When you think of endless business opportunities with a ravishing lifestyle, then Dubai is the name that comes to your mind. An expatriate investor can get amazing perks from establishing a venture in Dubai such as 100% tax exemption, international trade, company ownership, and many more. It also provides multiple options of locations to operate from. One such remarkable location is the Dubai Design District(D3) which is tailor-made to develop emerging local talent as well as to accommodate creative thinkers. So, to successfully settle in D3, all you have to do is get hold of a valid Dubai Design District license and be a part of an interactive ecosystem providing a platform to innovate the concepts of designing.
Established in the year 2013 by Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Design District aims to build an artistic hub for design professionals and art enthusiasts. The vision of installing this division was to encourage growth and investment in the market of digital media, arts, design, and fashion. Currently, it is home to many companies including startups, small local boutique stores, design studios, as well as major fashion houses. It further intends to shape Dubai’s future as a leading destination of art, design, and culture.
Benefits of setting up business in the Dubai Design District
Dubai Design District is a go-to-business hub as it offers a fair share of benefits to young and creative entrepreneurs to showcase their talent and creative ideas.
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Ideal location
Apart from sharing proximity to Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, and the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Design District is also well connected to all the major roads, including the Zabeel district. Moreover, a large number of people working in the Dubai Design District reside within a range of 10 minutes. Besides, the well-linked bus routes, plentiful parking, and riverboat taxis make it a perfect spot for commuting and working.
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Minimal start-up cost
Setting up a business in the Dubai Design District is within one’s means. The company establishment cost as well as the Dubai Design District license cost is quite affordable and easy on the pocket. Hence, it can be an ideal destination for startup companies.
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Flexible visa process
An Investor visa in Dubai Design District is issued for three years. The artists and designers can also apply for special freelance permits and visas. Besides, the process of the visa application is fast as well as efficient in this area. The business owner can apply for multiple visas depending on the size of the office.
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Easy to open a corporate account
Opening a corporate bank account in the Dubai Design District is a short and simple process, which takes only a few days. Besides, once you receive the professional license from the respective authorities, it becomes easier to open a business account.
On the other hand, you can also approach the business formation specialists of Shuraa for this service.
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Abundant business resources
Since the Dubai Design District is a hub of designers and creativity, you can find all the relevant resources in one free zone. This, thus, benefits you in not only collaborating with big fashion giants but also creating favorable opportunities for new talents as well.
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Straightforward setup
Submit your application and documents, present your business plan, reserve office space, and there you have your approval for the Dubai Design District Business Setup. So, it’s quick, easy, and lets you jump straight into business operations as soon as possible.
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Dual licensing facility
An investor or entrepreneur setting up business in the Dubai Design District Free Zone can avail of the option of having a Mainland DED license as well. This lets them serve the local Dubai market many other significant benefits of the DED license. Thus, they can go for the Dual licensing facility in D3.
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Sanctuary for creatives
The big giants of fashion such as Adidas, Chanel, Givenchy, and many others are established in the Dubai Design District. Thus, it can never disappoint all the creative minds who choose to work here.
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Easy to sponsor dependents
The Dubai Design District not just offers an easy application for investor visas but also visas for employees and other dependants. The process is also straightforward including entry permit, status change, medical test, EID registration, and visa stamping. Moreover, if you are familiar with the local laws, it becomes easily attainable.
Other significant benefits of business setup in D3 include –
- Zero taxation
- No currency restrictions
- Full capital repatriation
- Freedom to hire foreign employees
- World’s first design ecosystem
- Special licensing for the design and fashion sector
- Availability of Freelance permits for artists and designers
- Efficient as well as the time-saving setup process
- Flourishing business center
- Vibrant community to live as well as work productively
- Networking opportunities
- Ideal business location for startups and freelancers
- Amazing infrastructure
- Excellent connectivity with major trade hubs in the region
Also read the post: Documents Required for Setting up an FZA Company in JAFZA
Activities covered under the Dubai Design District license
An entrepreneur starting a business in the Dubai Design District free zone can apply for any of the below licenses –
- Professional license
- Industrial license
- Commercial/trading license
- Freelance license
Additionally, these licenses can cover the range of activities available. For instance,
- Marketing
- Event management
- Art & Design
- Beauty care
- E-commerce
- Fashion(including/excluding manufacturing)
- Luxury(including/excluding manufacturing)
- Interior Designing(including/excluding manufacturing)
- Sales & Marketing
- Visual Merchandising
- Studio space
- Concept design
- Ancillary services
Corporate facilities available in Dubai Design District
- Warehouses
- Executive offices
- Flexi desks
- Virtual offices
- Retail outlets
Procedure to acquire Dubai Design District license
Dubai Design District offers a simple and hassle-free licensing procedure for any purpose, be it industrial, commercial, or professional. The steps included in this process are as follows –
- Choose a business activity
- Select the preferred jurisdiction
- Determine the company structure of the business – Free Zone LLC or Branch
- Reserve a trading name for your company
- Get the initial approval for business setup
- Find an office space
- Apply for the license
- Pay the licensing fees
- Collect your Dubai Design District license
- Initiate the corporate bank account opening process
- Obtain a UAE residency visa
Document required for D3 company registration and license application
In order to register the company in the Dubai Design District and obtain a professional license, the business owner must submit certain documents that include the following –
- Company registration and license application form
- Full profile of the shareholders
- Passport copies of directors and general managers
- Visa copies of directors and general managers
- Specimen signatures of the managers
- Share capital requirement proof
- Detailed business plan
- Board resolution(for free zone company)
- Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association
In addition, it is mandatory for the business owner to fully sign and notarize all the documents and submit them to authorities at the time of business setup. Further, the authorities take at least two to four weeks to approve the application, post which the owner can get their Dubai Design District license.
Wrapping up
There are various steps you need to accomplish while obtaining a Dubai Design District license with varying levels of legal requirements. However, most of the difficulties depend on the type of business you want to run in the free one. Therefore, it is advisable that before going through such a tentative process on your own, seek guidance from a professional company formation specialist.
Shuraa Business Setup is a trusted company setup service provider who will assist you through your application and also ensure that you complete the process efficiently as well as conveniently. So, connect with the consultants of Shuraa at +97144081900 and get answers to all your business queries. Simply, get in touch with them over WhatsApp at +971507775554 or via email at info@shuraa.com
