Why choose Dubai Design District?

Dubai Design District (d3) is TECOM Group's creative district for design, fashion, luxury and art, home to more than 1,000 businesses including LEGO, TAG Heuer, PUMA and Zaha Hadid Architects. It hosts Dubai Design Week and Dubai Fashion Week and sits beside Business Bay, minutes from Downtown.

Key benefits

  • 100% foreign ownership through an FZ-LLC or branch.
  • A recognised creative address with studios, showrooms and event venues.
  • GoFreelance permits from AED 7,500 a year for eligible designers (visa not included).
  • UAE corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000. A company that meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person rules can pay 0% on qualifying income; this is conditional, not automatic, and requires audited financial statements.

Dubai Design District costs in 2026

  • Registration: AED 3,500 one-time for an FZ-LLC.
  • Licence: AED 15,000 a year per activity segment; AED 20,000 for segments that include manufacturing.
  • Workspace: required. TECOM's D/Quarters co-working starts from AED 1,200 a month for a shared desk (1 visa), AED 2,500 for a dedicated desk (2 visas) and AED 5,000 for an office.
  • Share capital: AED 10,000 for an FZ-LLC by default (AED 100,000 for segments that include manufacturing).

Showroom and studio space are the main variables. With CorpWise you get a clean starting cost breakdown before you commit.

How to set up a company in Dubai Design District

  1. Choose your entity: FZ-LLC, branch of an existing company, or a freelance permit where eligible.
  2. Choose your segment and activities: the licence fee is charged per activity segment.
  3. Get provisional approval: the Dubai Development Authority quotes about 10 working days.
  4. Register and receive your licence: about 2 more working days, once workspace is in place.
  5. Process visas: establishment card, entry permit or status change, medical test, Emirates ID and stamping. You need to be in the UAE for the medical and biometrics.

Who is Dubai Design District best for?

Fashion and luxury brands, interior design and architecture firms, galleries, creative agencies and designers who want a central creative address.

Dubai Design District FAQs

Do I need a local partner?

No. An FZ-LLC can be 100% owned by individuals or companies.

How long does setup take?

About 12 working days on the Dubai Development Authority's service levels: around 10 for provisional approval and 2 for registration. Visas follow.

How many visas can I get?

It depends on your workspace. A D/Quarters shared desk supports 1 visa, a dedicated desk 2, and an office 2 or more.

Can designers get a freelance permit in d3?

Yes. GoFreelance costs AED 7,500 a year for eligible design professionals. A residence visa is not included.

Free zone fees change and are set by each authority. Figures are general guidance based on the authority's published information at the time of writing; where an authority does not publish prices we say so. We confirm current pricing for your activity and visa count before you proceed.