A country that has gained a lot of success and set standards in multiple fields for others to follow. Interior design is among those fields in which Dubai has set high standards and continues to impress designers worldwide. If you want to start an interior design business in Dubai, you first need to get an interior design license in Dubai.
The interior design companies present in Dubai belong to the top category. This encourages and forces many high-profile clients to get their projects completed by interior design companies in Dubai. It is a booming industry and experts say it is going to be the leading sector in Dubai’s economy in coming years.
Steps to Start an Interior Design Company in Dubai
The process of starting an interior design company is time-efficient and simple. Following are the steps you should follow for starting an interior design company in Dubai.
Name Reservation
Submit a list of three to four names to the authorities and wait for their approval. If you want your company to be known by your name or the name of any other person try not to use a nickname or an abbreviation instead use full names. Try not to violate any kind of community guidelines while selecting the list of names. The name should not be offensive, insulting, or attacking someone’s sentiment or religion.
Company Structure and Location
Setting up an interior design company in a free zone would be very helpful if you want to have 100 percent ownership of your company. The most reputed and well-known free zone that provides opportunities for interior designers is Dubai Design District. You can also visit the Dubai Studio City (DSC) free zone but this depends on the requirements of your business. The mainland should be preferred if you want a location in the center of the city with easy access to the local market.
Office Space
Once you have finalized the location where you want to set up your office the next thing is to buy or rent an office place for your interior design company. Renting an office is considered more beneficial than buying an office because it saves you from heavy upfront charges and you can easily shift your office from one location to another. You will have to get a tenancy contract which will be used at the time of the license approval process.
Obtain the License
All kinds of legal entities and companies that want to operate or are operating in Dubai require a proper license to function. You need to keep a proper check and balance on all the paperwork, submit required information and documents, pay all the fees on time, etc., to obtain an interior design license in Dubai.
Additional Approvals
The business of interior designing includes activities like conceptualization, interior architecture, space management, and much more. If your business is performing any kind of task that is not mentioned in your permit or license you need to get additional approvals from the government authorities. Getting all of these approvals ensures functioning that is free of risk for your interior designing company.
Visa Management
If you are thinking of bringing your family along with you to UAE to start a business, or you are looking to hire domestic workers. If you have any of the above plans in your mind then you can apply for multiple visas for your family, partner, or any staff member.
Corporate Bank Account
After you have completed all the other steps and received your license you can then open a corporate bank account for your company. Always do proper research before opening a bank account and choose the bank that is a bit inclined towards your business requirements. You are all set to start an interior design company after your account has been created.
Advantages of Starting an Interior Design Company in Dubai
With the growing economy of Dubai that is leading it to the future, the demand for skilled and qualified interior designers has also increased. Dubai has the advantage of attracting interior designers from all over the world and start their businesses. Following are the advantages of starting an interior design business in Dubai.
Open Economy
A market where not only domestic companies but also entities from other countries also play a role in influencing business activities. A trade includes a form of managerial exchange or exchange of technology. The economy of Dubai is an open economy that supports business activities from all around the country. With a growing economy, there are multiple opportunities for interior designers in Dubai. The owners can also contact businesses from nearby nations and work with them to mark their international presence.
Minimum Taxes
Thanks to the lenient tax policy in Dubai you can save a lot of money from the profits. You can retain a large amount of money and can reinvest it or use it for more productive purposes. This tax policy of the Dubai government continues to attract more investors from around the globe.
Special License for Designers
The business of interior design has a simple registration process. You need a professional service license to get started including a visa. You can also avail a freelance permit or license if you want to trade as a freelance interior designer. This freelance license is called the Interior Design Consultancy License or an Interior Designers Permit. DCCA free zone provides this freelance license and to acquire these special licenses you need to complete the paperwork and have a relevant degree with some experience.
Work Friendly Environment
Dubai provides a work-friendly environment and infrastructure to companies. The increasing number of business projects in Dubai opens the doors for interior designers to come out and expand their business.
Increased Demand for Residential and Commercial Buildings
Dubai is home to many world-class residential and commercial buildings that have unique and innovative designs like Marina 101, Burj al Arab, and Burj Khalifa. The demand for these kinds of buildings is constantly increasing in Dubai as the world is drawing more attention to Dubai. If a person has the required skills and qualifications, you can get opportunities in this market. Both retail and corporate sectors have massively increased in past years.
How to Get an Interior Design License in Dubai?
The most important thing that you need to start an interior design business is to obtain an interior design license in Dubai for your company. Following are the steps that you can follow to get your business license
- Make an application for your company name.
- Apply for a license with DED to receive approval.
- Once you have received the approval from DED the next step is to get approval from DM.
- Get a tenancy contract for your office.
- Final document submission for your company formation.
Documents Required
The documents that are relevant for starting an interior design company are
Initial Approval
- License application.
- Business plan.
- Passport copies of managers, stakeholders, and directors.
- Copy of trade license.
Registration
- Application form for company registration.
- Attested Memorandum of Association (MOA).
- Board resolution.
- Copy of certificate of incorporation.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the present sponsor.
Cost of Interior Design License
The certifications and licensing fee plays a large part in determining the cost of an interior design license in Dubai. However, an average cost of AED 16,000 is the cost of this license but remember this may vary and is not the actual cost.
Conclusion
The requirements for skill-full interior designers have greatly expanded, and the government as well as other authorities in UAE are trying to grab the attention of designers from all over the world by giving tax benefits and ease of setting up business. You have made an excellent decision to start an interior design business. Al Riyady is here to help you with the process of starting your business in Dubai. You can contact us to get the right guidance that is required to establish your business. So what are you waiting for grab your interior design license in Dubai and turn your dreams into reality.
