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GET A QUICK ESTIMATE ON YOUR BUSINESS SETUP COST
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Located in the heart of the city, the Dubai Design District was founded in 2013 by the Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The vision behind the debut of the Dubai Design District Free Zone is to build a purpose-built design centre to nurture emerging local talent and provide a home for creative thinkers. It is a global centre for design and fashion, harnessing the immense potential of the fashion and luxury interior design industry.
Also known as D3, the Free Trade Zone is home to businesses large and small, from local boutique design studios to renowned global fashion houses. The market plays a key role in the popularity of D3 as the fashion and design industry is growing rapidly in the region. Geographically, Dubai Design District is located next to Dubai's Business Bay area in the city centre, close to Dubai Mall, making it very strategic. The Dubai Design Area (D3) is regulated by the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority, an independent regulatory platform. This free zone is certainly the only ecosystem of its kind supporting new brands in fashion, retail and luxury.
The business activities in Dubai Design District (D3) Free Zone available for entrepreneurs and foreign investors include:
It is an independent legal entity,whose legal entity must have at least 1 director.
It is not a separate legal entity and carries out all or part of activities related to the parent company's business.
This is 51% local ownership with no minimum share capital requirement. Branch offices may conduct all or part of the business related to the parent company.
This permit gives the person the opportunity to work as a freelance professional. This allows practitioners to run the business under their birth name as opposed to a brand name.
There are 2 types of licenses available in the Dubai District Free Zone:
Many investors are looking to set up a business in the Dubai Free Zone, which is known for its people focused on design and innovation - the D3 Free Zone. Plus, who doesn't want to join a community that provides space, collaboration, and opportunity for creative thinkers across the region and attracts amazing talent from around the world? The UAE is carefully developing a creative ecosystem that exceeds the expectations of a typical creative district. The procedure for starting a business in this free zone is the same as in any other free zone. To register a company in the Dubai Design District Free Zone, you must hold one of the above licenses.
You need to take an application form to register your business and get a license. Then you must immediately fill out the form and submit it to the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority.
The next step is to collect the required documents as indicated in the form, fully signed and notarized, and submit them to the authorities. They will issue a receipt stating the amount to be paid. Pay the same at the counter.
After paying the fee, your application for registration will be processed. The release of documents takes about 2-4 weeks. Once approved, you can receive your registration certificate along with a valid license.
The cost of each visa varies depending on the applicant's current location status, whether the application is made within or outside the UAE. Visa changes can only be made if the applicant has canceled their previous residence visa or has moved in D3. If you are in the UAE at the time of application, selecting a work visa application in a country with a local switch allows you to stay in the country easily and enjoy a smooth process. You do not need to leave the UAE for a change in visa status.
The process of registration in Dubai Design District Free Zone is quite simple for business owners. While the process is fairly simple - entry permit, status adjustment, medical fitness test, EID registration and visa stamp - it can be annoying, especially if you are unfamiliar with local laws. It is advisable to first contact a UAE business expert to ensure you and those you wish to sponsor meet the eligibility criteria before applying.
Starting a business in Dubai and particularly in the Dubai Design District can be a huge process, but a business consultant can make the process easier, smoother and less stressful. At MAD Middle East, we strive to simplify the business license and business registration process efficiently and effectively for any company or entrepreneur wishing to incorporate a business in Dubai. Our team of experts with specialized experience in implementing legal procedures and documentation in Dubai are dedicated to assisting your company establishment process every step of the way. Call us today!
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