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Industrial & Manufacturing Company Setup — GulfBC
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Industry Expertise

Industrial &
Manufacturing
Company Setup

Factory setup, warehouse operations, light industrial licenses, and supply chain optimization — GulfBC guides you through every approval, permit, and compliance step to get your manufacturing operation running in Dubai or Iran.

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Industrial License
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Factory & Warehouse Setup
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All Government Approvals
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Visa & Bank Account
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Industrial License
Full license application, facility approval, and authority submission — DED mainland or free zone.
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Regulatory Approvals
Civil Defence, Municipality, MoIAT, environment & sector-specific permits handled by GulfBC.
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Factory & Facility Setup
Industrial zone selection, facility lease, layout planning, and inspection coordination.
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Accounting & Compliance
Bookkeeping, VAT filing, corporate tax, payroll, and annual audit coordination.
Industrial & Manufacturing Company Setup — GulfBC
Choose Your Setup

Mainland vs Free Zone

Industrial companies in Dubai can set up on the mainland (DED/DET) or within designated free zones. The right choice depends on your production scale, market access, and budget.

✦ Full UAE Market Access
Mainland — DED / DET
Ideal for manufacturers supplying the UAE market — retail, wholesale, and government contracts.
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100% foreign ownership (most activities since 2021)
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Sell directly in the UAE — no local distributor needed
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Eligible for government procurement contracts
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Unlimited visa quota (linked to facility size)
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Factory/warehouse in approved industrial zone required
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Civil Defence, Municipality & MoIAT approvals mandatory
Estimated setup costAED 20,000–40,000 excl. fit-out
Best for Export-Oriented Production
Free Zone — JAFZA / DIC / Dubai South
Ideal for manufacturers targeting global markets with customs duty advantages and simplified imports.
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100% foreign ownership — no local partner
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0% customs duty on raw materials & machinery imports
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Full repatriation of capital and profits
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Purpose-built warehouses and factory units available
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Cannot sell directly in UAE — requires mainland distributor
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JAFZA: near Jebel Ali Port — ideal for heavy industry
Starting cost (Dubai South)AED 25,000+ / year
Registration Process

Step-by-Step Industrial Setup — Dubai

Obtaining an industrial license in Dubai typically takes 4–12 weeks depending on activity type and approvals required. Here's every stage.

1
Define Activity & Business Plan
Select your exact manufacturing activity from the DET/DED approved list. Prepare a business plan outlining production type, machinery, workforce, and scale — required by authorities to assess industrial compliance.
⏱ Day 1
2
Reserve Trade Name & Initial Approval
Submit 3 name options to DED/DET or the free zone. Once approved, apply for Initial Approval Certificate — government's formal no-objection to proceed with the industrial setup.
⏱ Day 2–4 · Fee: AED 620–900
3
Secure Industrial Facility & Land
Factory or warehouse must be in a government-designated industrial zone (Al Quoz, JAFZA, DIC, Dubai South, etc.). Lease the space and register the tenancy contract. Submit facility layout and floor plan showing machinery placement, safety exits, and workflow.
⏱ Week 1–2
4
MoIAT Approval
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) approval is mandatory for all industrial licenses in Dubai. GulfBC submits your application including the business plan, facility details, and activity description for federal clearance.
⏱ 1–2 weeks
5
Dubai Civil Defence & Municipality Approvals
Dubai Civil Defence conducts facility inspections to verify fire exits, extinguishers, sprinklers, emergency lighting, and safety plans. Dubai Municipality ensures environmental and zoning compliance. Both must issue clearance before the license is granted.
⏱ 1–3 weeks
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Sector-Specific Approvals (if applicable)
Food production → Dubai Municipality + ESMA. Pharmaceuticals → Ministry of Health & Prevention. Chemicals → Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) or Dubai Municipality. Electronics → TRA. GulfBC identifies all required approvals upfront and manages submissions.
⏱ 1–4 weeks depending on activity
7
Final DED Inspection & License Issuance
DED sends inspectors to verify the facility meets all requirements. Once cleared, the industrial license is issued — valid for 5 years (mainland). You can now apply for visas, open a corporate bank account, and begin production.
✓ License issued · 4–12 weeks total
Documents Required

Required Documents — Dubai

Industrial licenses require more documentation than commercial licenses due to facility, safety, and regulatory requirements. GulfBC prepares and submits all documents on your behalf.

