Setting up an industrial or manufacturing company in Dubai Mainland or any UAE emirate is the right move for investors who want to produce, assemble, package, or trade goods directly from the UAE.
An industrial license allows businesses to operate factories and production units with access to the local UAE market as well as international markets.
Let’s walk through it step by step.
A Mainland Industrial Company is a legal entity registered with the Department of Economic Development under an industrial trade license.
This structure is ideal for activities such as:
Manufacturing and processing
Assembly units
Packaging and repackaging
Fabrication
Oil and gas equipment production
Food processing
Chemical and plastic products
Electronics manufacturing
Construction material production
Any activity that involves converting raw material into finished goods falls under an industrial license.
Foreign investors and expats
UAE nationals
Corporate shareholders
Joint ventures
Existing overseas manufacturing firms
Entrepreneurs planning new factories
After the 2021 reforms, many industrial sectors allow 100 percent foreign ownership, making UAE Mainland highly attractive for global manufacturers.
Industrial companies can be formed under multiple structures:
Limited Liability Company
Sole Establishment
Civil Company for specific industrial services
Branch of Foreign Company
Local Company Branch
The most common option for expats is an LLC with industrial activity.
From June 2021 onward:
Foreign investors can own 100 percent shares in most industrial activities
No requirement of a local sponsor in designated sectors
Full control over operations and profits
Ability to sell directly to UAE customers
Freedom to export and import without restrictions
This gives investors both legal protection and commercial independence.
Industrial licenses generally require higher capital than service licenses.
Minimum capital depends on emirate and exact activity
Share capital can be increased while incorporation
Capital structure is defined in MOA
Banks consider capital amount while offering facilities
N D Savla UAE guides you in planning the right capital so approvals become easy.
Unlike a normal commercial license, industrial formation requires clearances from several authorities:
Dubai Municipality
Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology
Environment Department
Civil Defense
Food Control Authority for food factories
Special sector regulators depending on product category
Approvals are linked to:
Factory layout
Machinery list
Production process
Environmental impact
Safety standards
Power and water requirements
Our team coordinates with all departments on your behalf.
Here’s an important point:
Renting a physical industrial facility or warehouse is mandatory
Desk facilities are not allowed for factories
Ejari tenancy contract required
Plot or factory must meet municipality norms
Machinery installation proof needed
We help clients choose the correct location in:
Mainland industrial zones
Free industrial areas
Warehousing clusters
Purpose-built factories
An industrial company must appoint a Manager through notarized MOA.
The Manager is responsible for:
Banking operations
Hiring employees
Contracts with suppliers
Import-export documentation
Regulatory compliance
Conduct of business
Daily operations can be handled by the actual investor acting as Manager.
Mainland Industrial LLC shareholders enjoy:
Investor residence visa for 3 years
Ability to sponsor family
Employment visas for workers and staff
No strict cap on number of visas
Labour department approvals
Factories can hire technicians, engineers, laborers, and administrative teams subject to compliance requirements.
A Mainland Industrial Company has strong credibility with UAE banks.
Easy opening of business bank accounts
Eligibility for working capital loans
Machinery finance
LC and BG facilities
Project funding
Trade finance for imports
Funding is always subject to lender approval, but mainland registration makes a big difference.
Industrial companies may need:
VAT registration
Corporate tax registration
Customs code
Excise tax for specific goods
We provide post-incorporation tax setup so your company stays fully compliant from day one.
At N D Savla UAE, we manage the entire process:
Advisory on selecting industrial activity
Trade name approval
Drafting MOA
Notarization with Public Notary
License application with DED
Municipality and environment approvals
Factory layout and documentation
Customs registration
Visa processing
Bank account coordination
VAT and corporate tax registration
Ongoing bookkeeping and audit support
Renewal and amendment services
What this really means is you get one point of contact for all government formalities.
Deep experience in UAE company formation
Chartered Accountant led advisory
Practical understanding of industrial regulations
Transparent fee structure
Fast approvals
Support for Indian investors entering UAE
End-to-end compliance after setup
We don’t just register companies. We help build businesses.
It is a trade license that permits manufacturing and production activities inside the UAE.
Yes, for most designated industrial activities full foreign ownership is allowed.
Not required in notified sectors after 2021 reforms.
Typically 10 to 20 working days depending on authority approvals.
Yes, industrial facility tenancy is compulsory.