Dubai Design District Company Formation
Dubai Design District, also called D3, is right in the middle of the city. D3 is one of the more recent Dubai free zones that investors and businesses can use. The Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority is in charge of the Dubai Design District.
D3 was started in 2013 with the goal of making and building a hub that would bring out local talent and give creative thinkers a place to work. Dubai Design District was made with careful input from the design community to create a creative ecosystem that goes above and beyond what people expect from a creative neighbourhood. D3 creates the ideas that will make Dubai a top destination for design, art, and culture in the future. These ideas are inspiring, real, and relevant.
D3 is now known as a global centre for design and fashion that has a lot of potential for the high-end fashion and interior design industries. D3 is home to many different kinds of businesses, from small local design studios to big fashion houses. The Design District is close to both Downtown Dubai and Dubai Mall, which is Dubai’s biggest shopping mall. This free zone promotes new fashion, retail, and luxury brands (all of which is in great demand in Dubai and the UAE).
Core Industries: Works with companies in the digital media, arts, design, and fashion industries.
Recommend for: Anything related to fashion or design, from small local design studios to the most prestigious fashion houses in the world.
- D3 Advantages
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- Foreigners own everything.
- Design and fashion have their own licences, and artists and designers can get permits to work on their own.
- Ideal free zone for designers just starting out.
- Zero percent personal income tax
- Income and profits will be taxed at 0% for the first 50 years after the company is founded.
- There are no limits on currency.
- Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall, and Burj Khalifa are all close by.
- No limit on capital repatriation
- Artists and designers need a special permit to work on their own.
- Types of Licenses
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- Professional (Service)
- Industrial
- Commercial and General Trading
- Freelance Permit
- Facilities
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- Warehouses
- Serviced offices, virtual and flexi desks
- Retail outlets
Free Zone
D3
Location
In the heart of Dubai, at the centre of the Jumeirah Lakes Towers district
Setup Timeframe
2-8 weeks
Tax Status
Tax and duty exemption
Legal Entity Types
Foreign investors who want to own 100% of a business usually choose Dubai Design District. Some of the business licences you can get are:
- Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC)
- Branch of an existing UAE or foreign company
- Freelance permit
D3 Company Setup
We will show you how to set up your D3 business and open a bank account for it as quickly as possible.
- Step 1. Expert consultation
- Step 2. Select company type
- Step 3. Prepare company registration
- Step 4. Select and lease business location
- Step 5. Receive business license
- Step 6. Complete corporate bank account opening
- Step 7. Finalize UAE residency visa
Documents Required
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Company registration and licensing application form
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Profile details of shareholder(s)
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Passport copies and specimen signature of each director and general manager
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Board resolution for creating a free zone entity
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Detailed business plan
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Proof of share capital requirement
- All other free documentation to be completed at the time of business setup
WHY CHOOSE D3
ACCESS TO WORLD-CLASS BUSINESS SERVICES THAT CAN'T BE BEAT
PERSONAL AND BUSINESS INCOME TAX OF 0%
STRATEGIC LOCATION
100% BUSINESS OWNERSHIP AND RETURN OF CAPITAL
LIVE AND WORK IN THE SAME VIBRANT TOWN
THRIVING BUSINESS CENTRE
EASY TRANSPORTATION
FAST AND EASY SETUP PROCESS
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much is a company set up cost in Dubai Design District (D3)?
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To start a business in Dubai Design District (D3) freezone, you have to pay for a licence, registration fees, and an office lease. Contact Blackswan Business Setup Consultants to talk to an expert about setting up your D3 company, understanding the process, and fees.
- What are the Dubai Design District (D3) business facilities?
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In Dubai Design District (D3), there are stores, galleries, restaurants, and boutiques with new ideas. D3 can help people create one-of-a-kind, flexible spaces that include everything from art galleries and event spaces to stores and co-working areas to create a unique shopping experience.
- What is Dubai Design District (D3) company setup timeframe?
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Once all the paperwork and money are turned in, setting up a business in Dubai Design District (D3) usually takes seven working days. This can be broken down into two stages:
- It takes about four working days to approve the first application.
- The licence issuing process takes about three working days.
Note that these timelines are estimates that can change based on things like government approval, company licence, structure, business facilities, etc. - How do I get a Dubai Design District (D3) free zone visa?
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After getting your Dubai Design District (D3) freezone licence and taking care of your company's immigration, the next step is to start the visa process. For visa-related services to move forward, a D3 company must fill out the application for an Establishment Card.
- What are the types of licenses in Dubai Design District (D3)?
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You can get a commercial, service, manufacturing, or freelancer permit for your Dubai Design District (D3) freezone business.
- What are the available amenities in Dubai Design District (D3)?
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In Dubai Design District (D3), you can find stores, galleries, restaurants, and boutiques that are new and different. Dubai Design District can help people create one-of-a-kind, flexible spaces that include art galleries, event spaces, stores, and co-working spaces to make a unique shopping experience.
