Dubai Design District
Dubai's Premier Design & Fashion Free Zone Community
What is Dubai Design District?
Part of TECOM Group (Dubai Development Authority), Dubai Design District is a specialized free zone community for design, fashion, creative companies. Licensed through TECOM Group with access to GoFreelance and company setup programs.
TECOM sub-community focused on design, fashion, creative. Premium design and fashion district. Licensed under Dubai Development Authority (TECOM Group).
Key Features & Benefits
- Part of TECOM Group / Dubai Development Authority
- Focus: Design, Fashion, Creative
- Physical office mandatory
- See TECOM Group for pricing details
Pricing & Costs
From AED 7,500/yr Year 1 costs, renewals, and multi-year discounts
Pricing & Costs
From AED 7,500/yrYear 1 costs, renewals, and multi-year discounts
Pricing
Dubai Design District — Year 1 Fees
License Packages ⓘ
GoFreelance
- Freelancer license
- Visa
- (via TECOM)
DIC Company Setup
- License
- Office lease
- Visa quota
- (via TECOM)
💡 Multi-year licenses (2–3 years) are eligible for a 15–20% discount when paid upfront.
Government Immigration Fees ⓘ
Renewal Fees ⓘ
All prices are in AED and exclude 5% VAT where applicable. Prices may change — verify directly with the freezone authority before making decisions. Last verified: 12 February 2026
Setup & Documents
5-14 days Step-by-step process, timeline, and required documents
Setup & Documents
5-14 daysStep-by-step process, timeline, and required documents
Setup Roadmap
Your journey from application to fully operational business.
Choose Business Activity
Select your business activity and license type from Dubai Design District's approved list
Reserve Trade Name
Submit trade name application for approval
Submit Documents
Upload passport copies, application form, and supporting documents
Pay License & Registration Fees
Complete payment for license and registration fees to Dubai Design District
Receive Trade License
License issued after document verification and payment confirmation
Apply for Visa & Open Bank Account
Submit visa application and business bank account opening
You're Open for Business!
Document Checklist
Everything you need to register your company with Dubai Design District.
Individual Shareholders
5 documents
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport-size photograph
- Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
- Proof of address (utility bill <3 months)
- NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)
Corporate Shareholders
7 documents
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Board resolution authorizing UAE setup
- Valid passport of authorized signatory
- Share certificate
- Good standing certificate
- Apostilled/attested documents (if outside GCC)
- Passport copies must show at least 6 months validity from application date
- Documents from outside the GCC may require apostille or attestation
- Upload high-quality colour scans — minimum 300 DPI
- Corporate documents should be certified as true copies
Banking & Payments
4/5 ease · 3 partner banks Bank account opening, partner banks, and payment setup
Banking & Payments
4/5 ease · 3 partner banksBank account opening, partner banks, and payment setup
Banking
Corporate bank account opening with guaranteed IBAN.
Partner Banks
Emirates NBD
Major UAE bank with comprehensive business banking
Mashreq Bank
Digital-first banking with StartUp packages
RAKBANK
SME-friendly banking solutions
Documents Needed
- Apply to 2–3 banks simultaneously to maximise approval chances
- Prepare a clear business plan explaining your revenue model
- Have 3–5 sample contracts or invoices ready — even drafts work
- Consider digital banks like Wio for faster approval and zero minimum balance
Not sure if Dubai Design District is right for you?
Talk to an unbiased FreezoneMatch advisor. We'll help you compare options, avoid hidden costs, and find the best fit — completely free.
Why Dubai Design District?
8 key advantages Key advantages that set this free zone apart
Why Dubai Design District?
8 key advantagesKey advantages that set this free zone apart
Why Dubai Design District?
What makes this free zone stand out.
5-14 Day Setup
Standard company formation timeline. In-person visit required for document submission.
3 Partner Banks
Banking rated 4/5 (Good). Account opening typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Up to 15 Visas
2 years validity. Dependents allowed. Flexible allocation based on package.
