29 Jul 2025
By Vista CorpUAE: A country where residents are passionate about fashion, design, and creativity. It’s evident in the houses, streets, offices, and public spaces.
By 2029, the interior design market in Dubai is estimated to reach USD 4.66 billion. Yes, you heard that right! In a wealthy nation like the UAE and in a country with a real estate market that tops the charts, the interior design business model has huge potential for growth and revenue generation. People are willing to spend money to hire interior designers. These high-profile clients are everywhere in the UAE, because luxury homes are synonymous with the country.
Are you also planning to set up your interior design company in Dubai? The guide below provides all the necessary insights on how to start an interior design business in Dubai.
Snippet of the UAE’s Current Interior Design Market Graph
UAE has a market share of almost 40% overall in the GCC for interior design, making it the largest market. Expo 2020 and the Emirate’s vision are already making the construction grow rapidly in the UAE. As a result, the demand for the interior market has reached sky-high in recent years. Therefore, if you are an investor willing to start an interior design firm in Dubai, this is the right time.
Benefits of Opening an Interior Design Company in Dubai
In the past few years and some years down the line, the demand for skilled interior designers has increased in Dubai and will continue to increase. Interior designers from all over the world are eyeing Dubai for all the good reasons. Want to know more? Here are some of the major benefits of opening an interior design company in Dubai.
1. Open Economy
An open economy is a market in which both domestic and foreign entities affect corporate operations. A trade can take many forms, including managerial exchange, technological exchange, and so on. Dubai’s economy is open, encouraging cross-border trade and economic operations. The GCC’s booming economy provides various prospects for interior designers in Dubai. They can partner with enterprises and companies from other countries to have an international footprint.
2. Amazing Tax Policies
Dubai has a very lenient policy when it comes to taxing money earned from profits, salary, and other sources. That’s why the scope to reinvest the money earned for the business growth is major. This is one reason why investors from all over the world are attracted to the UAE. Zero corporate tax is icing on the cake.
3. Special Licenses for Designers & Artists
In the UAE, the process to set up an interior design company is simple and straightforward. You generally need a professional service license to begin, along with visas. But here’s a good part. Becoming a freelance interior design consultant in Dubai is also a trending option. All you need is a freelance license or a permit to trade as a freelance interior designer. DCCA free zone provides this freelance license, which is known as the Interior Design Consultancy License or an Interior Designer’s Permit.
4. Work-Friendly Infrastructure
Dubai’s work-friendly infrastructure for companies is no question. In fact, it’s reported that the UAE will increase its infrastructure spending, with the World Expo 2020 being the major catalyst for it. This increase in infrastructure serves as a golden opportunity for interior designers to step in and expand.
5. Rise in Demand for Commercial & Residential Buildings
Dubai’s commercial and residential buildings need no mention. With world-class designs and architecture, such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai is a goldmine for interior designers. The demand for creative wonders is always welcome. If you have the skills to build more such wonders or add to the beauty of what’s inside these wonders, opportunities are endless here. So, this is the right time.
Business Setup Cost Estimate for an Interior Design Firm in Dubai
When estimating the cost to open an interior design consultancy in Dubai, certain factors must be considered, from the Dubai interior design business license cost to the bank account to Ejari requirements for an interior design office and more. The table below states all the factors you should keep in mind while planning a budget.
| Category | Description |
| Trade Name & Initial Approval | Reservation of company name and initial business activity approvals. |
| Professional Trade License | Issued by DED (Dubai Mainland) or a Free Zone for interior design activities. |
| Office Space / Flexi Desk | Requirement for physical office or co-working space, depending on jurisdiction. |
| Ejari / Tenancy Contract | Legal contract for commercial premises (required for license issuance). |
| External Approvals | Approvals from Dubai Municipality or Dubai Creative Cluster Authority (if any). |
| Partner / Investor Visa | Visa allocation for the owner(s) of the business. |
| Employee Visa (Optional) | Applicable if hiring design staff, admin, or support roles. |
| Emirates ID & Medical Test | Mandatory documentation process for visa holders. |
| Corporate Bank Account Setup | Assistance and compliance are required to open a business account. |
| Business Consultancy Fee | Optional professional services to manage end-to-end setup and paperwork. |
| Brand & Marketing Setup | Logo, website, social media, and branding elements (if planned). |
| Insurance (Optional) | Professional liability or office insurance (based on project type/clients). |
Step-by-Step Process to Start an Interior Design Company in Dubai
If you have the right knowledge with a solid plan, you are already ahead of most of your competitors. Therefore, understand the step-by-step process to launch your dream venture in the UAE.
