How to Start an Interior Design Company in Dubai: Step-by-Step Process, Costs, and Types of Interior Designing Licences

Starting an interior design company in Dubai means you make and decorate homes, offices, and other spaces. You need a proper licence and registration to work legally.

Dubai is a great place for interior designers. Many new buildings, offices, hotels, and homes are built every year. So there is a significant need for interior design businesses and services like a commercial fit-out company in Dubai.

With more buildings and modern design trends, many people want professional designers. This is why many choose to set up an interior design business in Dubai. The city lets foreigners fully own their business and has clear rules to start.

Why Dubai Is a Prime Market for Interior Design Businesses

Growing Demand for Interior Design Services

There is a strong market for interior design firm Dubai, for example, residences, offices, hotels, shops, and restaurants all require design. Supplier and client relationships are ongoing, as there are constant new buildings and new real estate developments in Dubai, and there is also a need for commercial fit-out companies in Dubai. Customers are from diverse backgrounds, and so there is plenty of room for designers to pitch a variety of niches.

Business-Friendly Environment for Designers

Setting up a business in Dubai is simple. You can own 100% of your company as a foreigner. Taxes are low or zero for many business types. You also get easy access to materials, suppliers, and skilled workers. This makes it simple to run an interior design company Dubai smoothly.

Can Foreigners Start an Interior Design Company Setup in Dubai?

Yes, if you’re a foreigner, you can establish an interior design firm in Dubai. A lot of interior design activities allow full foreign ownership, meaning you don’t need a local sponsor.

Designers, be they amateurs or professionals, as well as investors, can submit applications. With the appropriate authorisations, you can start the company as a resident or even from outside the country. Non-residents may need a local service agent for some licence types. However, Dubai has made it easy for foreigners to set up an interior designing business setup in Dubai.

Different Types of Interior Design Licences in Dubai

Dubai has categorised the types of interior design companies based on how you want to operate the business, and provides different licenses for that.

• Professional License for Interior Designers UAE

With this licence, you get to perform complete interior design activities. You can design spaces and manage projects. It is suitable for experienced designers or companies who want to work on homes and offices.

• Interior Design Consultancy Licence

This licence is for giving advice and planning designs. You are not allowed to conduct any construction work without prior special permission.

• Freelance Interior Design License in Dubai

It is mainly tailored to individual designers who aim to handle simple projects. It is less costly and simpler, but there are restrictions. You are allowed to have fewer customers and cannot have a large workforce.

Free Zone vs Mainland Interior Design Company

There are two options available when launching an interior design business in Dubai: a mainland or a free zone setup. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Interior Designing Business in Dubai Mainland

Mainland firms can deal with customers all over the UAE. You are able to provide comprehensive services in the residential, commercial and hospitality industries. A physical office and an Ejari lease registration are required to obtain your business license.

Interior Design Business in Free Zones

Dubai Design District (D3) is a free zone, and there are others, which are also concentrated on the creative and media sectors.

Free zone companies can benefit from a more straightforward setup and 100% foreign ownership, but they may face limits in working directly with mainland clients.

Which Option Is Better for You?

Choose a mainland setup if you want full market access and client flexibility. Free zones are better for small teams, freelancers, or projects within the free zone and media-focused sectors. Your business model and client base will determine the best choice.

Step-by-Step Process to Start an Interior Design Company Setup in Dubai

Step 1: Choose Business Activities

The first step to getting your business license in Dubai is selecting your business activities. Activities to choose from include interior design, consultancy, and interior design, and fit-out.

Step 2: Select Legal Structure

Select a legal business structure. Most interior design companies set up as an LLC. However, solo freelancers and designers have the option of a sole proprietorship as a legal structure.

Step 3: Reserve Trade Name

Select a trade name and have it approved by the relevant authority for Dubai interior design company registration. To sidestep the expenditure of fruitless hours following the Dubai naming regulations and rules.

Step 4: Initial Dubai Municipality Approval for Interior Design

You must send in your application to the Dubai Economic Development Authority and the Free Zone Authority. It is required if you want to begin operating your business activity legally.

Step 5: Office Space & Ejari Registration

In Dubai, it is required to have a registered physical office (mandatory for mainland setup). After you get an office space, register your tenancy contract with Ejari. You can use flexi-desk offers from free zones.

Step 6: Acquisition of Final License

With all paperwork and permissions finalised, you will be enabled to apply for your Dubai interior design license in Dubai to function and interact with clients legally.

Documents Required to Open an Interior Design Firm Dubai

To set up your interior design setup in Dubai, you need the following documents:

• Passport copies – for all partners or shareholders.
• Visa or entry status – if you are a resident or on a visit visa.
• Business plan – sometimes requested, especially for free zone setups.
• MoA / legal documents – Memorandum of Association and other company formation papers.
• Ejari / office lease – proof of a physical office for mainland companies.
• NOC (No Objection Certificate) – required in some cases, e.g., if you are on a sponsor’s visa.

Interior Design Licence Cost in Dubai

Mainland Interior Design Licence Cost

• Government fees: fees charged by DED or the relevant authority.
• Licence issuance fees: cost for getting your interior design licence in Dubai.
• Office and Ejari costs: mandatory for mainland companies to have a physical office.

Free Zone Interior Design Licence Cost

• Package ranges: depending on the free zone, prices vary from AED 15,000–30,000 per year.

Provided services entail obtaining a trade license, initial approvals, and sometimes even flexi-desk or office arrangements.

Other Expenses to Consider

• Visa costs: Applicable if you plan to sponsor employees or partners.
• Bank account opening: There will be charges for corporate account opening.
• Consultant or service fees: Optional but helpful to obtain a streamlined setup and compliance.

