Dubai Design District (d3) Setup

Dubai Design District (d3) setup for fashion labels, design studios, architects, galleries and creative brands. We help you choose between a d3 free zone licence and a mainland licence in d3, then handle setup through to visas.

Description

Dubai Design District (d3) is TECOM Group's district for art, design and fashion, close to Downtown Dubai. It hosts Dubai Design Week and Dubai Fashion Week, and its tenants range from global brands to small studios. d3 is a free zone governed by the Dubai Development Authority (DDA).

In d3 you have two licensing choices. A DDA free zone licence (FZ-LLC or branch) is processed by d3 and covers business within the free zone; mainland work then needs a dual licence or, for eligible activities, Dubai's Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit. Or you can lease a d3 unit under a mainland licence from the Department of Economy and Tourism, which lets you sell directly across the UAE; see our Dubai mainland commercial licence service. The choice usually comes down to who your customers are.

d3 suits fashion design and labels, interior design, architecture, product and industrial design, galleries and art dealing, and creative agencies. Every licence must be linked to an office address in d3: commercial office, studio, showroom, retail unit or licensed co-working. Fashion and product brands that import or export can apply for customs codes if the activity is on the licence. Solo designers and artists can start with the Dubai GoFreelance permit instead of a company.

Once documents and payments are in, d3 says registration usually takes about 7 working days: about 4 for initial approval and 3 to issue the licence. DDA-licensed companies then apply for visas through axs: the Dubai investor visa for shareholders and employment visas for staff. Your quota depends on your leased space. After that comes the corporate bank account.

Cost depends on the licence type, your activities, the space (a showroom and a co-working desk differ a lot), visas and licence term. Message us on WhatsApp or live chat for a written quote.

What's Included

Advice on a d3 free zone licence vs a DET mainland licence in d3, based on who you sell to
Activity check against the DDA list
Space selection (office, studio, showroom, retail or co-working) matched to your visa needs
Application, documents and payments through axs (free zone) or the DET process (mainland)
Licence and company documents
Establishment card, visa and Emirates ID applications
Support with the corporate bank account application

Requirements / Prerequisites

A creative, design, fashion or art activity approved by DDA (or by DET for a mainland licence)
One or more shareholders, or an existing parent company for a branch
Any capital requirement that applies to your company type
A lease in d3 linked to the licence
NOC from your current employer if you hold a UAE employment visa and your situation requires one

Required Documents

Passport copies of shareholders, directors and manager
Passport photos and, for UAE residents, visa and Emirates ID copies
Business plan or activity description; portfolio if requested
Proposed trade names
Corporate shareholder or branch: certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, board resolution, attested as required

Our Process

Consultation: free zone or mainland licence, activities and space
Submit the application
Submit legal documents and lease confirmation, and pay fees
Initial approval (d3: about 4 working days)
Sign the Articles of Association (FZ-LLC; not for branches)
Collect the licence and documents (d3: about 3 working days after approval)
Establishment card, visas, medical test and Emirates ID
Corporate bank account application

Pricing

Contact via WhatsApp

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dubai Design District a free zone or mainland?

d3 is a free zone governed by DDA, but you can also operate there under a mainland licence from the Department of Economy and Tourism. The free zone licence covers business within the zone; the mainland licence lets you trade across the UAE.

Can I sell to customers across the UAE from a d3 showroom?

With a mainland (DET) licence in d3, yes. With a DDA free zone licence, mainland trade needs a dual licence or an eligible-activity permit. We help you pick the licence that matches your sales plan.

How long does d3 company setup take?

d3 says registration usually takes about 7 working days after all documents and payments are submitted. Visas, Emirates IDs and the bank account follow.

Do I need an office in d3?

Yes. d3 links the trade licence to an office address in d3. A co-working membership without a licence can't be used as your official address.

Can a solo designer set up in d3?

Yes. TECOM's GoFreelance permit covers freelancers in design, media and education, and d3 has in5 for design startups.

How much does it cost to set up in d3?

It depends on the licence type, activities, the space you lease, the number of visas and the licence term. Tell us your plans and we'll send a written quote.

Can I move my company to d3 from another free zone?

Usually yes, subject to DDA approval. A company can transfer by continuation (not available for branches), and visas can be transferred too.