Key Highlights

• The UAE’s interior design market is expected to grow from USD 3.35 billion in 2024 to USD 4.66 billion by 2029, driven by increased residential and commercial projects.
• Dubai’s global atmosphere allows designers to cater to a wide range of styles, enhancing creative opportunities.
• Key steps for starting an interior design company include reserving a trade name, finalizing structure, renting office space, and obtaining licenses.
• The UAE government supports entrepreneurship with simplified licensing processes, attracting local and foreign investments.
• Starting an interior design firm in Dubai costs approximately AED 16,000, benefiting from low taxes and a supportive business environment.

A wealthy country like the United Arab Emirates sets standards for others to follow in several areas. One of those industries is interior design, whose outcomes continue to captivate designers worldwide. All you have to do to open an interior design company in Dubai is contact business professionals to go over your needs.

Dubai’s interior design companies are among the elite group. As a result, many well-known clients also like hiring Dubai’s interior design companies to complete their projects. In addition, the industry is expanding, and predictions indicate that there will only be more surplus in the years to come.

After all, continue reading further to learn more about interior design company setup in Dubai, UAE. 

What is Going on in the Market? 

Dubai is well known for its cutting-edge architecture and luxury lifestyle, which makes it a top destination for interior design services. The following characteristics define the market:

High Demand: The need for qualified interior designers is growing as more and more residential and commercial projects are being performed. The size of the United Arab Emirates interior design market is projected to be USD 3.35 billion in 2024 and expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.79% to reach USD 4.66 billion by 2029.

Diverse Clientele: Customers with diverse backgrounds and individual likes and preferences are drawn to Dubai because of its global atmosphere. Designers have the chance to express their creativity and accommodate a variety of styles because of this diversity.

Regulatory Environment: The UAE government promotes entrepreneurship by offering a framework favorable to launching new companies, including streamlined license application procedures.

Steps to Start an Interior Design Business in Dubai

Starting an interior design company in Dubai is a simple and quick procedure. The following is a guide to setup an interior design company in Dubai:

1. Trade name reservation

List three or four potential names for your interior design business. After that, send them to the appropriate authority and wait for their approval. When creating the list of names, ensure you don’t break any naming convention rules. 

It is strictly forbidden to trade names that are hurtful, disparaging, disrespectful, or degrade someone’s faith or feelings. Therefore, if you want the business to be known by a person’s full name, don’t use any nicknames.

2. Finalize the company’s structure and location

Do you want to be the only owner of the company, or do you want to have full ownership? After that, you need to establish an interior design business in a free zone. One of the well-known free zones that offers plenty of options for those interested in interior design is the Dubai Design District (D3). 

Moreover, you can choose the Dubai Studio City (DSC) free zone based on your business needs. A mainland institution is the better choice if you’re looking for a central location with easy access to the local market. 

In this case, you need to get the business license from the DED and collaborate with a local sponsor.

3. Rent an office space

When you’ve decided on a location for your interior design business, it’s time to lease an office. The tenant’s tenancy agreement must be obtained; this document will also be used in the license approval procedure. 

As a result, renting office space in Dubai is advantageous since it allows you to move between locations easily and avoids high upfront fees.

4. Obtain the license

To operate in the United Arab Emirates, any legal entity, including interior companies in Dubai, must possess a valid license. 

Getting a business license for interior design requires you to complete the proper papers, pay all fees on time, provide the essential documents, etc. 

You can work with business advisors who can help you obtain this license quickly and for a very small fee.

5. Get additional approvals

Interior design is a professional niche that encompasses a variety of company operations. They comprise conceptualization, space planning, interior architecture, and many others. It may also be a maintenance office or a consulting agency for interior design. 

You must get extra permissions from the relevant authorities if any of your business operations involve duties not covered by the license’s permit. These approvals guarantee your Dubai interior design business operates risk-free.

6. Manage visas

Are you traveling to the United Arab Emirates to conduct business with your family? Would you engage domestic staff to take care of your everyday tasks? 

You can apply for more than one visa for your partners, family, employees, etc. Apply according to the relevant jurisdiction’s visa-granting rules.

7. Open a corporate bank account

You can open a corporate bank account for your company once you’ve completed all the other procedures and obtained the internal business license. Take the time to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the different banks in Dubai. 

Select the option that best suits your company’s requirements. You are prepared to operate your interior design business in Dubai and establish your reputation in the competitive UAE industry.

Benefits of Opening an Interior Design Company in UAE

• Open economy: In an open economy, businesses from other nations and local companies impact business operations. A trade can take many different forms, such as technological exchange or management exchange. The open economy of Dubai facilitates international trade and corporate ventures.
• Negligible tax: Because Dubai has a favorable tax policy, you can save a significant amount of money from the profits. You will keep the majority, and you can put the money to use better. The United Arab Emirates’ tax strategy continues to attract more foreign investment. 
• Work-friendly infrastructure: Dubai offers businesses a work-friendly atmosphere and infrastructure. According to reports, the UAE will spend more on infrastructure due to numerous initiatives, including World Expo 2020. Interior designers have more opportunities to grow their enterprises due to the growing number of commercial initiatives in the Dubai area. 

Cost of Starting an Interior Design Company in Dubai

When estimating the cost of starting an interior design firm in Dubai, you must take into account several variables, including:

• the size of your organization
• the cost of getting an interior design license
• the location of your operations
• the cost of renting or leasing an office space
• and many more. 

Moreover, the interior design company setup costs in Dubai approximately AED 16,000.

Final Word 

Dubai’s booming construction industry and broad customers make it a great place to start an interior design firm in Dubai. 

You can create a profitable company that takes advantage of Dubai’s vibrant market by following the listed processes, including selecting a legal structure, registering your trade name, getting the required permits, leasing office space, and controlling expenses.

To setup your interior design business in Dubai, UAE, JSB Incorporation is here to help you in all ways. Contact us today to get started.