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.
Here’s a look at the business activities you can choose under your license:
1811.00 – Printing
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.
It’s important to note that 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.
- 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: Business activity 1811.00 is exempt from this requirement
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 1811.00 is exempt from this requirement
1811.01 – Printing of newspapers, magazines and other periodicals, books and brochures, music and music manuscripts, maps, atlases, posters, advertising catalogues, prospectuses and other printed advertising, postage stamps, taxation stamps, documents of title, cheques and other security papers, diaries, calendars, business forms and other commercial printed matter, personal stationery and other printed matter by letterpress, offset, photogravure, flexographic and other printing presses, duplication machines, computer printers, embossers etc., including quick printing. The material printed is typically copyrighted
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.
Note that 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.
- 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: Business activity 1811.01 is exempt from this requirement
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 1811.01 is exempt from this requirement
1811.02 – Printing directly onto textiles, plastic, glass, metal, wood and ceramics (except silkscreen printing on textiles and wearing apparel) the material printed is typically copyrighted
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.
Do remember that 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.
- Third-party Approval: Business activity 1811.02 is exempt from this requirement
- Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 1811.02 is exempt from this requirement
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 1811.02 is exempt from this requirement
1811.03 – Printing on labels or tags (lithographic, gravure printing, flexographic printing, other)
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.
It’s important to note that 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.
- Third-party Approval: Business activity 1811.03 is exempt from this requirement
- Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 1811.03 is exempt from this requirement
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 1811.03 is exempt from this requirement
1811.04 – Multi-dimensional printing services
This is a lucrative option for entrepreneurs who want to provide a range of printing services to their customers. 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.
- Third-party Approval: Business activity 1811.04 is exempt from this requirement
- Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 1811.04 is exempt from this requirement
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 1811.04 is exempt from this requirement
1811.05 – Printing, Advertising Agencies And Event Organizing
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.
Also remember that 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.
- Third-party Approval: Business activity 1811.05 is exempt from this requirement
- Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 1811.05 is exempt from this requirement
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 1811.05 is exempt from this requirement
1811.06 – Printing Production, Books and Stationery Trade
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, such as silk-screen printing on textiles and wearing apparel, manufacture of paper articles such as binders, publishing printed matter, and photocopying of documents.
- Third-party Approval: Business activity 1811.06 is exempt from this requirement
- Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 1811.06 is exempt from this requirement
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 1811.06 is exempt from this requirement
1811.07 – Packaging activities, Printing Services
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.
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.
- Third-party Approval: Business activity 1811.07 is exempt from this requirement
- Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 1811.07 is exempt from this requirement
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 1811.07 is exempt from this requirement
1811.08 – Import/Export Printing & Publishing Related, Books Trading & Book-seller and Stationery
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.
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.
- Third-party Approval: Business activity 1811.08 is exempt from this requirement
- Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 1811.08 is exempt from this requirement
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 1811.08 is exempt from this requirement
1811.09 – Import/Export Printing & Publishing related, Art Production & Distribution
This activity provides another pathway for you to enter the publishing industry, through the distribution of art production rather than books and stationery.
It’s important to note that 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.
- Third-party Approval: Business activity 1811.09 is exempt from this requirement
- Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 1811.09 is exempt from this requirement
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 1811.09 is exempt from this requirement
Did you find what you were looking for? Explore the other guides in our 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 our handy cost calculator and choose from our 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.