01
Passport Copies
Valid colour passports of all shareholders, directors, and managers. Minimum 6-month validity.
02
Business Plan
Detailed plan covering production activity, machinery type, projected workforce, and output scale — required by DET and MoIAT.
03
Trade Name Approval Certificate
Issued by DET or free zone authority after name reservation passes compliance review.
04
Initial Approval Certificate
Government no-objection confirmation to proceed with the industrial company setup.
05
Tenancy Contract + Facility Layout
Signed lease for the industrial space, plus floor plan showing machinery placement, exits, and workflow — must be in a designated industrial zone.
06
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Notarised legal document defining company structure, ownership, and shareholder agreements.
07
MoIAT Clearance
Federal approval from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology — mandatory for all industrial licenses.
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Civil Defence & Municipality Clearance
Fire safety and zoning compliance certificates from Dubai Civil Defence and Dubai Municipality — issued after facility inspection.
Government Approvals

Regulatory Approvals by Activity — Dubai

Industrial companies require multiple government clearances before a license is issued. GulfBC maps all required approvals for your specific activity and manages every submission.

Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology
MoIAT Industrial Approval
Mandatory federal approval for all manufacturing and production activities in Dubai. Requires business plan and facility details.
● Mandatory — All Industries
Dubai Civil Defence
Fire & Safety Clearance
Facility inspection verifying fire exits, suppression systems, emergency lighting, and safety protocols. Required before license issuance.
● Mandatory — All Industries
Dubai Municipality
Environmental & Zoning Permit
Environmental compliance and industrial zoning clearance. Mandatory for all production facilities — particularly chemical, food, and waste-generating activities.
● Mandatory — All Industries
Dubai Municipality + ESMA
Food Production Permit
Food manufacturing facilities require hygiene inspections, HACCP compliance, and product registration with Emirates Authority for Standardization.
● Mandatory — Food Sector
Ministry of Health & Prevention
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Medicines, supplements, and medical devices manufacturing requires federal MoHAP registration and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) compliance.
● Mandatory — Pharma
Environment Agency
Chemical & Hazardous Materials
Production involving chemicals, solvents, or hazardous materials requires environment agency clearance and waste management compliance plan.
● Activity-Dependent
Residency & Visas

Visa & Residency — Dubai

Your industrial license enables residency visas for founders, employees, and their families. Industrial companies can sponsor large workforces based on facility size.

Investor / Partner Visa
Investor Visa
2 years · renewable
Issued to company owners once the industrial license is active. Allows UAE residency for yourself and family members.
Sponsor spouse, children & domestic staff
Open personal UAE bank account
Cost: AED 3,500–5,000 per visa
Long-Term Residency
UAE Golden Visa
10 years · renewable
Available to investors meeting capital or real estate thresholds. No sponsor required — fully self-sponsored residency.
Business investment: AED 500K+
Real estate: AED 2M+ property
Sponsor parents, spouse & children
Employee Sponsorship
Employment Visas
2 years · renewable
Industrial companies can sponsor factory workers, engineers, and technical staff. Quota is linked to your facility size and workforce plan.
No cap — quota linked to facility
Skilled & semi-skilled categories
GulfBC handles all MOHRE processing
Tax & Compliance

Tax Structure — Dubai

Dubai's tax regime is among the world's most competitive for manufacturers — combining low corporate tax, zero personal income tax, and customs duty exemptions in free zones.

0%
Personal Income Tax
Zero personal income tax on salaries, dividends, and personal earnings — a permanent advantage for all UAE residents.
✓ Permanent benefit
9%
Corporate Tax
Applies to taxable income above AED 375,000. Below the threshold: 0%. Free zone qualifying income may remain exempt at 0% under the Qualifying Free Zone Person rules.
✓ Free zone 0% available
5%
VAT
Required for businesses exceeding the annual turnover registration threshold. Quarterly VAT returns filed with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). GulfBC handles all FTA registration and filings.
✓ Lowest in region
Market Overview

Why Manufacture in Iran?

