Dubai Design District free zone was launched in 2013 to fulfil the emirate’s objective of creating an integrated hub for design, innovation and creativity for the global fashion industry. Since its inception, the free zone has been serving as a catalyst, driving foreign investments into the UAE from sectors like Fashion, Art, Design and Digital Media. Foreign investors focusing on such sectors wish to commence Business setup in Dubai District due to benefits including 100% ownership, total repatriation of capital, world-class facilities and an easy company formation procedure. However, the assistance of the best business setup consultants in Dubai is recommended for a speedy company formation process.
Available Business Activities in Dubai Design District
Dubai Design District is one of the most efficient creative hubs in the world and it was developed after much deliberations with the design community. The business setup in Dubai Design District is controlled and regulated by the Dubai Development Authority (DDA). The process of registration and company formation in the Dubai Design District is monitored by the DDA. The Authority allows the foreign investors to set up a company in a wide range of activities including but not limited to:
- Sales and Marketing
- Modeling Agency
- Art Gallery
- Design Consultancy
- Manufacturing
- Studio Space
- Performing Arts Management
- Tailoring
- Image Consultancy
- Fashion/Fair Exhibition
- Concept Design
- Fashion Design Consultancy
- Architectural Design
- E-Commerce
- Nutrition and Fitness Advisors
- Graphic Design
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Benefits of Business Setup in Dubai Design District (D3) Free Zone
Business setup in Dubai Design District is generally suitable for investors from sectors such as fashion, design, retail, luxury and hospitality. By forming a company in the Dubai Design District, the entrepreneurs are entitled to the following benefits:
a. Control over Ownership
Unlike in the mainland, the company formation in Dubai free zones allows foreigners to have total control of ownership in the company. In the mainland, a foreign investor is required to have only 49% shares in the company while the rest of the shares stay with the local sponsor who must be a UAE national. By setting up a company in Dubai Design District, the foreign investor can enjoy full ownership along with complete repatriation of profits and capital.
b. Strategic Location
Location is an integral factor that the foreign investors consider while choosing the right free zone for business set up in Dubai. In that aspect, Dubai Design District is highly recommended for company formation as the free zone is strategically located in the Business Bay area which is highly accessible from all major roads such as Al Khail, Dubai-Al Ain and Dubai-Hatta roads.
c. An Ideal Hub for Startups
Dubai Design District is designed as an ideal hub for startups and freelancers with its world-class infrastructure and easy business setup procedures. The Free Zone has special licensing structures for designing activities and permits for artists and designers who want to work as freelancers. Since the designers from around the world are housed under one roof, the scope for collaboration and nurturing of new talents is fostered.
d. Modern Coworking Spaces
Dubai Design District provides world-class coworking spaces that come with all the modern amenities. The coworking spaces in Dubai Design District are suited for all kinds of investors including novice entrepreneurs, a growing business, or a well-established corporation. The flexible rental schemes allow businesses to pay on a daily, monthly, or yearly basis. The coworking spaces come with high-speed internet, front desk service, meeting rooms, common areas for fun activities, spaces to hold attend social and professional events.
Types of Companies Allowed in Dubai Design District (D3)
Depending on the number of shareholders the investors can initiate a business setup in Dubai Design District in the following legal structures:
a. Free Zone Limited Liability Company
A Free Zone Limited Liability Company (LLC) is an independent business entity that can be established with at least a single shareholder. Business setup consultants in Dubai will make the process of setting up the Free Zone LLC easier for investors.
b. Branch of a Foreign Company
Foreign companies are allowed to incorporate their branch in Dubai Design District. The foreign branch company is not an independent legal entity and will conduct all or some of the business activities of its parent firm.
c. Branch of a Local UAE Company
Many local UAE companies have established their branches in Dubai Design District owing to the free zone’s robust infrastructure and streamlined set up procedures. The branch is allowed to conduct all or some of the business activities associated with its parent company in the UAE.
d. Freelance Permit
Freelancing is one of the most profitable business opportunities in Dubai which allows the professionals to pursue business activities individually. Obtaining a freelance permit in Dubai Design District is easy and affordable and is suited for artists and designers who seek more flexibility.
How to Start a Business in Dubai Design District (D3) Free Zone?
Company formation in Dubai Design District is pretty straightforward and could be completed in the following steps:
1. Submit the Application Form
The investors are required to fill out the application for business setup in Dubai Design District and submit it to the Free Zone Authority. The best business setup consultants in Dubai will provide the application form and assist the investors in properly submitting it.
2. Submission of Documents & Payment
Foreign investors are required to submit the supporting documents to the Authority. The documents must be signed and notarized for which the business setup consultants in Dubai will assist the entrepreneurs.
3. The signing of Lease, Collection of License
At this stage, the investors need to have to select suitable premises or coworking spaces for their business operation. After the signing of the lease and the payment of the required official fee, the license will be issued in a matter of days.
Choose the Best Business Setup Consultants in Dubai
The launch of the Dubai Design District has helped bolster the emirate’s status as a thriving centre of innovation, design and creativity in the realm of fashion. The business setup in Dubai Design District is favoured by foreign investors, startups, budding entrepreneurs and freelancers for the free zone’s progressive and supportive policies. Even though the free zone’s procedures are pretty straightforward, novice foreign investors with limited knowledge about UAE laws and free zone regulations hire business setup consultants in Dubai to eliminate any potential delays registering their companies.
The best business setup consultants in Dubai such as Jitendra Business Consultants (JBC) enrich the expatriate entrepreneurs with their legal know-how and years of experience in a wide range of industries. JBC has a team of company incorporation specialists and PRO professionals who simplify the process of business setup in Dubai for investors. Key requirements such as drafting of MoA, preparation of license application, visa processing, sponsoring of dependents etc. becomes easier with JBC’s able guidance.