Ice Cream Manufacturing Business License License in the UAE: Who It Fits, Requirements, Timeline

Content reviewed by My Business Setup Team, Business Setup Specialists.

“Ice Cream Manufacturing” is a food-production activity for a factory or central kitchen—not a retail shop license. You’ll produce and package ice cream for wholesale or to supply your own outlets. Expect to prepare an approved production layout, hygiene plan (HACCP), and cold-chain/storage arrangements. You can set up on the Mainland or in a Free Zone; once documents and layout approvals are ready, the company license is straightforward (often ~5–10 working days), while facility fit-out and food permits vary by authority.

Who Should Consider a Ice Cream Manufacturing Business License?

• SMEs adding a cold-dessert line
• F&B founders testing a brand via a shared kitchen
• Manufacturers scaling from pilot to volume

What You Can & can't Do

Permitted scope depends on the exact wording of the activity and the issuing authority. Some tasks require separate approvals. Confirm fit for Ice Cream Manufacturing Business License before applying.

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Cost & Timeline (What Affects the Price)

Expect a base trade license plus immigration add-ons. Mainland vs Free Zone, shareholders, and office type (flexi/shared vs Ejari) affect price. Many packages start from ~AED 10,800 excluding optional immigration.

How to Get Started

1. Choose jurisdiction (Mainland vs Free Zone)
2. Reserve trade name & obtain initial approval
3. Confirm office allocation (flexi/shared vs Ejari)
4. Issue license & process establishment card and visas
5. Medical & Emirates ID, then start operations

Documents Checklist

• Passport copy & recent photo of each shareholder
• Current visa/entry status
• 2 to 3 preferred trade names
• Brief scope & staffing plan

📆 Last updated: September 2025

*Estimates. Regulations and fees may change. Confirm current requirements before applying.