Key Facts about setting a company in Dubai Free Zone
Setup from
5,555 AED
Registration from
5 DAYS
Bank Account
GUARANTEED
Residence Visas for
2 YEARS
Table of Contents
d3 is Dubai’s dedicated Free Zone for the creative and design industries,housing fashion designers, architects, artists, and boutique studios. Located near Downtown Dubai and Business Bay, it provides specialized infrastructure such as creative studios, showrooms, event spaces, and prototyping facilities. With 100% foreign ownership and no corporate or personal tax, d3 fosters collaboration by hosting exhibitions, networking events, and design-focused workshops. It supports a wide array of creative activities, from fashion design to product prototyping and cultural event management.
Why to Set Up in d3?
✅ Exclusive Free Zone dedicated to the creative economy
✅ Ideal for fashion design, interior design, architecture, and art businesses
✅ Home to global brands, boutique studios, and emerging designers
✅ Located near Downtown Dubai and Business Bay
✅ World-class infrastructure with studios, showrooms, and event spaces
✅ Access to networking events, exhibitions, and Dubai’s creative scene
✅ 100% foreign ownership and no personal or corporate tax
We handle it all – so you don’t have to.
What Business Activities Can You Do in d3?
Dubai Design District (d3) is a dynamic free zone in Dubai focused on creative and design enterprises. Here are the key business activities available in d3:
- Fashion Design & Apparel Brand Development d3 welcomes fashion enterprises from independent studios to international fashion companies. Businesses can create fashion collections, establish clothing brands, and participate in fashion retail and showcases. The district provides specialized licensing options for fashion creators and brands, including freelance permits for independent designers.
- Interior and Architectural Design Solutions Companies can offer interior design, architectural consultation, and landscape design services. d3 promotes innovative and sustainable design approaches that enhance spaces and communities. This encompasses complete project design, spatial planning, and 3D visualization services delivered by skilled designers and architects.
- Art Galleries & Creative Workspaces d3 enables the creation of art galleries, creative studios, and cultural establishments. These spaces can display artwork, organize cultural programs, and facilitate artistic partnerships within a thriving creative ecosystem.
- Product Design & Development Enterprises involved in product design, development, and prototype creation are encouraged in d3. This includes developing innovative products, building prototypes, and preparing them for production or market introduction. The free zone supports creative manufacturing and innovation facilities.
- Brand Development and Creative Advisory Creative advisory firms specializing in brand development, marketing, and digital media can establish operations in d3. This includes advertising agencies, digital marketing, media production, and graphic design services that assist businesses in building and promoting their brand presence.
- Luxury Merchandise and Accessories Commerce d3 serves as a center for luxury brands and retail, including commerce in high-end goods and accessories. Businesses can participate in the sale and distribution of premium fashion, jewelry, timepieces, and related luxury items, leveraging d3’s strategic position and affluent clientele.
- Cultural and Artistic Event Organization Coordinating cultural programs, exhibitions, fashion presentations, and art festivals represents a core activity in d3. The district offers venues and infrastructure to host events that advance art, culture, and design innovation, drawing local and international participants.
- Design Technology & Software Innovation d3 supports technology startups and companies concentrated on design technology, software development, and innovation laboratories. This includes developing design software, digital tools, and technological solutions that advance creative industries.
Dubai Design District (d3) stands as a comprehensive creative ecosystem that nurtures innovation across multiple design disciplines. By offering specialized licensing, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a collaborative environment, d3 enables creative professionals and businesses to thrive in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
Steps to Start a Business in Dubai Design District (D3)
1. Expert Consultation and Business Activity Selection
Begin by consulting with business setup experts to determine the ideal business activity and company type for your venture. D3 supports industries like fashion, design, media, art, tech, and other creative fields.
2. Choose Company Type and Legal Structure
Select the appropriate legal structure, such as a Free Zone LLC, Branch Office, or Freelancer Permit. Depending on your business model, you can apply for commercial, service, or manufacturing licenses.
