A Dubai garment manufacturing licence authorises you to design, produce, and export textiles and clothing. Costs range AED 8,000–15,000 (licence + registration). The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) approves all applications; the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) handles labour compliance. Dubai Business Services secures approval and manages paperwork transparently.
What Is a Dubai Garment Manufacturing Licence?
A Dubai garment manufacturing licence permits you to legally produce clothing, textiles, and fashion items in the Emirate. This licence covers design, cutting, stitching, dyeing, and finishing operations. Whether you operate in a mainland industrial zone or a designated free zone, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) must approve your activity code. Dubai Business Services specialises in Dubai business setup and can guide you through every step.
Need clarity on costs? WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 for a tailored quote.
Garment Manufacturing Licence Costs in Dubai 2026
Transparent pricing is Dubai Business Services’ guarantee. Below are typical costs:
| Cost Component | AED Range |
|---|---|
| DET Business Licence (annual) | 5,000–8,000 |
| Registration & Documentation | 1,500–2,500 |
| MOHRE Labour Compliance Filing | 800–1,200 |
| Free-Zone Licence (if applicable) | 4,000–7,000 |
| DBS Setup & Approval Management | 2,000–4,000 |
| Total Estimate | 8,000–15,000 |
Additional costs may apply for premises inspection, utility deposits, or equipment permits. DBS provides an all-in quote with no hidden charges.
Request your transparent quote at inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com or WhatsApp.
Key Licence Requirements & DET Approval
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) requires:
- Facility Specification: A registered, zoned industrial or free-zone premises (minimum 500 sq. metres for most garment operations).
- Activity Code: ISIC code 1410 or 1430 (garment & textile manufacturing).
- Labour Approvals: MOHRE must endorse labour contracts, sponsorships, and workplace safety compliance.
- Environmental Clearance: Proof of waste-water management and emissions control (if dyeing/finishing is involved).
- Ownership Documentation: Trade licence application, shareholder passport copies, and local sponsor details (if mainland).
- Lease Agreement: Notarised factory or warehouse lease from the Free Zones Authority (FZA) or Dubai Municipality.
DBS manages all submissions to DET, reducing approval time to 14–21 days.
Mainland vs. Free-Zone Garment Manufacturing
Two pathways exist:
| Factor | Mainland (Jebel Ali, Al-Quoz) | Free Zone (JAFZ, DAFZA) |
|---|---|---|
| Local Sponsor Required | Yes (49% minimum ownership) | No; 100% foreign ownership allowed |
| Licence Cost (annual) | 5,000–8,000 AED | 4,000–7,000 AED |
| Import/Export Duty | Standard UAE tariffs apply | Duty-free until goods leave zone |
| Labour Sponsorship | MOHRE oversight | MOHRE oversight (same) |
| Approval Timeline | 14–21 days | 10–14 days |
Free zones such as Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ) and Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA) are ideal for export-focused garment makers. Learn more about free zone company formation with DBS.
Unsure which structure suits your factory? Contact DBS for a free consultation.
MOHRE Labour Compliance for Garment Manufacturing
The Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) mandates:
- Registration of all factory employees in the MOHRE portal.
- Written employment contracts in Arabic and English.
- Mandatory occupational health & safety insurance (Daman or accredited provider).
- Annual MOHRE inspection of workplace conditions, machinery guards, and ergonomics.
- Workers’ compensation insurance (minimum AED 2,000 per employee per year).
Non-compliance incurs fines up to AED 50,000 and potential licence suspension. DBS ensures your garment factory passes all MOHRE audits before and after launch.
Timeline & Next Steps
A typical Dubai garment manufacturing licence setup takes 14–21 days:
- Days 1–3: DBS collects documents; preliminary DET review.
- Days 4–7: Facility inspection by DET and Emirates Authority for Standardisation & Metrology (EASM).
- Days 8–14: MOHRE labour filing and final DET approval.
- Days 15–21: Licence issuance and handover to you.
Get started today: Book a free consultation with Dubai Business Services. We’ll answer your questions, outline your costs, and begin the paperwork immediately.
Get a transparent, all-in quote from DBS Business Setup. Email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com or WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum factory size for a garment manufacturing licence in Dubai?
Most garment manufacturers require a minimum of 500 square metres for cutting, stitching, and finishing zones. The DET may waive this for design-only operations. Free zones like JAFZ offer flexible space options starting 200 sq. metres. DBS advises on your exact requirement during consultation.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a garment factory in Dubai?
Yes, if you establish in a free zone (JAFZ, DAFZA, Dubai South). Mainland garment manufacturing requires a local Emirati sponsor (49% ownership minimum). DBS handles both pathways. Free zones offer faster approval and simpler ownership structures for foreign investors.
Does my garment factory need an environmental licence?
If your factory includes dyeing, printing, or chemical finishing, yes—the DET and Emirates Authority for Standardisation & Metrology (EASM) require environmental compliance proof. Waste-water treatment plans and emission controls must be documented. DBS coordinates all environmental submissions with authorities.
What is the annual cost to renew a garment manufacturing licence?
Annual renewal costs AED 5,000–8,000 for the DET business licence, plus AED 800–1,200 for MOHRE compliance updates. Free-zone licences cost AED 4,000–7,000 annually. DBS manages renewal paperwork and ensures no lapses in your operational status.
How long does DET approval take for a garment manufacturing licence?
Standard approval is 14–21 days from initial submission. Free-zone applications may complete in 10–14 days. Delays occur if DET requires additional environmental or labour documentation. DBS expedites approvals by pre-vetting all paperwork and maintaining direct DET contact.
What activity codes does a garment manufacturing licence cover?
The primary codes are ISIC 1410 (manufacture of leather clothing) and ISIC 1430 (manufacture of other textiles). Dyeing and printing fall under ISIC 1320. DBS ensures your licence lists all manufacturing activities you plan, avoiding costly amendments later.
Can I export garments directly from my Dubai factory?
Yes. Mainland factories export under standard UAE tariffs; free-zone factories enjoy duty-free export. Both require a valid garment manufacturing licence and commercial invoice compliance. MOHRE and the DET must approve your export volumes. DBS guides you on export documentation and customs clearance.
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