Is It Difficult and How Long Does It Take to Start an Interior Design Company Dubai? 

On average, starting an interior design company Dubai takes 2–6 weeks.

• Fast-track situations

Provided all documents are in order and the Dubai Municipality approval for interior design is secured, some licenses can be issued within 1 to 2 weeks.

• Standard situations

When it comes to standard situations, most setups require around 4–6 weeks, especially if there are further approvals or office arrangements in place.

• Common delays

Incomplete documents, trade name issues, office lease delays, or authority approval backlogs can slow down the process.

Office Space and Location Requirements

When starting an interior designing company in Dubai, having the right office is essential.

Policies Regarding a Physical Office 

Mainland firms need to have an Ejari lease to receive a license.  

Flexi-desk Availability

Some free trade zones offer flexi-desks or communal office spaces for individuals or smaller groups.  

Facilities in Dedicated Creative Free Zones  

Creative free zones such as Dubai Design District (D3) offer modern workspaces built to meet the unique operational requirements of a particular sector. This is very helpful for meeting clients for interior design projects.

Process of Opening a Corporate Bank Account for Your Interior Design Company in Dubai

The very first step in establishing your interior designing business in Dubai is opening a corporate bank account.

• Bank Requirements

Due to standard banking regulations, a bank will require a document bundle that includes a valid trade licence, Ejari Lease, MoA, a Passport copy of all the owners and signatories.

• Common Challenges

Certain banks have extra limitations when opening accounts with non-resident owners, including requiring an in-person visit to the bank.

• What Improves Chances of Approval

The ability to obtain a bank account is more likely with the presence of a straightforward business plan, professional setup, free zone, or mainland, and all necessary documents.

Visa and Staffing Options for Interior Design Businesses

Setting up an interior designing business in Dubai also means thinking about visas and staff.

• Owner visa eligibility:

With most setups, owners can apply for a residency visa in Dubai. Free zone and mainland rules may differ.

• Hiring designers and staff

You can hire local and foreign designers, project managers, and admin staff once your company is licensed.

• Labour and immigration basics

All employees must have valid work permits and labour contracts. Free zones usually handle visas faster, while mainland companies follow the UAE Labour Law.

Tax, VAT, and Compliance Obligations

Running an interior design company Dubai comes with some tax and compliance rules to follow.

• VAT Registration for Interior Design Companies

Your business must register for VAT if it exceeds the UAE VAT threshold of AED 375,000 per year. That applies to interior design consultancy services, fit-out projects, and the supply of materials.

• Corporate Tax Overview

The corporate tax may apply to your company if your company earns a profit that exceeds the threshold limit from business activities. You must keep your books of accounts in a way that they represent your income and expenses and income and circumstances if it varies an exemption from income tax.

• Ongoing Compliance Requirement

Please ensure the timely renewal of your Dubai interior design license.

Maintain proper record-keeping of your invoices, contracts, and details of the projects you undertake.

Please ensure that you complete your VAT returns and corporate tax returns correctly to avoid penalties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting an Interior Design Business

• Obtaining the incorrect license as it relates to your offerings.
• Failing to address all the business activities in your license.
• Misjudging the initial setup and the ongoing operational costs of the business.
• Neglecting the relevant VAT, corporate tax, and license renewal legislation.

Is the Interior Business in Dubai Right for you?

Considering starting an interior design company in Dubai is a good starting point if designing homes, offices, or hotels is your love.

• Designers – Someone who knows how to design a space and work with clients
• Advisors – consultants who advise and design plans
• Creative entrepreneurs – Everyone who is interested in running a small or medium-sized interior design firm

Here are signs you should consider rethinking or modifying your plan:

• You don’t have enough money to pay for a license, office or staff.
• You are not even prepared for clients, the work and timelines.
• There are many things to do in Dubai, but one needs to be ready for them.

Our top professionals from Business setup experts in Dubai can help you in the process. They are licensed Business setup consultants in Dubai with over 12+ years of experience. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How much does it cost to start an interior design company in Dubai?

The cost depends on your licence type, office, and visas. Mainland setup may start around AED 15,000–20,000, while free zone packages range from AED 10,000–25,000.

Q2: Do I need qualifications to open an interior design firm?

Yes, a professional interior design licence requires a relevant degree or experience in interior design.

Q3: Can I run an interior design business from home?

Freelance interior design setups may allow home-based work, but full company setups usually need an office or flexi-desk.

Q4: Which licence is best for interior designers?

It depends on your services: a professional license for interior designers UAE, a consultancy license for advisory roles, and a freelance license for singular projects.

Q5: What is the average length of time taken for licence approval?

Approval generally takes 1–4 weeks. Free zone setups can be quicker;  mainland setups are likely to take longer if office and approvals are needed.

Conclusion – Start Your Interior Design Company in Dubai with Clarity

Starting a Dubai-based interior design company is a fantastic opportunity for business expansion. By selecting the correct licence, configuring your office, and adhering to the regulations, you can manage your business securely.

The Dubai-administered areas are very welcoming and accommodating for foreign business owners to migrate and establish their interior design business. Ensure your plans are well structured and that you adhere to the legal requirements in the Dubai area, while keeping your files in perfect order, as these are essential for business success within Dubai.

Before anything else, you need to consider your licensing alternatives and systemise your documentation. Implementing the necessary procedures and ensuring that all your documents are in order will leave you with no headaches as you start your design firm in Dubai.

Our Business Setup Experts in Dubai will help you with your Interior Designing Business Setup in Dubai!