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Dubai Design District (d3) is Dubai’s free zone for design, fashion, luxury and the creative trades, licensed by the Dubai Development Authority (DDA). Its fees come from DDA Licensing Categories Decision No. 1 of 2021. This page sets out the d3 figures as checked on 4 October 2026.
d3 licence fees
| d3 sector | Annual fee (AED) | Activities allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion, luxury, or interior, furniture and objects (no manufacturing) | 15,000 | 5 |
| Fashion, luxury, or interior, furniture and objects (with manufacturing) | 20,000 | 5 |
| Design | 15,000 | 3 |
| Marketing | 15,000 | 2 |
| Event management, ancillary services | 15,000 | 3 |
| E-commerce, beauty care, art, marketing services | 15,000 | 1 |
| Freelancer | 7,500 | 1 |
An extra sector adds AED 10,000 a year, and each DDA transaction AED 20 in government fees.
Space
d3 offers co-working with shared desks and micro studios, and commercial offices from 700 square feet. A company licence needs a leased facility and a registered Ejari. d3 publishes no rents and no visa ratio.
Rules
- Legal forms: FZ-LLC or branch of a UAE or foreign company.
- Capital: AED 10,000; AED 100,000 for fashion, luxury or interiors with manufacturing; none for a branch.
- Late renewal: AED 2,500 to 10,000 depending on the delay.
Freelance designers
GoFreelance covers d3: AED 7,500 a year, with a visa at AED 4,600 for one year and a AED 2,000 establishment card. Details for all DDA zones on DDA free zones licence cost.
Working on the mainland
Under Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025: AED 5,000 for a DET permit up to six months, or AED 10,000 a year for a branch.
Compare
See Dubai Media City for marketing and media, and the free zone comparison table.
Other Dubai free zones we cover: JAFZA, DMCC, DIFC, IFZA, Meydan Free Zone, Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai South, DWTC, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Healthcare City.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a d3 licence?
AED 15,000 a year for most d3 sectors and AED 20,000 for fashion, luxury or interiors that include manufacturing, plus a one-time AED 3,500 registration.
What capital does a d3 company need?
AED 10,000 for most sectors and AED 100,000 for fashion, luxury or interiors with manufacturing; none for a branch.
Can a freelance designer set up in d3?
Yes, through GoFreelance at AED 7,500 a year, or the d3 freelancer sector at the same fee.
Official references used for context in this article.
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