3. Prepare and Submit Application with Required Documents
Submit your company registration application to the Dubai Design District Authority (Dubai Development Authority) along with:
- Business plan
- Passport copies and signatures of shareholders, directors, and managers
- Board resolution for company formation
- Proof of share capital (minimum AED 50,000)
- Articles of Association and signed office lease agreement
4. Select and Lease Office Space
Leasing an office space in D3 is required for companies (not freelancers). Choose from flexi-desks, co-working areas, private offices, or full commercial spaces suited to your business size and nature.
5. Obtain Business License
Once your application is approved (typically within 4 working days), your business license will be issued in approximately 3 working days. This license enables you to legally operate within D3 and potentially across Dubai, depending on the license type.
6. Open a Corporate Bank Account
With your license and registration in hand, open a corporate bank account with a local UAE bank to manage business transactions efficiently.
7. Apply for Residency Visas and Register for VAT (if applicable)
After setup, apply for UAE residence visas for business owners, employees, and dependents. Visa eligibility depends on office size and business activity.
If your annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000, you must register for VAT with the UAE Federal Tax Authority.
8. Final Compliance and Business Operations Setup
Depending on your sector (e.g., media, fashion), additional approvals may be required from relevant regulatory bodies.
Set up accounting and bookkeeping systems to ensure legal compliance. Hiring a financial advisor is recommended.
Finally, develop a marketing strategy and business development plan to establish a strong presence in the D3 creative ecosystem.
d3 Licenses
Dubai Design District (d3) offers specialized licensing through the Dubai Development Authority (DDA) for creative businesses.
These licenses enable operations within the free zone and internationally, with mainland license options for broader Dubai access. The flexible framework supports fashion, design, art, and technology sectors through both corporate and freelance permit structures.
Commercial License
Permits businesses to engage in trading activities such as retail, e-commerce, and luxury goods trading within d3. Suitable for companies involved in buying and selling products related to design and fashion sectors.
Service License
Allows companies to provide professional services including marketing, advertising, consultancy, interior and architectural design, and creative consulting. This license supports agencies and freelancers offering creative and technical services.
Industrial/ Manufacturing License
Enables businesses to conduct manufacturing, processing, and assembling activities within d3. This is ideal for product design firms and fashion houses that involve in-house production or prototyping.
Freelance Permit
Design License
Focused on businesses in fashion design, graphic design, interior design, and architecture. This license supports creative studios and design consultancies.
Event License
For companies organizing exhibitions, conferences, fashion shows, and cultural events within d3. It facilitates event management businesses promoting art and design.
Branch Company License
Allows foreign companies to establish a branch office in d3, acting as a representative of their parent company outside the UAE. Branches can have distinct names and operate within the free zone.
Other Specialized Licenses
Dubai Design District provides comprehensive licensing solutions tailored for creative enterprises across all sectors. With flexible options ranging from freelance permits to corporate licenses, plus dual free zone and mainland capabilities, d3 offers an ideal platform for creative businesses to establish, grow, and expand their operations locally and globally.
d3 Licenses Costs and Packages
Dubai Design District (d3) provides various licensing packages for creative, design, and fashion businesses. The cost structure accommodates startups, freelancers, and established companies, with fees varying by license type, business activities, and office space needs.
d3 licenses offer 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax, and flexible visa options within the free zone.
Cost Component | Approximate Fee (AED) | Description |
Registration Fee | 3,520 AED (one-time) | Initial company registration fee payable to d3 authority |
Trade License Fee | 15,000 AED per business segment (annual) | Annual license fee depending on the business activity segment |
Additional Production Segment | 5,000 AED (if applicable) | Extra fee if manufacturing or production activities are added to the license |
Second Business Segment | 15,000 AED (if applicable) | Additional fee for businesses operating in more than one segment |
Freelance Permit | 7,520 AED (annual) | Special permit for individual creatives such as designers, artists, and freelancers |
Office Space Rental | Varies (flexi-desks, co-working, private offices) | Leasing office space within d3 is mandatory for companies (except some freelancers) |
Total Startup Cost Range | Starting from approximately 40,000 AED upwards | Covers license, registration, and office space, depending on business size and activity |
Additional Notes on Packages and Process .NORMAL
- Business Setup Packages generally start from AED 40,000 and can reach AED 100,000 or more depending on the license type, number of business activities, and office space requirements.