0% Corporate Tax
On qualifying free zone income (QFZP status). 100% foreign ownership with full capital repatriation.
Mainland Trading Access
Multiple pathways to the mainland market including DET Permit and branch licensing.
Dubai Location
Located in Business Bay, near Downtown Dubai and Dubai Design District, with Dubai Canal views
Part of TECOM Group / Dubai Developme...
A key advantage of setting up your business in Dubai Design District.
Focus: Design, Fashion, Creative
A key advantage of setting up your business in Dubai Design District.
- Design companies and businesses
- Fashion companies and businesses
- Creative companies and businesses
- Virtual office seekers (physical office lease is mandatory)
- Businesses outside design, fashion, creative (limited activity scope)
- Businesses needing warehouse or industrial facilities
Reviews
4.6★ (511 reviews) Customer reviews and alternatives
Reviews
4.6★ (511 reviews)Customer reviews and alternatives
Dubai Design District is a great place to enjoy a peaceful walk or run, and it’s also perfect for families. The open spaces, fresh air, and beautiful views create a relaxing environment where you can sit, unwind, and spend quality time with loved ones. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a calm and scenic outdoor spot in Dubai.
Its my first time at dubai design district and i was in a hurry i just came for brunch , definitely coming back inshallah i need to explore more of it 👌 Nice big variety of coffee shops and restaurants the shades of the buildings on the corridors made the weather perfect
Creative district for all companies and individuals. Well planned district with diversified offices and shops. It is a good place to set up a business 👩💼 here. Good restaurants, shops, cafés and other companies here. A must visit district in Dubai if you like life 🔛
A typical place for those interested in exploring Dubai's creative side,particularly for those in the design,fashion and art industries..Buildings and public spaces are in modern design,unique architecture,artistic atmosphere and growing amenities..Also a commercial space with a growing number of restaurants,cafes and retail outlets,making it a worthwhile destination for both work and leisure..They also provide a hassle-free parking experience..
It Happens only in Dubai 🇦🇪❤️ We visited D3 on 22nd September 2024. Dubai Design District is home to the biggest global, regional & local brands, Which offer the best in Dubai within the art, design & fashion industries. 🇦🇪🌍 D3 is architecturally designed and maintained in a very beautiful and modern manner with high standards 🫶🏻🫡 If you are around Dubai, don’t miss this spot, one can spend a day easily here❤️🫶🏻
Review data as of 29 March 2026. For the latest reviews, visit Google Maps.
Find Dubai Design District on Google Maps
View location, hours, photos, and real-time reviews from Google Maps.
Reviews shown on Google Maps are from verified visitors and updated in real-time by Google.
Is Dubai Design District Right for You?
✅ Choose Dubai Design District if you...
- • design companies and businesses
- • fashion companies and businesses
- • creative companies and businesses
🔄 Consider alternatives if you...
- • virtual office seekers (physical office lease is mandatory)
- • businesses outside design, fashion, creative (limited activity scope)
- • businesses needing warehouse or industrial facilities
Compare with Similar Freezones
FAQ
7 common questions Common questions about setting up in this free zone
FAQ
7 common questionsCommon questions about setting up in this free zone
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about setting up in Dubai Design District.
How much does it cost to set up in Dubai Design District?
How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai Design District?
How many visas can I get with Dubai Design District?
Can I sell to mainland UAE customers with a Dubai Design District license?
Do I pay corporate tax in Dubai Design District?
Do I need a physical office in Dubai Design District?
How do I open a bank account with a Dubai Design District license?
FreezoneMatch provides comparison tools based on publicly available data. We are not affiliated with Dubai Design District. Costs and regulations change — always confirm directly with the freezone authority before making decisions.
Not sure if Dubai Design District is right for you?
Talk to a FreezoneMatch advisor — we don't work for any freezone, so you'll get honest, unbiased guidance to find the best fit for your business.
Or contact Dubai Design District directly