Step 1: Business Name/Trade Name
Begin by making a list of two to three names for your company. Keeping your options ready is essential because the UAE has strict naming regulations that might lead to name rejections. For an interior design firm in the UAE, the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the respective emirate is the primary authority for trade name approval. Ensure you are NOT violating any naming guidelines. For more information on this, read this blog.
Step 2: Decide on the Company’s Structure and Location
Ask yourself if you want 100% ownership of the company? If yes, then set up your company in a free zone, preferably in the Dubai Design District (D3) and take the free zone interior design license in Dubai. It’s suitable for interior design enthusiasts with unmatched opportunities. You can also opt for the Dubai Studio City (DSC) free zones, depending on your requirements.
If you want a mainland interior design company in Dubai for access to the local market, be sure to check all the ownership rules and regulations.
Step 3: Rent an Office Space
Once you have decided what your company’s location is going to be, it’s time to rent an office space. You will need to receive the lease contract from the renter, which will be used during the license approval procedure. Therefore, renting an office space in Dubai is crucial because it saves you from hefty upfront costs and allows you to easily shift from one location to the next.
Step 4: Get the Dubai Interior Design License
Doesn’t matter if your company is in Dubai or any other legal entity; having a legitimate license to operate in the UAE is a must in all cases. To get a licence, submit all the paperwork, pay the fees, and submit all the information required. Note that this step can be a little complicated; therefore, partner with an expert to help you get the license.
Step 5: Get Additional Approvals
The interior design niche is vast. There are different activities involved, like interior architecture, space planning, conceptuation, an interior design consultancy, or even a maintenance office. If you get a license where any of the activities you are involved in are not mentioned, it can land you in trouble. Therefore, you need to get additional approvals from the governing authorities for a risk-free functioning.
Step 6: Manage Visas
This is another very important step. Will you be coming with your family to the UAE to do business? Do you plan to hire employees to work with/for you? If your answer is yes, you will have to apply for multiple visas for your family, staff, partners, and others. Take your time to understand the visa guidelines and apply accordingly.
Step 7: Open a Corporate Bank Account
When all your previous steps are in place and you have received your interior design business license, it’s time to open a corporate bank account to handle all business transactions. Understand what each bank is offering and its cons. After much consideration, pick the one that best aligns with your business’s financial requirements.
Everything’s done? You are all set to open your interior design company in Dubai.
LLC Interior Design Firm in Dubai vs. Sole Establishment
If you are wondering whether an LLC interior design firm is better in Dubai or a sole proprietorship, here’s a comparison table below to make an informed choice:
| Feature | LLC Interior Design Firm | Sole Establishment |
| Ownership | 1 to 50 shareholders (can include foreigners) | Single owner only |
| Legal Status | Separate legal entity | Not a separate legal entity |
| Liability | Limited to the shareholders’ capital investment | Unlimited – personal assets are at risk |
| Control | Shared among partners/shareholders | Full control by the single owner |
| Setup Suitability | Ideal for medium-to-large businesses, design studios, or commercial interiors | Best for individual designers, freelancers, or consultants |
| Visa Eligibility | Can sponsor multiple employee visas | Limited visa options, depending on activity and scale |
| Banking & Finance | Easier to secure loans and business banking | May face challenges with funding or opening business accounts |
| Market Perception | More credibility and flexibility in B2B contracts | It may be seen as less formal for corporate clients |
| Taxation | Subject to UAE corporate tax above the threshold | Subject to corporate tax as per income, but simpler filing |
| Compliance | Requires audited financials and structured governance | Less complex compliance and reporting |
| Cost to Set Up | Generally higher due to the multi-party structure and paperwork | Lower setup costs and fewer admin requirements |
Your choice of the type of Dubai interior design company setup should depend on all these factors.