Iran offers one of the most cost-competitive manufacturing environments in the region — low energy costs, a large skilled workforce, abundant raw materials, and access to 88 million consumers.

✦ Key Advantages
Manufacturing in Iran
Iran's industrial base is one of the largest in the Middle East — with established sectors in steel, cement, petrochemicals, food processing, and automotive.
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Lowest energy costs in the region — subsidised gas & electricity for industry
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Large, highly educated engineering and technical workforce
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Abundant domestic raw materials — steel, petrochemicals, minerals, agriculture
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88 million consumers — large domestic market for finished goods
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Special Economic Zones (SEZs) with tax exemptions and customs incentives
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Foreign investment governed by FIPPA — structured legal protection available
Industrial sector GDP contribution~32% of Iran's GDP
Investment Zones
SEZs & Industrial Parks
Iran has over 40 Special Economic Zones and 700+ industrial parks across the country — offering land, utilities, and customs incentives.
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Tax exemptions up to 20 years in designated SEZs
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Customs duty exemptions on machinery and raw material imports
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Ready industrial land and infrastructure in most zones
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Key SEZs: Kish, Qeshm, Aras, Chabahar, Salafchegan
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100% foreign ownership permitted in most SEZs
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GulfBC facilitates land allocation and zone registration
Industrial parks nationwide700+ zones across Iran
Registration Process

Step-by-Step Industrial Setup — Iran

Setting up a manufacturing facility in Iran involves registration with multiple authorities. GulfBC's local team in Iran guides every step of the process.

1
Company Registration — Companies Registration Office
Register your entity with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) under the Ministry of Justice. Most foreign-invested manufacturing companies register as a Private Joint Stock Company (Sherkat-e Sahami Khass) or Limited Liability Company (LLC). Prepare Articles of Association, shareholder details, and company objectives.
⏱ Week 1–2
2
FIPPA License — Foreign Investment Promotion Board
Foreign investors must obtain a FIPPA license from the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Act board. This provides legal protection for your capital, profits, and repatriation rights. GulfBC prepares the full application including feasibility study, investment plan, and sector justification.
⏱ 2–6 weeks
3
Ministry of Industry, Mine & Trade License
Apply to the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade (MIMT) for your industrial operating license (Javáz-e Bahrebardarí). This license authorises your specific manufacturing activity. Submit your business plan, facility plan, environmental impact assessment, and technical specifications.
⏱ 4–8 weeks
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Environmental Approval — DoE
The Department of Environment (DoE) reviews all industrial projects for environmental impact. Submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for medium and large facilities. Light manufacturing may qualify for a simplified review process.
⏱ 2–6 weeks
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Secure Industrial Land & Construction Permit
Identify and lease or purchase land in a government-approved industrial zone or SEZ. Apply for construction and zoning permits from the relevant municipality or zone authority. GulfBC coordinates land allocation within SEZs — including Kish, Qeshm, and Aras.
⏱ 2–8 weeks
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Commercial Card & Trade Registration
Obtain a Commercial Card from the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA). This is required for all import and export operations — including importing machinery and exporting finished goods. Valid for one year, renewable annually.
⏱ 1–2 weeks
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Final Inspection & Operating Permit
After facility construction or fit-out, apply for the final operating inspection from MIMT. Inspectors verify equipment installation, safety standards, and production readiness. Upon clearance, the operating permit (Javáz-e Bahrebardarí) is issued and production may begin.
✓ Operational · 3–6 months total
Documents Required

Required Documents — Iran

Foreign investors setting up manufacturing in Iran must provide documentation to multiple authorities. GulfBC's local team prepares all Persian-language submissions.

01
Passport Copy (notarised)
Notarised and apostilled passport copies of all foreign shareholders. Persian translation required for most submissions.
02
Articles of Association
Company charter in Persian defining objectives, ownership structure, capital, and management. Registered with the CRO.
03
FIPPA Application & Investment Plan
Detailed investment plan for the Foreign Investment Promotion Board — includes capital amount, sector, job creation projections, and technology transfer plan.
04
Business Plan (Persian)
Technical and financial business plan submitted to MIMT — covering production capacity, machinery, raw materials, market, and feasibility.
05
Environmental Impact Assessment
Required by the Department of Environment for medium and large manufacturing facilities. Covers waste, emissions, water use, and mitigation measures.
06
Facility Lease or Land Allocation Document
Signed lease agreement for industrial land or facility within an approved industrial park or SEZ.
07
Technical Specifications & Machinery List
List of machinery, production equipment, and installed capacity — submitted to MIMT for activity verification.
08
Commercial Card Application
Required for import of machinery and raw materials and export of finished goods. Issued by ICCIMA annually.
Government Approvals

Regulatory Approvals — Iran

Manufacturing in Iran involves multiple ministries and government bodies. GulfBC's local team in Iran manages every approval, submission, and follow-up.

