Dubai’s interior design market is expanding rapidly, supported by luxury real estate, commercial growth, and rising design standards. The UAE interior design market size reached USD 1.77 billion in 2025 and is forecast to climb to USD 2.84 billion by 2030, creating strong opportunities for investors to start an interior design business in Dubai across residential, commercial, hospitality, and retail sectors.
Steps to Start an Interior Design Business in Dubai
Below are the main steps required to launch your interior design company in Dubai. Each step must be followed carefully to ensure legal compliance, smooth approvals, and a strong business foundation.
Choose the Right Business Structure
Selecting the correct structure ensures smooth registration and ownership suitability. Options include forming an LLC in Dubai, operating as a sole proprietor, or choosing a free zone setup, depending on your business goals.
Apply for an Interior Design License
You must secure an Interior Design License in Dubai to offer design, layout planning, and project consulting services legally. This license regulates your activities and ensures compliance with local industry and safety standards.
Submit Trade Name and Initial Approval
A unique business name must be approved by authorities. Initial approval verifies your activity, allowing you to continue the setup process and prepare required documentation for your business license.
Finalize Office Space Documentation
Most companies require a physical workspace. This process includes renting an office space in Dubai and securing a registered tenancy contract, which must match the selected business jurisdiction to avoid delays.
Draft MoA and Complete Company Registration
For many company types, especially LLCs, drafting a Memorandum of Association (MoA) is essential. Once this is completed, registration proceeds with final submissions, approvals, and issuance of your operational license.
Advantages of Starting an Interior Design Company in Dubai
Dubai’s booming real estate, luxury design standards, and business-friendly policies make it an excellent location for creative entrepreneurs. Below are the main advantages of launching an interior design company in the UAE.
High Market Demand
Dubai’s expanding construction and real estate sectors continuously require interior designers for new homes, offices, hotels, and retail spaces, allowing businesses to find clients easily throughout the year.
Easy Business Setup Process
Dubai’s streamlined procedures make it simple to obtain a trade license and begin operations, giving designers flexibility whether they choose mainland or free zone setups.
Strong Business Environment
Interior designers benefit from stable regulations, investor-friendly policies, and high-quality infrastructure, enabling smooth project execution in commercial, residential, and hospitality sectors.
Access to Skilled Talent
Dubai attracts global architects, designers, contractors, and consultants, allowing interior design firms to collaborate with skilled professionals on diverse, high-value projects.
Potential for High Earnings
Due to premium real estate and luxury design trends, interior design companies in Dubai often charge competitive rates, offering strong revenue and long-term business growth potential
Document Required Opening Interior Design Company in Dubai
To open an interior design business, investors must submit verified documents that prove ownership, identity, location, and legal compliance. These documents help authorities confirm business activities and issue the required approvals without delays.
Complete List of Documents
- Passport copies of all shareholders
- Valid UAE visa copies
- Emirates ID copies (if applicable)
- Passport-size photographs
- Proposed trade name list
- Initial approval certificate
- Signed Memorandum of Association (MoA)
- Certificate of incorporation (for corporate shareholders)
- Board resolution (if applicable)
- Tenancy contract / Ejari
- Location map of office space
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) (if required)
- Shareholder agreement
- Business activity approval forms
- Payment receipts for registration and licensing
Cost of Interior Design License in Dubai
The cost of obtaining an interior design license differs based on your chosen structure, business size, approvals, and office requirements. On average, investors should expect a minimum license cost of AED 16,000, excluding office rent and operational expenses.
Government Licensing Fees
Government fees cover application review, activity approval, and issuance of your Interior Design License in Dubai, ensuring you are legally allowed to perform interior design and consultancy services.
Office Rental and Ejari Costs
Most setups require a physical office. Costs vary depending on location and size, and they also include Ejari registration fees linked to renting an office space in Dubai.
Legal and Documentation Fees
Expenses include drafting and notarizing the MoA, translation requirements, approvals for technical activities, and obtaining your official business license.
Bank Account Setup Costs
When you open a corporate bank account, banks may require minimum balance deposits, compliance checks, and processing fees, affecting your company’s initial financial plan.
Free Zone and Regulatory Costs
If you choose creative zones managed by the Dubai Creative Cluster Authority (DCCA) or areas where professional licenses include Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City (DPC), and Dubai Outsource City, additional fees may apply.
Best Locations to Setup Interior Design Business in Dubai
Choosing the right location affects client visibility, project opportunities, and long-term growth. Dubai offers several top-tier business zones suited for interior design companies, depending on budget, licensing needs, and target market.
Dubai Mainland
Setting up an interior design company in Dubai mainland offers freedom to serve clients across the UAE and access government projects. It is suitable for firms wanting maximum operational flexibility and local market reach.
Creative Free Zones
Creative clusters like Dubai Design District (d3) support design-related activities and offer high visibility among designers, architects, and manufacturers. These zones attract premium clients and industry partnerships.
Dubai Production and Media Zones
Areas managed by DCCA where professional licenses include Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City (DPC), and Dubai Outsource City provide strong ecosystems for creative professionals and design specialists.
Business Bay and Downtown Dubai
These areas are ideal for designers targeting corporate clients, hospitality projects, and luxury real estate, offering proximity to high-value interior design contracts.
JLT and Dubai Marina
Popular for cost-effective office spaces and diverse clientele, these locations attract startups and growing interior design companies looking for balanced budgets and strong business environments.
How DIAC Helps You Open Interior Design Company in Dubai
DIAC guides entrepreneurs through every step of opening an interior design firm, ensuring a smooth, compliant, and stress-free setup. From selecting the right business structure to finalizing documentation, DIAC offers complete support for new investors. Our specialists help business owners choose between mainland, free zone, or LLC in Dubai structures based on services, budget, and long-term goals. This ensures the setup aligns smoothly with licensing and project requirements.
DIAC manages the entire licensing process, including securing your Interior Design License in Dubai, activity approval, and submission of all required documents to reduce processing delays and ensure proper legal compliance for interior design operations. We help clients complete essential office requirements, including preparing the tenancy contract, verifying workspace compliance, and gathering all legal documents needed to activate your interior design company’s official registration in Dubai.
Our team helps businesses open a corporate bank account, guiding them through bank selection, compliance verification, KYC screening, and required financial documentation to ensure seamless account approval. Once the company is formed, Our company formation consultants in Dubai continue supporting investors with renewals, expansion plans, additional approvals, and operational guidance to help the business grow smoothly and confidently. Contact us and begin building your interior design brand in Dubai with confidence.
