Dubai Design District D3 Free Zone

Are you into design and fashion? Are you waiting to start your business in these industries?

Then Dubai has something to offer you. 

Dubai Design District (D3) was founded in 2013 to encourage growth and investment in markets like digital media, arts, design, and fashion. As of today, Dubai Design District free zone is a trailblazer in the Middle East. 

It is the first destination in the region dedicated to designing, making this booming market even more vivid in Dubai. 

The idea behind D3 was to build a community where all design lovers could head to enjoy all the latest trends and provide people with a place to connect, explore and celebrate all things creative and trendy.

So what are you waiting for?

It might seem difficult to set up a business. Continue reading for a detailed guide to the Dubai Design District Free Zone.

Dubai Design District

15 000 design firms are expected to relocate to Dubai in the following years. 150,000 creative professionals are included in this. The number for Dubai in 2021 was 8,300 innovative businesses employing 70,000 people. 

A significant contributor to Dubai's economy is the design and fashion sector. So the emirate established a neighborhood devoted to design, fashion, and creative media in 2015. It is a refuge for creative workers, and they gave it the moniker Dubai Design District.

You won't be required to pay income tax when residing in Dubai Design District (D3). Additionally, 5 years will see no business tax.

Legal Business Entities in D3 Dubai

Dubai Design District provides the following entities for business:

  • Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC).
  • Branch of a UAE company.
  • Branch of a foreign company.
  • Freelance permit.

Advantages of Setting up a Business in D3 Dubai

There are various benefits of company incorporation in Dubai Design District, which are pointed out below: 

  • No currency restrictions
  • Exemption from personal income tax
  • No limit on capital repatriation
  • 0% corporate tax for the first 50 years
  • Strategic location
  • No restrictions on hiring foreign talent
  • Simple laws and legal framework
  • 100% foreign ownership
  • Amenities of a world-class business hub
  • Special licensing for design and fashion with freelance permits for artists and designers.
  • Opportunity to get incepted into the world’s first design ecosystem.

Primary Business Industries in D3 Dubai

  • Architectural Design
  • Branding and Corporate Identity
  • Industrial Design
  • Fashion Design
  • Public Relation
  • Image Consultancy
  • Graphic Design
  • Direct Marketing

Available Licenses in Dubai Design District (D3)

  • Commercial license
  • Manufacturing license

Procedure to Start a Company in Dubai Design District (D3)

The steps to incorporate a company are as follows:

1. Apply for the Initial Approval

Obtain an initial approval and submit the required documents to the DED (Department of Economic Development). 

2. Register the Company

Once you get the initial approval, the next step is to register the company officially. You need to submit all the company documents for that. 

3. Sign the Documents

Having accurate and suitable documents is necessary to start a business. Therefore, you must ensure you have the relevant papers before going to the registrar's office.

4. Complete the Payment

Pay the required amount after submitting all the documents to the respective authorities.  

5. Collect the Business License

After making your payment, you must obtain your current business license and the registration certificate provided by the registrar.

6. Obtain a Customer Confirmation Letter

Once you are done with the registration process, it is time to obtain the customer confirmation letter, and then you are ready to start your company. 

Documents Required for Company Formation in D3 Dubai

The following documents are required for company incorporation in Dubai Design District:

  • Application for company registration
  • Business plan
  • Board Resolution
  • Passport copies and specimen signature of the director and the manager
  • Registry identification code
  • No-Objection certificate (NOC) from the current sponsor
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA and AOA)
  • Certificate of incorporation
  • Post-dated checks

6 Reasons to Set Up a Company in Dubai Design District Free Zone

There are plenty of options available in D3 for doing business. Learn more about the business opportunities available in Dubai Design District, and here are 6 reasons why you should set up your company in D3 free zone:

  1. D3 is a free zone that enables an investor to enjoy sole ownership, full repatriation of profit and capital, and no duty on import/export.
  2. A fantastic opportunity to go global as Dubai is one of the most visited cities in the world, and D3’s strategic location is exceptionally beneficial.
  3. Authorities have taken intelligent steps to develop the district as a bright zone, including privileges like smart parking meters, smart energy meters, intelligent waste management, etc.
  4. D3 owns a security system that can recognize an employee’s face and switch on lights and adjust the temperature on a user’s desk automatically.
  5. A chance to be versatile as D3 owns a business zone for fashion, luxury, and design will give you access to art studios, museums, galleries, etc., eventually boosting your versatility.
  6. Dubai will give you world-class infrastructure, and you don’t also need to pay any income tax. And it’s a perfect gateway between the east and the west, enabling you to expand your business and network in the GCC region quickly.

Our Role

Then look no further since our consultant at Business Setup Worldwide is here to assist you with the process if these six great reasons inspire you to establish your business in the Dubai Design District (D3) free zone. We promise to take care of all the obstacles that stand in the way of you starting your business, and we'll be more than delighted to help you and share in your success. Contact us if you have questions about forming a company in the D3 free zone; we'd be pleased to assist.

FAQs

1. What are the facilities available in Dubai Design District?

Flexi Desk
Physical Office Space
Co-working Spaces

2. Can someone open a company remotely in D3 Free Zone?

Yes.

3. Are there any requirements for renting a physical office?

A 25% deposit of the entire rent is needed when renting a physical office.

4. What is the required share capital for bank account opening in D3 Free Zone?

AED 50,000 to AED 100,000 (depending on the chosen segment).