Dubai Design District (d3) Setup
Set up your creative business in Dubai Design District (d3) — the region's leading design and fashion free zone, home to global fashion houses, design studios, architects, and creative brands.
Description
Dubai Design District (d3) is the region's dedicated creative free zone, purpose-built for design, fashion, architecture, art, and luxury businesses. Part of TECOM Group, d3 hosts global brands including Adidas, Puma, Chanel regional offices, and Foster + Partners alongside hundreds of independent design studios, fashion labels, architecture practices, and creative agencies. The district includes showrooms, studios, galleries, and event spaces hosting Dubai Design Week and Fashion Forward.
d3 supports creative activities — fashion design and retail, interior design, architecture, product and industrial design, art galleries and dealerships, luxury brand offices, design consultancy, creative agencies, photography, and craft businesses. The free zone offers 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, full profit repatriation, and a community purpose-built for creative collaboration, brand visibility, and access to the region's design-conscious clientele.
Octavon Global Advisory handles complete d3 setup — creative activity selection, package selection (flexi-desk, studio, showroom, or office), trade name reservation, KYC submission, MOA drafting, license issuance, Establishment Card, visa processing, and corporate bank account introduction. Standard d3 setup completes in 10 to 14 working days from KYC submission.
What's Included
- d3 Trade License (TECOM)
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Region's Leading Design and Fashion Free Zone Address
- Access to Dubai Design Week and Creative Events Ecosystem
- Flexi-Desk / Studio / Showroom / Office Options
- Up to 5 Related Creative Activities Under Single License
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Share Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Establishment Card and Immigration Card
- Investor Visa (1-2 included)
- Medical Fitness Test and Emirates ID
- Corporate Bank Account Introduction
- Free UAE Corporate Tax Consultation
Requirements / Prerequisites
- Minimum 1 shareholder (individual or corporate)
- Creative or design-related activity from TECOM approved list
- Trade name following TECOM naming rules
- Portfolio or brand profile for creative activity verification
- Flexi-desk minimum, upgrade to studio or showroom as needed
- NOC from current sponsor if applicant is on UAE residence visa
- Annual license renewal
Required Documents
- Passport Copy (6+ months validity, all shareholders)
- Passport-sized Photographs
- UAE Visa Copy and Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
- Proof of Address (utility bill, last 3 months)
- CV or Brand Profile
- Portfolio of Design / Creative Work (recommended)
- 3 Proposed Trade Name Choices
- List of Proposed Creative Activities
- NOC from Current Sponsor (if applicable)
- For corporate shareholder: attested parent documents
Our Process
- Consultation on d3 creative activity and package
- Trade name reservation with TECOM
- Submit KYC application and portfolio
- TECOM review and initial approval
- Facility selection (flexi-desk, studio, showroom, office)
- Pay d3 license and facility fees
- MOA signing and corporate documents
- Receive d3 Trade License
- Establishment Card and Immigration Card
- Investor visa processing
- Medical fitness and Emirates ID
- Corporate bank account opening
Pricing
- Basic Fee: AED 26,000
- Service Fee: AED 5,000
- VAT (5%): AED 1,550
- Total: AED 32,550
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose d3 for a creative business?
d3 is the region's recognised address for design, fashion, and creative businesses — being based alongside global fashion houses and leading studios gives your brand credibility with luxury clients, retailers, and collaborators. Dubai Design Week, Fashion Forward, and year-round events provide built-in visibility no other free zone offers creatives.
What activities are available at d3?
Fashion design and fashion retail, interior design, architecture, product and industrial design, art galleries and art dealing, luxury brand regional offices, design consultancy, creative and branding agencies, photography and styling, jewellery design, and craft businesses.
How much does d3 company setup cost?
d3 license packages typically start at approximately AED 26,000-32,000 in government fees including a flexi-desk. Studios and showrooms increase the total based on space and location within the district. Service fees and visa processing are additional.
How long does d3 setup take?
Standard d3 setup completes in 10 to 14 working days from KYC submission. Portfolio review for creative activity verification is part of the TECOM approval process.
Can d3 companies sell to UAE customers?
Design services (consultancy, architecture, agency work) can serve mainland clients as professional services. Retail sales from d3 showrooms operate within the district and at licensed events; broader mainland retail requires distribution arrangements. We structure the license around your sales model.
Does d3 offer showroom and studio spaces?
Yes. d3 is one of the few free zones offering purpose-built showrooms, design studios, and gallery spaces alongside standard offices. Showroom availability varies by building and season — we coordinate space selection during setup.
How many visas can I get with a d3 license?
Flexi-desk packages support 2-4 visas. Studio, showroom, and office packages support more based on space (~1 visa per 9 sqm). TECOM's government services centre handles visa processing for all d3 companies.