and inspection-ready
Share what you plan to produce and where, and Takween Advisory will define the industrial activities, line up the facility and its approvals, and carry the file through to an issued manufacturing licence.