How to Get a Factory (Industrial) Licence in Dubai: Steps, Approvals and Premises
Industrial Insights3 min read
Manufacturing, assembling, processing or packaging goods in Dubai needs an industrial licence, not just a trading licence. The premises are part of the application, so the licence and the building have to be planned together. This guide sets out the route. Your licensing consultant or authority will confirm the details for your activity.
Mainland or free zone?
A mainland industrial licence is issued through Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). It lets you sell directly across the UAE. Free zones with industrial activity, such as JAFZA, Dubai Industrial City and Dubai South, issue their own licences for factories inside the zone. That route suits exporters in particular. See free zone vs mainland for the trade-offs.
The mainland route, step by step
- Reserve a trade name through DET.
- Get initial approval, confirming the industrial activity is permitted. Do this before committing to premises.
- Secure premises in an approved industrial area and register the lease on Ejari.
- Obtain external approvals. These typically cover power capacity from DEWA, fire and life-safety from Civil Defence, and any Municipality or environmental permits your process needs.
- Register with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) in the national industrial register. This federal step is what gives manufacturers access to customs duty exemptions on imported machinery, equipment and raw materials.
- Submit the final application to DET with the approvals and documents, and receive the licence.
Documents you will usually need
- Passport, visa and Emirates ID copies of the shareholders
- The initial approval
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- A business plan or feasibility study
- The factory layout
- The lease and Ejari certificate
- The NOCs and approvals from the external authorities
Choosing premises that won’t hold up your licence
- Zoning and permitted use: the unit must be in an area and building approved for your type of manufacturing. DIC, for example, groups industries into sector zones.
- Power: confirm the connected kW covers your machinery. Upgrades through DEWA take time.
- Floor loading and clear height for machinery, cranes and racking.
- Environmental needs: fumes, noise, wastewater and waste handling may need specific permits and building features.
- Space for the layout the authorities will review: production, storage, offices and staff facilities.
We match factory premises to these requirements. Tell us your process, machinery power and size, and we will shortlist units that can pass the approvals.
Looking for factory premises in Dubai? Most of our stock never reaches the website – it moves too fast. Tell us the size, power and area you need and we will send matching units with photos and specs, usually the same day.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues an industrial licence in Dubai?
On the mainland, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). In free zones, the zone authority, for example JAFZA or Dubai Industrial City through its regulator.
What is MoIAT registration for?
Registration with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology puts the factory on the national industrial register and is what manufacturers use to access customs duty exemptions on imported machinery, equipment and raw materials.
Do I need premises before applying?
You need initial approval first, then premises in an approved industrial area with a registered lease. The external approvals are tied to that building.
How long does it take?
It depends on the activity and the approvals involved. Once premises are secured, allow several weeks for approvals and the final licence.
