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

When starting an interior design company in Dubai, you will be in the business of making residences, offices, hotels, and retail spaces visually appealing. Before you start operating, you need to obtain the required company registration and obtain your business license.

Dubai’s economy makes the field of interior design exceptionally lucrative. There is a constant need for assistance in the decoration and design of the interiors of numerous new office and hotel buildings. Interior design employees have the flexibility to choose and work on multiple projects. This field offers a variety of interior design opportunities.

In Dubai, you have the option to apply for a freelance, consultancy, or professional interior design license. The interior design licenses and infrastructure setup in Dubai start at an average cost of 15,000 to 25,000 AED. For starting businesses in Dubai, both Emiratis and foreigners are accepted, and numerous design activities provide complete ownership for foreigners.

This guide will explain to you the step-by-step process on how to obtain your Dubai Interior Design Company Registration, obtain your Order of Authorisations, and get to work in a legal and compliant manner.

What makes Dubai an Unmatched Location for Interior Design Companies

• Extensive and Diverse Interior Design Work opportunities available  
• There is a constant need for interior designers in the home, office, hotel, and retail sectors. The construction of new buildings and the renovation of old ones is a continuous process.
• Designers have access to a business-friendly environment.  
• In Dubai, expatriates have complete rights to business ownership.  
• There is little to no taxation.  
• Designers have easy access to contractors, suppliers, and skilled employees to assist with their projects.

Who Can Start an Interior Design Company in Dubai?

Eligibility for Foreigners

Anyone, whether living in Dubai or outside, can start an interior design company. You can be:

• An investor who wants to own a business
• A professional interior designer
• A freelancer offering design services

Dubai allows 100% foreign ownership for many design activities, so you do not always need a local sponsor.

Legal Requirements

To start your company, you may need:

• A minimum design qualification or some work experience
• Dubai Municipality approval for interior design to operate legally
• A proper interior design licence in Dubai, depending on your business type

Understanding Interior Design Licence Types

Professional Interior Design Licence

This licence lets you do everything in interior design. You can plan, design, and manage projects from start to finish. It is best for firms or experienced designers who want to handle both homes and offices.

Interior Design Consultancy Licence

With this licence, you can give advice, create design plans, and suggest ideas. You cannot manage or build the projects yourself unless you get extra approvals.

Freelance Interior Design Licence

This licence is for individual designers or small projects. It is cheaper and easier to get, but you can take only a few clients at a time and cannot hire a big team.

Free Zone vs Mainland Interior Design Company Setup in Dubai

Mainland Interior Design Company

A mainland company lets you work with clients all over the UAE. You need a physical office and an Ejari lease to get your licence. This setup gives you more flexibility with clients and projects.

Free Zone Interior Design Company

Free zones like Dubai Design District focus on creative and media businesses. There are restrictions relating to the kinds of clients you can take on and the kinds of services you can provide. However, they are simpler to establish, and they are beneficial for smaller, more specialised units. 

Making the Appropriate Selection 

If you intend to operate with bigger companies and operate throughout the UAE, a mainland company is the wiser option. If you are a smaller group or operate in a more creative sector, a free zone company might be more advantageous. Base your decisions on your intended business objectives and your preferred manner of advancement. 

Establishing an Interior Design Firm Dubai

Step 1: Outline Your Business Activities 

Defining your company activities is the first and one of the most critical steps to enable your prospective clients to grasp the range of your business. Will you be providing full service for interior design, consultancy, or commercial fit-outs? 

Step 2: Identify the Legal Form of Business  

Think about the business structure you wish to register as, be it a limited liability company, sole proprietorship, or a partnership. The legal business structure you settle on will determine the ownership, liability, and business permits.  

Step 3: Assign a Trade Name to the Company  

Decide on and reserve a business name that aligns with the authorities’ directives on name reserve.

Step 4: Obtain Necessary Preliminary Approvals  

Reach out to the appropriate government office to verify whether you have been granted a permit. A permit is an indication that your chosen business activities are legal.

Step 5: Office Space Management & Ejari Registration  

Obtain a physical office or a flexi-desk in a designated free zone. For legal compliance, you must register your office with Ejari.

Step 6: Obtain Final License  

With compliance with the preceding steps, you will obtain your official interior design license in Dubai, and your business will be able to operate legally.

Documents Required to Register an Interior Design Company

Passport and Visa Copies: The first step is submitting a copy of your passport and any UAE visa you possess.

Business Plan (If Required): Submitting a brief business plan detailing your services and objectives may be a requirement of specific authorities.

MoA and Other Legal Documents: Ensure you have your Memorandum of Association and other documents about the business.

Ejari/Office Lease Proof: Submit proof of your office space or flexi-desk registration with Ejari.

NOC (If Applicable): If Applicable, an NOC (No Objection Certificate) may be required from your sponsor or previous employer.

Costs of Interior Design License in The Mainland of Dubai

Fees Related to the Government and License: The Interior Design License in the Mainland is approximately in the range of AED 10,000 to AED 15,000, government and licensing fees included.

Office and Ejari Fees: The yearly cost of an office space is around AED 20,000 to AED 60,000, and Ejari lease registration is around AED 1,000 to AED 3,000.

Costs Related to an Interior Design License in a Free Zone

Package Prices: Free zone packages vary and are to a capacity of 12,000 to 30,000 AED, depending on the zone and what the package contains.