- What are the available business activities in Dubai Design District (D3)?
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Foreign investors can start a company in Dubai Design District (D3) by choosing from a wide range of sales and marketing, modelling agency, image consulting, fashion show, architectural design, graphic design, studio space, art gallery, and other business ideas.
- What amendments are available in Dubai Design District (D3)?
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A Dubai Design District (D3) company's name, share capital, share transfer, financial year, activity, manager, director, or secretary are the main things that can be changed. If you want to change anything about your D3 company, get in touch with our structuring team.
- What are the company renewal fees for Dubai Design District (D3)?
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The structure, type of business, and office space of a Dubai Design District (D3) company will affect the renewal fees and process.
- How much is the cost of resident visas in Dubai Design District (D3)?
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The visa fee for UAE residents in Dubai Design District (D3) depends on the type of application (inside the country application or outside the country application). Note that there are extra costs for the medical exam, getting an Emirates ID, and getting health insurance.
- After I obtain my license from Dubai Design District (D3) can I operate my business in other emirates?
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With a Dubai Design District (D3) licence, you can run your business only in the D3 freezone and around the world. Law 13 says that the only way to do business in other Emirates is to get a dual licence, set up a branch of your D3 company, or hire a third-party agent.
- Are there recreational spaces at Dubai Design District (D3)?
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The unique public spaces at Dubai Design District (D3) are perfect for people who want to move around or just sit still for a while. Everything in D3, from the busy nightlife to the sports fields, has a surprising twist that makes you think about the usual.
- Can I operate from Dubai Design District (D3) without a license?
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No, you need a company registered in Dubai Design District (D3) in order to get a licence and run your business.
- Can I own multiple businesses within Dubai Design District (D3)?
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Yes, you can own more than one business in Dubai Design District (D3), as long as you follow the rules set by the Dubai Development Authority (DDA).
- Can I transfer my licence from another freezone in the UAE to Dubai Design District (D3)?
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Yes, you can move your licence from another freezone in the UAE to Dubai Design District (D3), as long as the Dubai Development Authority (DDA) gives its permission.
- Do I need to have an office space inside Dubai Design District (D3) to obtain a license from Dubai Design District (D3)?
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Yes, the office address in Dubai Design District must be linked to the company licence (D3). We offer a free consultation that doesn't bind you to anything. During this meeting, we'll talk about how to get a licence and office space that works for you in the D3 free zone.
- Does Dubai Design District (D3) process freezone and ded licenses?
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No, the Dubai Design District (D3) licences are handled by the Dubai Development Authority (DDA), while DED mainland licences are handled by the Department of Economic Development (DED).
- How long does it take to set up a business in Dubai Design District (D3)?
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Setup times for each entity will be different. But it usually takes our team about seven working days to set up a business at Dubai Design District (D3) after they receive all the necessary paperwork and funds. There are two parts to registering a business:
- Step 1: Approval of the first application, which takes about four working days
- Step 2: The licence is issued, which takes about three working days.
- How can I set up a company at Dubai Design District (D3)?
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At Dubai Design District, it only takes five (5) steps to get a business licence (D3).
- Step 1: Call Blackswan Business Setup Business Consultants to get expert advice on how to grow your business.
- Step 2: Sign and pay for the company setup proposal.
- Step 3: Meet with the Blackswan Operations team for an on-boarding meeting to talk about documentation needs and timelines.
- Step 4: Send in the required legal documents for company registration and lease confirmation, and sign the Articles of Association document.
- Step 5: The company licence is issued, and you're ready to get visas and open a company bank account.
- Which authority is Dubai Design District (D3) governed by?
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Dubai Development Authority is in charge of the Dubai Design District (D3) (DDA).
- What type of license is required to set up a company at Dubai Design District (D3)?
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Dubai Design District (D3) has a dual licence system that lets businesses that are based there apply for two licences. These licences are:
- Freezone licences are given out by the Dubai Development Department (DDA) and can only be used in the Dubai Design District (D3).
- Mainland licences are given out by the Dubai Economic Department Development Authority (DEDDA) and can be used anywhere in Dubai. To operate in Dubai mainland
- Is Dubai Design District (D3) zone operational 24/7?
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Yes, the Dubai Design District (D3) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, each business has its own hours.
- Is there public transport facilities in Dubai Design District (D3)?
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Dubai Design District (D3) is in the middle of the city and has easy access to both land and water transportation, like RTA buses and boats. You can use any taxi, Uber, or Careem service.
- Is Dubai Design District (D3) offshore?
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No. Dubai Design District (D3) is a free zone in the middle of Dubai. It is not offshore. The Dubai Mall is a quick 5–10-minute drive from D3. One of the biggest shopping malls in the world is the Dubai Mall.
