A Dubai manufacturing licence in 2026 costs AED 5,000–15,000+ depending on activity type and location. The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) approves all applications; MOHRE labour compliance is mandatory. Processing takes 7–14 business days via free zones or mainland.
What Is a Dubai Manufacturing Licence?
A Dubai manufacturing licence permits you to establish and operate a production facility in the emirate. Whether you choose a free zone (like JAFZA, DAFZA) or mainland Dubai, you need DET approval and compliance with MOHRE labour regulations. Manufacturing includes food processing, textiles, chemicals, machinery assembly and light engineering.
Need clarity on your activity code? Contact Dubai Business Services on WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
2026 Licence Costs & Fee Ranges
Licensing fees vary significantly by setup location and company structure:
| Setup Type | Initial Licence Fee | Annual Renewal | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Zone (JAFZA/DAFZA) | AED 3,500–8,000 | AED 2,500–6,000 | DET + Zone Authority |
| Mainland Dubai | AED 8,000–15,000 | AED 5,000–12,000 | DET |
| MOHRE Labour Approval | AED 500–1,500 | Included in licence | MOHRE |
Exact fees depend on factory size, emissions classification and labour headcount. Request a custom quote from Dubai Business Services.
Step-by-Step 2026 Setup Process
Manufacturing licence approval follows this sequence: (1) Business plan and activity code registration via DET; (2) Factory location verification and health/safety inspection; (3) MOHRE labour compliance filing; (4) Payment of initial fees; (5) Issuance and collection. Most applicants complete this in 7–14 business days. Delays occur if premises fail environmental or safety checks.
WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 to accelerate your approval.
DET and Free-Zone Requirements 2026
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) mandates: valid commercial registration, proof of premises (lease or ownership), local sponsor agreement (if applicable), environmental impact assessment for high-emission activities, and Emirati national on the board (10% ownership, typically). Free-zone operators (Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai Silicon Oasis) offer simplified labour and customs handling but charge separate zone fees of AED 1,500–3,000 annually per business. Mainland approval is faster for low-risk light manufacturing but requires full DET documentary review.
MOHRE Labour Compliance & Emiratisation
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) requires manufacturing firms to submit employment contracts, salary certificates and workplace health insurance for all staff before licence issuance. Non-Emirati employees need valid residence visas; quota regulations mandate Emiratisation targets (typically 2–5% depending on sector). Failure to meet MOHRE standards delays final approval by 3–7 days. Annual labour card renewals cost AED 200–400 per employee and must be filed by 31 March each year.
Email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com with your headcount for MOHRE guidance.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
Applicants frequently encounter rejection due to: (1) premises located in residential zones (DET prohibits this); (2) high-emission activities without environmental clearance (expect 4–6 week delay); (3) incomplete MOHRE labour filings; (4) undersized factory space relative to equipment. DET minimum space rules vary by activity—food processing requires AED 100–200m² minimum. Verify zoning and emissions classification before signing a lease. Dubai Business Services conducts pre-approval checks to prevent costly rejections and rework.
Avoid costly delays—contact Dubai Business Services on WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 for a site assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a manufacturing licence cost in Dubai 2026?
Initial licence fees range from AED 3,500–15,000 depending on location (free zone vs. mainland) and activity type. Free zones typically charge AED 3,500–8,000; mainland licences cost AED 8,000–15,000. Annual renewals are 60–80% of the initial fee. MOHRE labour approval adds AED 500–1,500. DET sets final fees based on factory size and emissions classification.
What is the fastest way to get a manufacturing licence in Dubai?
Free-zone setups (JAFZA, DAFZA, Dubai Silicon Oasis) typically take 7–10 business days if all documents are ready. Mainland approval takes 10–14 days. Speed depends on DET inspection scheduling and MOHRE labour compliance filing. Pre-submission audits by Dubai Business Services reduce approval time by flagging missing documents early.
Do I need a local sponsor for a manufacturing licence?
Local sponsorship rules changed in 2023–2024. Free-zone setups do not require a local sponsor. Mainland manufacturing licences still require a 10% Emirati national ownership stake (typically nominated director role). This does not grant operational control but satisfies DET governance requirements. No cash payment is required.
Which free zones are best for manufacturing in Dubai?
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is the largest, with AED 2,500–6,000 annual fees and diverse facilities. Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) suits export-oriented manufacturers; fees are AED 3,000–7,000 yearly. Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is ideal for tech/electronics assembly at AED 2,000–5,500 annually. Each zone’s inspection and approval timeline is 3–5 days after DET clearance.
What documents do I need to apply for a manufacturing licence?
Required documents include: completed DET application form, passport and residence visa copies, factory lease or title deed, proof of Emirati director (if mainland), environmental assessment (if high-emission activity), MOHRE employment contracts and salary schedules, and bank statements showing financial capacity. Missing documents are the top rejection cause; Dubai Business Services pre-checks all filings.
What are MOHRE labour requirements for manufacturing?
MOHRE mandates workplace health insurance, valid residence visas, signed employment contracts, and salary certificates for all staff before licence issuance. Emiratisation quotas apply: typically 2–5% Emirati workforce depending on sector. Labour card renewals cost AED 200–400 per employee annually by 31 March. Non-compliance blocks final approval for 3–7 days.
Can I operate manufacturing from a residential area in Dubai?
No. DET explicitly prohibits manufacturing activities in residential zones. Approved locations are industrial areas (Al Quoz, Jebel Ali), free zones or designated commercial parks. Breaching zoning rules results in immediate licence rejection and potential fines. Verify location classification with Dubai Business Services before leasing premises to avoid wasted time and deposits.
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