Services Offered: General packages contain the license, initial approvals, and a flexi-desk or office.

Other Costs

Visa Expenses: The approximate range per visa falls between AED 3,000 to AED 6,000, depending on the category.

Expenses Related to Opening a Bank Account: Some banks may charge between AED 500 to AED 1,500 to open a business account.

Expenses Related to a Consultant/Service: The estimated range may be between AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 or beyond, depending on the assistance and packages acquired.

Timeframe Required to Set Up an Interior Design Firm Dubai

• Average Timespan: A new interior design business acquisition in Dubai requires 2 to 6 weeks to finalise all the business concerned procedures.
• Fast Track Vs Standard: If every one of the necessary papers is in order, then the fast track alternative will only take 1 to 2 weeks, as opposed to the standard alternative, which will take 2 to 6 weeks.

• Standard processing may take 4–6 weeks.
• Common Delays: Delays often happen if approvals are missing, documents are incomplete, or office lease registration (Ejari) is not done on time.

Office, Location, and Infrastructure Requirements

Physical Office for Mainland

If customs for your interior design business require you to be on the mainland, you will need to obtain an actual office space, which will need to be registered with Ejari to obtain your business license.

Flexi-Desk & Free Zone Options

Certain free zones like Dubai Design District (D3) allow for the use of shared desks and office space, which can be helpful for freelancers and smaller teams.

Fit Out Requirements

If your commercial projects are large enough, you may need to employ a commercial fit-out company in Dubai to arrange your work area in a safe and aesthetically pleasing manner.

Banking and Financial Setup

Opening a Corporate Bank Account: To run your Dubai interior design business, you will need to open a business bank account to be able to accept payments, pay employees, and send out invoices.

Common Challenges: Often, banks will request a trade license, proof of an office space, and shareholder documentation; some may even require in-person visits.

Tips to Improve Approval: Having a detailed business plan, documentation, and utilising the services of a consultant will significantly enhance your bank approval chances with a DED interior design license or free zone license, making the overall process much more straightforward.

Visa and Staffing Options

Partner and Proprietor Visas. If you wish to start an interior design business in Dubai, you will obtain a residency visa. Free Zone Agreements make applying for residency visas for you and your business partners relatively straightforward.

Staffing Design and Other Roles. You can also hire design staff, office managers, and other assistants. The office space you occupy and the type of business licence you hold determine how many visas you are entitled to apply for.

Labour and Immigration Basics. No one can work for you without an active employment visa.

You must adhere to the UAE labour requirements, particularly around the contracts, wages, and medical insurance.

Tax, Value-Added Tax, and Complying with UAE Laws

Complying with local laws for VAT Registration and Thresholds

Dubai interior designers must register for VAT: If your interior design business in Dubai earns more than AED 375,000 per year, you must register for VAT. You need to charge VAT on applicable services and file returns on time.

Corporate Tax Obligations: Some companies may also need to pay corporate tax depending on profits. Ensure your records are in accordance with the tax record-keeping requirements of the UAE.  

Ongoing Compliance: Be sure to maintain and sort your financial records, and keep your records on invoices and contracts.

Renew your interior design licence in Dubai on time to avoid penalties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing the wrong interior design licence in Dubai for your business type.
• Ignoring limits on what your company can legally do.
• Underestimating how much it costs to start and run an interior designing company in Dubai.
• Inappropriate omission of necessary compliance intervals, for example, those concerned with VAT registration and licence renewals.

Is it Right for you to start an Interior design business in Dubai?

Most Suited Profiles   

Interior designers who target the design of residential spaces, offices, and commercial facilities.

Design consultants offering advisory services coupled with plan formulation.

Innovative business-minded individuals who seek the establishment of a modest-sized interior design business in Dubai.

When You Should Rethink   

If your estimated expenditure is highly constrained, it will no doubt be impossible to meet the establishment and ongoing expenditure.

If the market is not primed for your provisions, or if you have underdeveloped skills in the target area of interest.

Our top professionals from PRO Services 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 – Interior Design Company in Dubai

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

Starting costs depend on licence type and setup: mainland licences usually start around AED 20,000–30,000, while free zone packages range from AED 15,000–25,000. Additional costs include office rent, visas, and bank setup.

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

Yes, authorities may require relevant professional qualifications or experience, especially for a professional interior design licence. Freelance or consultancy licences may have lighter requirements.

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

It’s possible under specific freelance licences. But mainland companies usually need a physical office or flexi-desk registered with Ejari.

Q4: Which licence is best for interior designers? 

It depends on your work:

• Professional license for interior designers UAE: complete design and project execution.
• Consultancy licence: advisory work only.
• Freelance licence: small projects or individual work.

Q5: How long does licence approval take? 

Approval can take 1–4 weeks. It depends on the setup type, documentation completeness, and authority processing times.

Conclusion – Start Your Interior Design Company in Dubai with Confidence

Starting an interior designing company in Dubai is exciting and full of opportunities. Follow the steps carefully: pick the proper licence, choose mainland or free zone, get approvals, and set up your office.

Dubai has many chances for designers because of new buildings, hotels, and offices. Whether you work alone or run a whole company, you can grow your business here.

It is essential to follow all rules for licences, VAT, and taxes. Plan well, prepare your documents, and get expert help if needed. This way, your interior design business in Dubai will be legal, safe, and ready to succeed.

Contact PRO Services in Dubai for a smooth and efficient interior designing Business in Dubai!