A Dubai interior design licence costs AED 15,000–30,000 all-in (2026 rates). You’ll need a DET professional licence under activity code 7010 (Interior Design & Decoration), plus Dubai Municipality fit-out contractor registration. Processing typically takes 7–14 business days on the mainland.
What Is a Dubai Interior Design Licence?
A Dubai interior design licence permits you to legally offer residential and commercial interior design, decor consultation, space planning and fit-out project management across the Emirates. Whether you’re setting up a Dubai business setup as a sole proprietor or company, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) issues the professional licence under activity code 7010 (Interior Design & Decoration Services). This is distinct from general commercial activity — it’s classified as a professional service requiring proof of designer qualification or relevant experience.
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Interior Design Licence Cost 2026: Full Breakdown
| Cost Item | Mainland (AED) | Free Zone (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| DET Professional Licence (annual) | 2,000–3,500 | 2,500–4,000 |
| Dubai Municipality Contractor Card & Registration | 1,500–2,500 | N/A |
| Visa & Sponsorship (if applicable) | 2,500–5,000 | 2,500–5,000 |
| Office Space & Tenancy Contract (12 months estimate) | 6,000–12,000 | 3,000–8,000 |
| Trade Licence & Municipality Approvals | 1,000–2,000 | 500–1,500 |
| Professional Indemnity Insurance (annual, recommended) | 1,500–3,000 | 1,500–3,000 |
| Total (All-In, 12 months) | AED 15,000–30,000 | AED 12,000–27,000 |
Costs vary based on your office location, visa category, and whether you hire a Dubai business setup consultants team to fast-track approvals.
DET Professional Licence & Activity Code 7010
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DCCI) issues your professional licence under activity code 7010 (Interior Design & Decoration Services). This code covers interior design consultation, space planning, material selection, CAD drawings, project supervision and decor management. You must hold a recognised qualification (Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture or equivalent) or demonstrate 3+ years’ verifiable experience in the field. Sole traders and companies both qualify; foreign ownership is permitted at 100% in free zones (e.g. Dubai Silicon Oasis, International Free Zone), but mainland requires a local UAE sponsor (51% ownership rule, though certain freezone exceptions apply).
Email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com to confirm your qualification eligibility.
Dubai Municipality Decor & Fit-Out Contractor Registration
If you undertake on-site fit-out work (not just design consultation), Dubai Municipality requires separate contractor registration. This involves obtaining a Fit-Out Contractor Card and listing your firm on the Municipality’s approved contractor database. Fees range AED 1,500–2,500 annually. You’ll also need proof of workers’ compensation insurance and potentially a contract bond if you’re bidding on municipal or government projects. Without this, you cannot legally supervise construction or fix-and-fit activities on-site in Dubai proper.
Mainland vs Free Zone: Which Is Right for You?
Mainland (DET, Dubai proper): Cost AED 15,000–30,000; zero visa/sponsorship restrictions; requires 51% local ownership (unless you’re an Emirati); allows client reach across all of Dubai; Municipality fit-out card necessary if you do on-site work.
Free Zone (DAFZA, JAFZA, DMCC, DXB South): Cost AED 12,000–27,000; 100% foreign ownership permitted; visa sponsorship included with trade licence; clients must be external to the free zone (or you’re restricted in scope); no separate Municipality contractor card required, but you still need DET professional licence. Free zones suit high-volume export-oriented design studios; mainland suits client-facing, local-centric interior firms.
Qualified Designer Credential & Experience Requirements
DET mandates that your designated manager or partner holds one of the following: (1) Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Fine Arts or related discipline, accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHRE); (2) Diploma in Interior Design plus 5+ years documented on-site experience; or (3) High school certificate plus 7+ years verified experience in a recognised design firm (rare, but possible with portfolio evidence). Certificates from overseas institutions must be attested by the UAE Embassy & MOHRE. Professional indemnity insurance (AED 1,500–3,000 p.a.) is recommended, especially if you handle large-scale commercial projects or residential complexes.
How Long Does It Take to Set Up in 2026?
Mainland processing: 7–14 business days from complete documentation submission to DET & Municipality. Free zone: 5–10 business days. Delays typically occur if your qualification documents require MOHRE attestation (add 5–10 days) or if Municipality decor contractor registration involves property inspections. DBS has fast-tracked over 80,000 setups since 2009; we typically shorten timelines to 5–7 days on the mainland via pre-filing and direct municipality liaison.
Next Steps: Get Your Dubai Interior Design Licence
Contact Dubai Business Services for a transparent, cost-clear licence application. Our team handles DET submissions, Municipality registration, visa sponsorship (if needed) and compliance ongoing. No hidden fees—we quote all-in ranges upfront.
WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for your free 20-minute scoping call today.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an interior design licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
Total all-in cost is AED 15,000–30,000 annually on the mainland (AED 12,000–27,000 in free zones). This includes DET professional licence (AED 2,000–3,500), Municipality fit-out card (AED 1,500–2,500), visa & sponsorship (AED 2,500–5,000), office tenancy estimate (AED 6,000–12,000), trade licence (AED 1,000–2,000) and optional insurance (AED 1,500–3,000). Exact costs depend on your location and visa category.
Do I need Dubai Municipality approval for an interior design and decor company?
Yes. You need DET professional licence (activity code 7010) and, if you undertake on-site fit-out work, a separate Municipality Fit-Out Contractor Card (AED 1,500–2,500 p.a.). If you only offer design consultation (no on-site supervision), DET licence alone may suffice, though we recommend the Municipality registration for legal protection. Always confirm your specific scope with DBS before filing.
Is interior design a professional or commercial licence in Dubai?
Interior design is classified as a professional service by DET (activity code 7010). You must hold a recognised qualification (Bachelor’s in Interior Design or Architecture, or 3+ years verified experience) and your credentials are verified by the Department of Economy and Tourism. This is distinct from a general commercial trade licence and carries higher compliance standards.
Can a foreigner own 100% of an interior design company in Dubai?
Yes, in free zones like Dubai Silicon Oasis, International Free Zone, or DAFZA—you can own 100%. On the mainland, the traditional rule is 51% local ownership required, though certain exemptions exist for specific sectors. We recommend verifying your nationality and intended location with DBS before finalising your setup, as rules evolve yearly.
How long does it take to get an interior design licence in Dubai?
Processing typically takes 7–14 business days on the mainland (5–10 days in free zones) from complete documentation submission. If your overseas qualifications need MOHRE attestation, add 5–10 days. DBS usually fast-tracks setups to 5–7 days via pre-filing and direct liaison with DET and Dubai Municipality.
What qualifications do I need to get a DET interior design licence?
You (or your designated manager/partner) must hold: (1) Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture or related field accredited by MOHRE; (2) Diploma in Interior Design plus 5+ years experience; or (3) High school certificate plus 7+ years documented on-site experience. Overseas qualifications must be attested by the UAE Embassy and MOHRE. Portfolio and reference letters strengthen weak credentials.
What’s the difference between mainland and free-zone interior design setup?
Mainland: AED 15,000–30,000, zero ownership restrictions for Emiratis, requires 51% local ownership for foreigners (with exemptions), includes Municipality fit-out card, full client reach across Dubai. Free zone: AED 12,000–27,000, 100% foreign ownership, no Municipality card needed, clients must be external to free zone. Free zones suit export-design studios; mainland suits local-facing practices. Choose based on client base and ownership goals.
Get expert help in 20 minutes
Need clarity on your Dubai setup? Talk to DBS Documents Clearing LLC — 80,000+ entrepreneurs served since 2009. WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free 20-minute scoping call.