Foreign Investment Promotion Board (OIETAI)
FIPPA License
Foreign investors must obtain a FIPPA license to receive legal protection for their capital, profits, and repatriation rights under Iranian law.
● Mandatory — Foreign Investors
Ministry of Industry, Mine & Trade
Industrial Operating License
The primary manufacturing license (Javáz-e Bahrebardarí) issued by MIMT — authorises your specific production activity and facility.
● Mandatory — All Industries
Department of Environment (DoE)
Environmental Clearance
Environmental Impact Assessment review for all industrial projects. Medium and large facilities require full EIA before permits are granted.
● Mandatory — All Industries
ICCIMA — Iran Chamber of Commerce
Commercial Card
Required for importing machinery, raw materials, and spare parts, and for exporting finished manufactured goods. Annual renewal.
● Mandatory — Import/Export
Ministry of Health & Medical Education
Food & Pharmaceutical Production
Food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing require Ministry of Health approval and product registration before production begins.
● Mandatory — Food & Pharma
SEZ / Industrial Park Authority
Zone Operating Permit
If operating in a Special Economic Zone (Kish, Qeshm, Aras, Chabahar), the zone authority issues its own operating permit in addition to MIMT licensing.
● Required in SEZs
Tax & Compliance

Tax Structure — Iran

Iran's tax system treats domestic and foreign investors equally. Manufacturing companies benefit from significant tax exemptions — particularly in SEZs and industrial parks.

25%
Corporate Income Tax
Standard corporate tax rate for Iranian companies. However, manufacturing companies in approved industrial parks and SEZs can benefit from tax exemptions of 5–20 years depending on zone and activity.
✓ SEZ exemptions available
10%
VAT
Iran's VAT rate stands at 10% (increased from earlier rates per the 2021 VAT Act). Industrial free trade zones are also subject to VAT since 2021. Exporters are generally VAT-exempt on exported goods.
✓ Export VAT exempt
0%
Import Duty — Machinery
Machinery and equipment imported specifically for production purposes can be imported duty-free under the Industrial Law of Iran (1971) — with MIMT authorisation and customs administration clearance.
✓ With MIMT approval
SEZ Tax Incentives
Companies in Iran's Special Economic Zones (Kish, Qeshm, Aras, Chabahar) benefit from extended corporate tax holidays — typically 5 to 20 years. GulfBC advises on the optimal zone for your sector and investment size.
Accounting & Compliance
GulfBC provides Persian-language bookkeeping, annual tax filing with the Iranian Tax Administration (ITA), payroll management, and VAT compliance — handled by our local Iran team.
Industrial & Manufacturing Company Setup — GulfBC
Why GulfBC

Your Industrial Partner, Not Just a Consultant

GulfBC has physical presence in both Dubai and Iran — local expertise, local contacts, and local teams that handle every step on the ground.

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2
Countries Covered
Local teams in both Dubai and Iran — real on-the-ground expertise in both markets.
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700+
Industrial Zones — Iran
GulfBC navigates Iran's industrial park and SEZ landscape to find the optimal zone for your operation.
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6+
Approvals Managed
From MoIAT and Civil Defence to FIPPA and DoE — we handle every government submission.
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Dedicated Advisor
One point of contact manages your license, approvals, visa, bank, and accounting — no hand-offs.
Industrial & Manufacturing Company Setup — GulfBC

Ready to Set Up Your
Manufacturing Operation?

Whether you're setting up in Dubai or Iran, GulfBC handles every license, approval, visa, and compliance requirement — so you can focus on production.

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GulfBC AdvisoryAspin Tower, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai · [email protected] · +971 50 605 1236
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