- The license fee covers commercial, service, industrial, design, fashion, marketing, event management, and other creative sectors.
- d3 offers flexible investor visas linked to office space area, typically providing 3-year residency permits.
- Additional costs may apply for visas, bank account setup, and regulatory approvals depending on the business activity.
License Validity and Renewal in (d3)
Dubai Design District (d3) licenses, governed by the Dubai Development Authority (DDA), are valid for one year from issuance and require annual renewal to maintain legal status and continue operations within the free zone.
The renewal process is straightforward and should be initiated before the license expiry date to ensure compliance and avoid penalties or business disruption.
- Licenses are typically valid for one year from the date of issuance
- Annual renewal is mandatory to maintain legal status and continue operations within the free zone
- Freelance permits are also renewable on an annual basis for individual creatives
d3 Residency and Visas
Dubai Design District (d3) provides appealing residency and visa options for business owners, employees, and freelancers operating within the free zone.
Upon company registration or obtaining a freelance permit, entrepreneurs and their staff can apply for residence visas, enabling them to live and work legally in Dubai.
Standard Residency Visa -
Valid for 1 to 3 years, this visa is sponsored by the d3 free zone authority for company owners, employees, and dependents. It enables holders to legally reside and work in Dubai and is the most common visa type for businesses in d3.
Freelance Residency Visa
Available to individuals holding a freelance permit in d3, this visa allows independent creatives such as designers, artists, and consultants to live and work in the UAE. It typically has a 1- to 3-year validity and requires sponsorship by the free zone.
Green Visa
A 5-year residency visa designed for skilled freelancers and self-employed professionals. It does not require a sponsor but demands proof of qualifications and a minimum annual income, providing long-term stability for independent creatives in d3.
Remote Work Visa
The number of visas granted depends on the office space size and business activity nature, making d3 a flexible hub for creative professionals and companies seeking to establish a presence in Dubai.
Once approved, residency visas are stamped in the passport, granting legal status to live and work in Dubai.
Additionally, visa holders can open UAE bank accounts and sponsor family members, making d3 an ideal location for creative entrepreneurs seeking a supportive and flexible residency framework.
Visa Type | Cost (AED) | Requirements | Notes |
Freelance Permit & Visa | Permit: 7,500 – 15,000 annually<br>Visa: 7,500 – 20,000 annually | Valid passport, professional qualifications, business activity aligned with d3 categories | Freelance permit essential for legal freelance work; residence visa linked to permit |
Residence Visa (3 years) | Inside UAE: 4,960 (standard) to 6,340 (express)<br>Outside UAE: 3,330 to 3,900 | Medical fitness test, Emirates ID application, valid freelance permit or company license | Inside UAE application requires status change; outside requires entry permit first |
Employment Visa (3 or 5 years) | 3-year: ~2,750<br>5-year: ~5,000 | Sponsored by d3 company, valid employment contract, medical fitness test, Emirates ID | Allows employees of d3-licensed companies to reside and work legally in UAE |
Establishment Card | 2,000 (issuance and renewal) | Required for freelancers and companies to conduct business officially | Mandatory alongside freelance permit or company license |
Medical Fitness Test | ~300 – 1,000 | Required for all residence visa applicants | Part of visa issuance process |
Emirates ID | ~370 – 1,000 | Mandatory for all non-UAE nationals holding residence visas | Valid for the duration of the visa, usually three years |
Health Insurance | 1,100 – 4,000 annually | Mandatory for all visa holders | Costs vary by coverage and plan |
Entry Permit (if applying outside UAE) | 500 – 1,150 | Needed to enter UAE before finalizing residence visa process | Required for applicants applying from abroad |
Why Choose MenaHerald for Your d3 Company Formation?
Let MenaHerald take the hassle out of your business setup. We offer expert guidance, assist with complete documentation, and streamline your registration — from selecting the right license to arranging office space and processing visas.
Why Choose MenaHerald?
✓ End-to-end company formation for outsourcing businesses
✓ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
✓ Specialized expertise in regulations and requirements
✓ Ongoing support for renewals and compliance
Get Started Today — Speak to a d3 Specialist Now!
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