Author: Hanoof Al Naama
Published: July 23, 2024
The UAE has long been a hub for commerce and business development. With a thriving economy, a growing population, and a strong focus on innovation, it presents a fertile ground for entrepreneurs looking to capitalise on promising markets. One such market, often overlooked but brimming with potential, is the printing industry, projected to grow at a healthy rate during 2023-2029. The world of 3D printing adds another layer of opportunity, opening doors for businesses catering to various industries beyond traditional printing, fostering a dynamic and diversified market.
For aspiring printers looking to capitalise on this flourishing market, the UAE offers a unique advantage: located in the UAE's cultural and intellectual hub, SPC Free Zone is the world's first free zone dedicated entirely to the global print and publishing industry. With a business license from SPC Free Zone, you can enjoy a streamlined business setup process, world-class infrastructure, and a supportive ecosystem designed for printing businesses to flourish.
The following sections detail the specific business activities you can choose under your license:
Description:
For entrepreneurs who wish to establish a business with a broad range, this activity is your ticket to all things print, from books and brochures to newspapers, posters, embossers, and more. An entrepreneur who wants to specialise in a specific type of printing can choose a relevant specialisation under this section.
Exclusions:
Silk-screen printing on textiles and wearing apparel, manufacture of paper articles such as binders, publishing printed matter, and photocopying of documents are not allowed under this activity.
Regulatory Requirements:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Approval from the Ministry of Culture and Youth – Media Regulatory Office (MRO) is required for this business activity, post-obtaining your trade license |
| Filing of Economic Substance Return | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
Description:
This activity is quite evidently an incredibly useful one, allowing entrepreneurs to venture into a range of printing styles, from newspapers/magazines to books/brochures, office stationery items, posters, and catalogs – to name a few. It allows entrepreneurs to cater to offices, advertising firms, large corporations, and other small startups as well.
Exclusions:
Several printing activities are not allowed under this activity, such as silk-screen printing on textiles and wearing apparel, manufacture of paper articles such as binders, publishing printed matter, and photocopying of documents.
Regulatory Requirements:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Approval from the Ministry of Culture and Youth – Media Regulatory Office (MRO) is required for this business activity, post obtaining your trade license |
| Filing of Economic Substance Return | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
Description:
This activity is for entrepreneurs who are keen to take their printing business to the next level. By being able to master printing on textiles, plastic, glass, metal, wood, or ceramics, entrepreneurs can tap into a larger customer base. It opens the doors to custom orders, gifts, and corporate merchandise.
Exclusions:
Some printing activities are not allowed under this activity, such as silk-screen printing on textiles and wearing apparel, manufacture of paper articles such as binders, publishing printed matter, and photocopying of documents.
Regulatory Requirements:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Exempt |
| Filing of Economic Substance Return | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
Description:
For printing businesses that want to expand to the world of apparel and other sold goods, this activity is your ticket. Being able to print on labels and tags is a specific service that many other industries and businesses require – and, typically, outsource.
Exclusions:
Silk-screen printing on textiles and wearing apparel, manufacture of paper articles such as binders, publishing printed matter, and photocopying of documents are not allowed under this activity.
Regulatory Requirements:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Exempt |
| Filing of Economic Substance Return | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
Description:
This is a lucrative option for entrepreneurs who want to provide a range of printing services to their customers.
Exclusions:
A number of printing activities are not allowed under this activity, such as silk-screen printing on textiles and wearing apparel, manufacture of paper articles such as binders, publishing printed matter, and photocopying of documents.
Regulatory Requirements:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Exempt |
| Filing of Economic Substance Return | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
Description:
For promoters, marketers, and advertisers who handle their marketing materials in-house, this activity gives you the freedom to print posters, brochures, billboards, hoardings, and other marketing materials that a client may require. These materials could even be printed for the sole purpose of event promotion or to be displayed at an event. Remember that this activity only covers the printing of such material, not distribution or other related activities.
Exclusions:
A number of printing activities are not allowed under this business activity, such as silk-screen printing on textiles and wearing apparel, manufacture of paper articles such as binders, publishing printed matter, and photocopying of documents.
Regulatory Requirements:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Exempt |
| Filing of Economic Substance Return | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
Description:
For entrepreneurs who plan to specialise in books and stationery, this may be the most crucial activity in your bundle. Since the focus here is on books and stationery, a number of printing activities are not allowed under this activity.
Exclusions:
Silk-screen printing on textiles and wearing apparel, manufacture of paper articles such as binders, publishing printed matter, and photocopying of documents are not allowed.
Regulatory Requirements:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Exempt |
| Filing of Economic Substance Return | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
Description:
Many businesses require specific packaging activities, whether you're selling a product or not. Within these activities, printing is an absolute must. Whether you're an entrepreneur whose trade business involves packaging and printing, or an aspiring printing business entrepreneur who will handle this requirement for their client, this activity is what you need.
Exclusions:
A number of printing activities are not allowed, however, such as silk-screen printing on textiles and wearing apparel, manufacture of paper articles such as binders, publishing printed matter, and photocopying of documents.
Regulatory Requirements:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Exempt |
| Filing of Economic Substance Return | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
Description:
If you're an aspiring printer focusing on books within the import/export market, you may want to explore the benefits of this business activity. While placing you within the publishing industry, this also allows you to print for stationery, which diversifies your offerings.
Exclusions:
Several printing activities are not allowed here, such as silk-screen printing on textiles and wearing apparel, manufacture of paper articles such as binders, publishing printed matter, and photocopying of documents.
Regulatory Requirements:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Exempt |
| Filing of Economic Substance Return | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
Description:
This activity provides another pathway for you to enter the publishing industry, through the distribution of art production rather than books and stationery.
Exclusions:
Silk-screen printing on textiles and wearing apparel, manufacture of paper articles such as binders, publishing printed matter, and photocopying of documents are not allowed under this activity.
Regulatory Requirements:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Exempt |
| Filing of Economic Substance Return | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
| Activity Code | Focus Area | MRO Approval Required | Economic Substance Filing | AML Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1811.00 | General Printing | Yes | Exempt | Exempt |
| 1811.01 | Newspapers, Magazines, Books, Commercial Printing | Yes | Exempt | Exempt |
| 1811.02 | Printing on Textiles, Plastic, Glass, Metal, Wood, Ceramics | No | Exempt | Exempt |
| 1811.03 | Labels and Tags Printing | No | Exempt | Exempt |
| 1811.04 | Multi-dimensional Printing | No | Exempt | Exempt |
| 1811.05 | Advertising and Event Materials Printing | No | Exempt | Exempt |
| 1811.06 | Books and Stationery Production | No | Exempt | Exempt |
| 1811.07 | Packaging and Printing Services | No | Exempt | Exempt |
| 1811.08 | Import/Export Books and Stationery | No | Exempt | Exempt |
| 1811.09 | Import/Export Art Production | No | Exempt | Exempt |
Did you find what you were looking for? Explore the other guides in the Activity Hub for exploring unique business ideas in Dubai and navigate the essentials of business setup with ease.
You can also calculate your business setup costs easily using the cost calculator and choose from customized company setup packages to find your perfect fit.
Get your business license in the UAE today and explore a world of opportunities waiting for you.
About SPC Free Zone:
SPC Free Zone is the world's first free zone dedicated entirely to the global print and publishing industry, located in Sharjah, UAE's cultural and intellectual hub.