Paint Manufacturing
Mainland License — Compare Across 4 UAE Emirates
Cheapest from
AED 600
Ajman
4 emirates available
Government Fee Comparison
Ajman DED — Flat fee
AED 600
Flat AED 600 license fee + ~AED 3,900 mandatory DED fees. Total minimum ~AED 4,5
DET — Base + 5% of rent
Base AED 8,000 + 5% rent
AED 9,500
30K rent
AED 10,500
50K rent
AED 12,000
80K rent
SEDD — Per-license (quote required)
Approvals: Civil Defense Department, Sharjah Municipality - Environment Department
Quote required
Fees calculated per-license based on license type, legal form, and activities. C
RAK DED — Category-based
AED 400–10,000
RAK uses 5 fee categories (AED 400-10,000). Exact category depends on activity.
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Our Analysis
Ajman charges AED 600 flat for paint manufacturing — the cheapest industrial license entry in the UAE. Total costs hit AED 4,500 after mandatory DED fees. Dubai's formula means AED 8,000-plus. Sharjah and RAK also offer this activity.
Paint manufacturing serves the UAE's insatiable construction industry. Every building needs interior and exterior paint, plus specialist coatings for industrial, marine, and infrastructure applications. Jotun, National Paints, and Hempel all manufacture locally.
RAK and Sharjah offer lower industrial rents than Dubai, making them attractive for factory setup. Ajman's cost advantage is most relevant for small-batch specialty producers.
The trade-off: paint manufacturing requires environmental permits, chemical handling licenses, and waste management approvals. ESMA product standards apply. These compliance costs dwarf the DED fee.
100% foreign ownership. No local sponsor for industrial activities.
Sharjah or RAK for factory cost efficiency. Ajman for micro-manufacturing. Dubai only if distribution to Dubai contractors is your primary market.
For chemical trading free zone options, check FreeZoneCompare.com.
Prices from official government portals, verified May 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Paint Manufacturing license cost in Ajman?
The government DED fee for a Paint Manufacturing license in Ajman is AED 600. This is the cheapest among the 4 emirates where this activity is available. Additional costs may include office rent, visa fees, and external approval charges.
Which UAE emirate is cheapest for a Paint Manufacturing license?
Ajman offers the lowest government fee at AED 600. However, total setup costs also depend on office rent, visa requirements, and any external approvals needed for this activity.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Paint Manufacturing business in the UAE?
Yes. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms, most mainland business activities — including Paint Manufacturing — allow 100% foreign ownership across all UAE emirates. A local sponsor or service agent is no longer required for most activities.
What approvals are needed for a Paint Manufacturing license?
Beyond the DED license, you may need approval from: Civil Defense Department (Sharjah), Sharjah Municipality - Environment Department (Sharjah). Requirements vary by emirate and specific business scope.
How much does a Paint Manufacturing license cost in Dubai?
Dubai uses a formula-based fee: approximately AED 8,000 base fee plus 5% of your annual office rent. For example, with AED 50,000 annual rent, expect roughly AED 10,500 in government fees. Dubai also offers an Instant License at AED 8,000 flat (virtual location) and budget SME/Intelaq licenses at AED 1,070.
Is Paint Manufacturing available as a mainland license in all UAE emirates?
Paint Manufacturing is available for mainland licensing in 4 emirates: Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, RAK. Each emirate has its own DED with independent fee structures and requirements. Use MainlandCompare.com to compare fees across all available emirates.
What type of license is Paint Manufacturing in the UAE?
Paint Manufacturing falls under the Industrial license category in the UAE. Industrial licenses cover manufacturing, production, and processing activities.
Is it cheaper to get a Paint Manufacturing license in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Ajman offers the lowest fee at AED 600. Dubai's formula-based approach starts at AED 8,000 before rent. Choose based on where your customers are, not just the license fee.
How long does it take to get a Paint Manufacturing mainland license?
Setup time varies by emirate: Dubai offers same-day approval with the Instant License (AED 8,000), or 1-3 working days for a Normal License. Abu Dhabi takes 2-5 working days. Sharjah and Ajman take 1-5 working days. Additional time may be needed for external approvals.
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