Dubai free zone, D3
Set up your company in Dubai Design District Free Zone
Dubai Design District (d3) has been developed through careful consultation with the design community to provide a creative ecosystem that surpasses the expectations of a typical creative neighbourhood. Located at the heart of Dubai and governed by the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority, d3 was established in 2013 to nurture local talent and serve as a platform for innovative thinkers. It is a place where creatives can live, work and play, and where local talent works alongside international design, art and fashion houses.
- 100% foreign ownership
- Design, fashion & art focus
- Freelance permits for designers
- Near Downtown & Dubai Mall
Why D3
A creative network for design and fashion.
D3 was built with the design community to go beyond a typical creative neighbourhood. It is a place where local talent works alongside international design, art and fashion houses, with a prime central location.
100% ownership
Own your company outright, with no local sponsor or partner.
Creative network
A carefully crafted hub built around design and fashion.
Designer permits
Special freelance permits for artists and designers.
Zero personal tax
No personal income tax and no currency restrictions.
Full repatriation
No limit on the repatriation of your capital and profits.
Prime location
Beside Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa.
Built for your industry
Made for creative business.
D3 is strategically aligned with digital media, arts, design and fashion. These are the activities it suits best.
Design studios
Graphic, product, interior and industrial design.
Fashion & retail
Fashion houses, labels and luxury retail.
Art & culture
Galleries, artists and cultural ventures.
Digital media
Content, photography and creative media.
Luxury & jewellery
Luxury brands and high-end design houses.
Freelance creatives
Designers and artists on a freelance permit.
Cannot find your activity in D3? We will compare it against IFZA, Meydan and other zones so you start in the right place.
What it costs
Dubai Design District setup cost.
Indicative D3 leasing options. On top of the facility, registration is around AED 3,520 (one-time) and the license is around AED 15,020 per segment (annual). We confirm a fixed, all-in quote before you commit.
| Facility | Annual | Visas |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Desk | AED 25,000 | 2 |
| Micro Studio, Type A | AED 96,000 | 3 to 4 |
| Micro Studio, Type B | AED 132,000 | 4 to 6 |
| Micro Studio, Type C | AED 192,000 | 6 to 8 |
- Add registration (around AED 3,520 one-time) and the license (around AED 15,020 per segment, annual).
- Establishment card is around AED 2,000, and the residence visa is around AED 3,180 per applicant, plus medical and Emirates ID.
- Figures are indicative and exclude VAT. We confirm a live, all-in quote for your setup.
How we help
From application to open for business.
- 01
Submit application
We file your registration and shareholder and manager documents.
- 02
Documents & space
We submit your legal documents and secure your D3 facility.
- 03
Sign and license
We arrange the Articles of Association and the license agreement.
- 04
Visas and bank
We assist with residence visas and corporate banking introductions once your company is established.
Why FZM
Dedicated Senior advisory.
You will work directly with a Dedicated Senior advisor from day one. Your advisor will assess your requirements, identify the most suitable jurisdictions, manage the entire application process, and remain your long-term point of contact for ongoing guidance and support.
- Since 2013
- D3 established
- 1,500+
- Companies formed
- 15+
- Years in the UAE
- Design
- Specialist hub
Keep exploring
More on setting up in Dubai.
Good to know
Dubai Design District questions, answered.
- What is Dubai Design District (D3) best for?
- Dubai Design District (D3) is the city's creative free zone, established in 2013 and governed by the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority. It is best for design studios, fashion houses, art and culture ventures, digital media, luxury brands and freelance creatives. It is globally recognised as a hub for design and fashion, near Downtown Dubai.
- How much does it cost to set up in D3?
- Indicative D3 leasing options start at around AED 25,000 a year for a Shared Desk (2 visas), with Micro Studios from AED 96,000 to AED 192,000 (3 to 8 visas). On top of the facility, registration is around AED 3,520 one-time and the license is around AED 15,020 per segment a year. Residence visas are extra. We confirm a fixed, all-in quote before you commit.
- Can designers get a freelance permit in D3?
- Yes. D3 offers special freelance permits for artists and designers, which makes it an ideal free zone for creative freelancers who want a recognised design address without setting up a full company. We can advise whether a freelance permit or a company license suits you best.
- Do I get 100% ownership in D3?
- Yes. A D3 free zone company gives you 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor, zero personal income tax, no currency restrictions and no limit on the repatriation of capital and profits.
- Where is Dubai Design District located?
- D3 sits in the centre of Dubai, beside Business Bay and close to Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. That central location puts creative businesses in the middle of a busy city with easy access to clients and talent.
Maha BadrHighly recommended. A professional team, prompt on every detailed query and seamless on every requirement, trade license, corporate tax, bank account, residence ID, medical.
Largo HomeSimply impeccable. They didn't just meet deadlines, they anticipated them, with quick and effective solutions even in complex situations.
Maciej KolodziejczykVery efficient. Company formation, employment contract, residency visa, and all the prerequisites handled. Friendly and professional throughout.
Ready to incorporate
One advisor.From company formation to corporate banking.
A 30-minute consultation is all it takes to receive a tailored proposal, a transparent quotation, and a written roadmap delivered the same day. You will deal directly with an experienced advisor throughout the process.
- Response instantly
- Five languages spoken
- Independent. Not a license reseller.