Dubai is an international center for creative endeavors, providing an excellent environment to grow creative enterprises. The current market conditions create a favorable chance for the launch of an interior design business setup in Dubai. Both local and overseas designers flock toward the city because its remarkable architectural structures and dynamic art scene provide exceptional inspiration.
So, in this blog post, we’ll discuss how to start interior design business in Dubai, covering its benefits, required documentation, cost evaluations, and suitable locations to achieve a successful launch.
Benefits of Starting an Interior Design Business in Dubai, UAE
Demand for interior design services faces an immense increase in Dubai after the Expo 2020 project as their importance grows with major development projects. The following are the advantages of to open an interior design company in Dubai, UAE:
- Reduced taxes on business activities.
- Corporate-friendly laws, rules, and regulations.
- Dubai offers easy access to freelance interior designers.
- Jurisdiction opportunities present multiple alternative legal choices.
- Easier access to contractors and suppliers to setup an interior design company.
- There’s a rise in the demand for interior design industry for residential and commercial buildings.
- The diverse audience space provides various applications in design work.
- Simple establishment of office space and professional license from the mainland or free zones.
Steps to Start an Interior Design Business in Dubai, UAE
Setting up an interior design firm requires you to follow a simple path to achieve results quickly. Here’s how to start interior design business in Dubai, UAE:
1. Trade Name Reservation
Your business needs three to four suitable names for its interior design company. The submitted names should go to the responsible authority, who will approve or deny the request. Make certain all names follow the established naming conventions when you create your list.
Companies must avoid trade names that contain offensive language or attack a specific religion or person, resulting in derogatory or insulting content, as these names are prohibited.
2. Decide Company’s Organization and Site Selection
Score 100% ownership of your company or maintain sole proprietorship across your business operations. You should establish your interior design company in a free zone after completion. For a free zone company, the Dubai Design District is a key location where interior designing professionals find business development prospects.
Moreover, the Dubai Studio City (DSC) free zone and the Dubai Design District (D3) offer business establishment options to meet different company requirements. To establish your company near local markets while centrally located in the city center, choose a Dubai mainland entity. To begin operations, you must establish a partnership agreement with a local sponsor before acquiring your business license through DED.
3. Rent an Office Space
Now that you have confirmed your design company site, it’s time to start looking for office space in Dubai. All license approval procedures utilize the tenancy contract you obtain from the tenant. Office space rentals in Dubai provide budget relief since they eliminate major upfront expenses while allowing you to relocate your business easily.
4. Get Interior Design License in Dubai
Getting a license for interior design company is compulsory to participate in UAE business operations. To obtain the interior designing business license, you must complete all necessary paperwork and pay your fees on time when submitting all required documents. Small businesses in the UAE can work with professional consultants like Xpert Advisory to obtain the required license at low expense.
5. Get Additional Approvals
Interior designing is a professional niche encompassing multiple business operations. The occupation extends from interior architecture through space planning to conceptualization and multiple other domains. The business operates as both an interior design consultancy service and maintenance operations.
Extra permits from government authorities must be obtained anytime your business operations extend beyond the permitted tasks listed in your license. Moreover, interior design company operations in Dubai remain risk-free due to the mandatory approvals from various authorities.
6. Manage Visas
Are you considering setting up a business with your family in the UAE? Do you consider employing house staff to fulfill tasks around your home? Business owners can request different types of visas for their family members, employees, and partners through suitable channels managed by jurisdictional authorities.
7. Open a Corporate Bank Account
Opening a corporate bank account for your firm becomes possible after acquiring your interior business license and completing all remaining requirements. Research several banks in Dubai to learn about their services and weaknesses before deciding. With your interior design company in Dubai, you can start your operations to build your brand presence in the UAE’s challenging market.
Documents Required for Dubai Interior Design Business Setup
If you want to start an interior design business in Dubai, you must gather the following required documents for licensing:
Documents to Apply for Initial Approval
Provide the following documents to apply for initial approval:
- Detailed Business plan
- Application for license
- Original NOC for the company (if required)
- Incorporation certificate copy & trade license copy
- Passport copies of managers, shareholders, and directors
Documents for Registering the Interior Design Firm
The assessment of paperwork will lead to a Customer Confirmation Letter providing access to the correct office space for your business operations. You will have to submit the following documents:
- Post-dated checks
- Board resolution and registration Form.
- The necessary form to initiate company registration requirements.
- Attested Memorandum of Association (MOA).
- The company needs an attested copy of its certificate demonstrating business incorporation.
- Zero down payments are required when signing the lease, followed by license collection and personnel sponsorship.
- Obtaining customer confirmation letter and fee payment.
Which Activities are Allowed for Starting an Interior Design Company?
An interior design company in the UAE can engage in the following activities:
- Providing interior design and decoration services operates across residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
- Design and execution of furniture and furnishings
- The company offers 3D visualization along with rendering services to clients.
- Organizations provide execution and design services for all aspects of lighting and electric systems.
- Design and execution of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems
- Plumbing and drainage system design and construction activities constitute part of our service offerings.
- Project management services
Cost of an Interior Design License
The certifying process and licensing fees significantly affect the total expense of obtaining an interior design license inside Dubai. The typical cost of interior design license is AED 16,000*, although this figure does not equal the total expenses.
There are more elements that can impact the price you pay for your license. Talk to Xpert Advisory business setup consultants for detailed information about the interior design license costs.
Final Words
Knowing how to start interior design business in Dubai brings valuable advantages through tax decreases, market expansion opportunities, and flexible legal frameworks. Dubai’s growing interior design market and welcoming business policies make this metropolis a favored destination for interior design businesses. By following the steps above, your Interior design businesses can achieve sustained market success.
Business startup challenges must not stop you from pursuing your goals. Xpert Advisory‘s team provides specialized business setup assistance in bank account opening, payroll and admin, and visa services. So, contact us today for expert guidance on every step of your business registration process.
FAQs
Is an Interior Designer Business License Required to Practice in Dubai?
The Dubai Creative Cluster Authority (DCCA) allows investors to obtain licenses for conducting space planning with interior architecture and design and concept designing activities. The Dubai Creative Cluster Authority grants work permits for interior designers specializing in product creation and furniture development.
What are the Requirements to Become an Interior Designer in Dubai?
Interior designers need proven experience working with design software and industry experience. Candidates must have a university degree in Interior Design. Also, they need 1-2 years of interior design experience in residential and commercial.