Documents Required to Start an Interior Design Business in Dubai
Below are all the documents you will require to set up an interior design company in Dubai.
List of documents required for initial approval:
| Document | Purpose / Description |
| Detailed Business Plan | Describes services, company structure, market analysis, and financial projections. |
| Application for License | Official form to apply for business activity approval. |
| NOC (if required) | No Objection Certificate from the sponsor or existing employer, if applicable. |
| Certificate of Incorporation | For existing entities or branches, it proves the legal formation of the business. |
| Trade License Copy | If applying as a branch of another company, a copy of the parent license is required. |
| Passport Copies | Valid copies of passports for all shareholders, managers, and directors. |
List of documents required for company formation:
| Document | Purpose / Description |
| Customer Confirmation Letter | Issued by the authority confirming office space and approval to proceed. |
| Post-Dated Cheques | Security cheques for lease or license instalment plan, if applicable. |
| Board Resolution | Authorises the company formation and key decisions by the board of directors. |
| Company Registration Form | Official form to register the business entity. |
| Attested MOA | Memorandum of Association, notarised and recognised for legal structure. |
| Attested Certificate of Incorporation | Legal proof of the company’s formation (for branches or group entities). |
| Signed Lease Agreement | Contract for the rented office space or facility. |
| License Collection & Sponsorship | Final steps to collect the license and initiate employee visa processes. |
5 Tips to Start an Interior Design Company in Dubai, UAE
- Learn local design preferences & cultural norms.
- Build a portfolio with 3D visualisations, not just past projects.
- Create Arabic-English bilingual branding.
- Partner with real estate brokers for Inbound Projects.
- Apply for the ‘Interior Decoration’ activity code, and not just ‘Interior Design.’
How Vista Business Setup Can Help?
If you are new to the UAE’s business rules and regulations, the process to open an interior design company in Dubai can be overwhelming. There can be tough spots where expert guidance is the way out. Vista Business Setup helps you navigate the entire process with ease.
We have business setup experts on board, equipped with the right knowledge to assist you in understanding the rules and laws regarding conducting an interior design business in Dubai. Want to talk to her experts? The first consultation is absolutely free.
FAQs
1. Do I need a degree to start my interior design company in Dubai?
No. A formal degree is not required to start your interior design company in Dubai. However, relevant work experience and certifications can add to your company’s credibility, which can help you attract clients.
2. Which is the best free zone for my free zone interior design license in Dubai?
Dubai Design District (D3) is the best free zone in Dubai to get your free zone interior design license and start working. However, there are other good options too, like Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, based on what your business needs are.
3. Can I be a freelance interior designer in Dubai?
Yes. You can work as a freelance interior designer by applying for a freelance permit from selected free zones, like Dubai Design District (d3). Once approved, you can legally take on clients internationally, within the free zone, and (for most projects) in the wider UAE. However, for certain government or ongoing contracts with a Mainland interior design company in Dubai, a separate trade license or sponsorship may be required.
4. How much does it take to set up an interior design company in Dubai?
The timeline to start an interior design company in Dubai usually ranges from 2-4 weeks, depending on multiple factors, like how quickly you submit documents, jurisdiction, and what licenses are required.
5. As a foreigner, can I own 100% of my interior design company in Dubai?
Yes, under current laws, you can own 100% of your interior design company in Dubai. This is possible both in the mainland and in free zones.
6. Do I need RERA approval to offer interior design services in Dubai?
Not always. If your interior design business operates independently and doesn’t handle property transactions, RERA approval isn’t typically required. However, if you’re designing spaces for developers or working within real estate communities, certain approvals or coordination with RERA-licensed developers may be necessary.
