Dubai’s thriving business environment may be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of the UAE. But it is far from the only interest in this part of the world. The country’s residents are also passionate about fashion, design and creativity.
Nowhere is this more clear than in the houses, offices and public spaces of Dubai, adorned as they are with the latest stylings, architecture and artistic finishes. However, many residents and business owners do not have the time or the eye to handle this aspect of decoration and refurbishment. That’s where designers come in.
So, if you’ve got the knowledge and skills to see success, here are the key factors to consider before starting an interior design consultancy in Dubai.
How to start an interior design consultancy: Step-by-step
There’s much to consider when starting a business of any kind in this part of the world. At first glance, the process can seem complicated or even daunting. But when you work with the team at Creative Zone, we’ll help you launch your interior design consultancy in Dubai in just four simple steps.
Step 1: Outline your business activities
The first step when starting a business anywhere in the UAE is to outline your intended activities. Failure to do so can cause issues further down the line and carrying out unlicensed activities may lead to fines or even license revocation.
Your stated activities must be chosen from the official list published by Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED). There are several options when establishing an interior design business. You could set up with a professional license to offer interior decoration or go with a more general design services or consultancy activity. It is possible to add more than one activity to a business license.
The team at Creative Zone will help ensure that you have the correct approvals to run your business.
Step 2: Choose your company name
The second step is equally important: choosing a company name. There are a few key things to keep in mind at this stage – many that would not apply anywhere else in the world.
Be aware that you must abide by a strict set of naming conventions. In short, you should avoid any offensive or blasphemous language. Avoid names of well-known organisations and avoid abbreviations if naming your company after yourself – i.e. Dave Mann Consulting, rather than D Mann Consulting. You must also check that your chosen name is available to register.
Step 3: Making your license application
You will require a trade license to start an interior design consultancy in in Dubai. This is issued by the Dubai Department of Economic Development and you can make your application online. Once again, the Creative Zone team will guide you through this process. Get in touch to find out more.
Step 4: Making your visa applications
Finally, you’ll need to organise your visas. With the right guidance, the visa application process can be incredibly straightforward. As well as making your application, you’ll be required to submit biometric information and undergo a medical fitness test.
As the holder of a UAE business license, you can also sponsor others for their visas too. This could be a spouse, parent or child, or a domestic worker such as a housekeeper. The maximum number of visas you can apply for will depend on the size of your company, your chosen setup and, for dependant visas, your personal earnings.
Documents required to start an interior design consultancy
When applying for a license to establish an interior design consultancy in Dubai, you’ll be asked to submit the following documents:
- Copy of passport
- Emirates ID copy
- Signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer (if applicable)
Benefits of starting an interior design consultancy in Dubai
High demand
Dubai has both a thriving real estate and business environment. This means lots of potential customers in the corporate and private space. The emirate’s residents are also known to be happy to pay a premium for bespoke and high quality design services.
Welcoming environment
When you start a business here, you’ll benefit from low barriers to entry, a thriving economy and an attractive tax regime. Personal income and corporate profits under AED 375,000 are taxed at 0% in the UAE. Corporate profits above AED 375,000 are taxed at a flat 9%.
Low costs
Providing you have the skills and requisite experience to consult on interior design, there is little else needed to start trading in the UAE. That means minimal startup costs and low overheads.
Tips for running a successful interior design consultancy
Build your brand
There is no better way to drum up interest in your business than by building an online presence. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are perfect for showing off stylish designs and artistic interiors – and there is an audience waiting to be found.
Posting regularly on social media not only allows you to promote your work. It also helps you nurture a community and position yourself as an authority in the interior design space.
Find your niche
Competition can be fierce here in the UAE, so it often pays to find a niche or subsector. Be sure to promote the aspects of your business that set you apart from others in Dubai. This could be a particular style of design, speed of service or additional offering that complements your interior design consultancy.
Go business to business
There is most definitely a large market for private interior design consultancy in the UAE. But there’s no doubt the larger contracts are to be found in the business world. Reach out online and attend networking events to establish a presence among developers and office refurb firms. This can help you build a steady stream of business and quickly gain a presence in the corporate world of the UAE.
About Creative Zone.
Starting a interior design consultancy in Dubai can be a complicated process – particularly if you’re new to working in the UAE.
That’s why selecting the right partner is a critical step when looking to launch or grow a business out here. As the most trusted business setup advisor in the Middle East, Creative Zone has been empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs with comprehensive support since 2010. With a strong reputation for assisting businesses locally and globally, we offer a complete range of solutions for all your business setup needs.
When you work with us, you get fast, reliable and unbiased advice on your unique business setup requirements. We can help you choose the right kind of license for your business activity and take you through the entire process from start to finish.
We’re here to assist every step of the way. No matter your chosen activities, legal entity or visa requirements, we’re on hand with support, guidance and expertise. So, if you’re looking to lay the foundations for life in the UAE, Creative Zone is your ideal starting point.
Contact us today to kickstart your business in Dubai.
