If you are passionate about starting an entrepreneurial journey that transforms interior spaces into captivating designs and makes a tangible impact where people live, work, and play, then you should set your focus on starting an interior design business.

Once you have done your market research, the UAE provides ample opportunities for interior designers to set up their businesses easily. The environment and ease of processes to establish a presence in this dynamic marketplace make the UAE one of the most captivating destinations in the region. Due to its growing economy, fast urbanization, and diversified population from across the world, establishing an interior design business provides access to exceptional prospects and limitless potential for originality and advancement.

Here are the business activities that you can select under your instant license from SPC Free Zone when establishing your interior design business:

7110.25 – Interior Design Engineering Consultancy 

The interior design engineering consultancy entails a specialized service that combines the artistic sensibilities of interior designers with the analytical minds of engineers. These consultants play a vital role in the ever-changing landscape of the UAE, which is home to many architectural wonders and high-end residential landmarks, creating places that are state-of-the-art and practical. This type of business provides a full spectrum of interior design services, beginning with ideation and ending with structural analysis and execution.

An interior design company includes a team of proficient consultants with the knowledge and skills to understand a client’s vision and objective of a design concept and transform it into a tangible asset. Some of the key activities they usually undertake include creating space plans and building design; being responsible for interior design concepts that meet aesthetic requirements; integrating engineering design systems; and project management of the entire design, from initial development to project completion. Working in tandem with architects, contractors, vendors, and other project stakeholders, these consultants keep a strong eye on a project’s design and make sure it stays on track in terms of budget, time, and quality.

However, this category does not include activities such as test drilling in connection with mining operations, development or publishing of associated software, activities of computer consultants, technical testing, research and development activities related to engineering, industrial design, interior decorating, or aerial photography.

Third-party Approval:  This business activity requires approval from Sharjah Municipality after acquiring the business license.

Filing of Economic Substance Return:  Business activity 7110.25 is exempt from this requirement.

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 7110.25 is exempt from this requirement.

7410.01- Fashion design related to textiles, wearing apparel, shoes, furniture and other interior decoration and other fashion goods, as well as other personal or household goods

This category includes activities for fashion design pertaining to textiles, furniture, and other aspects of interior decorations. This is a creative process that combines elements of style, usage, and aesthetics to create unique innovations in design for a variety of personal and household goods. Fashion designers in this field employ the principles of industrial design to craft products based on parameters primarily optimized for their use, value, and appearance. 

Fashion design in the field includes other important factors such as resourceful materials, technical attributes related to construction, mechanisms, shapes, colours, and surface finishes, all while taking into account human characteristics, safety standards, adhering to market trends, and effective output in production and distribution. Whether it’s designing intricate patterns for upholstery fabrics, conceptualizing chic furniture pieces, or envisioning decorative accents that elevate interior spaces, fashion designers in this niche business activity play a pivotal role in shaping trends and enriching the visual landscape of homes and interior spaces.

However, this category excludes activities such as web page design and programming, architectural design, and engineering design, which entails applying physical laws and engineering principles to the design of machines, materials, processes and systems, structures, instruments, and theatrical stage-set design.

Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity

Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 7410.01 is exempt from this requirement.

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 7410.01 is exempt from this requirement.

7410.04- Activities of interior decorators

This category includes the activities of interior decorators. In order to turn interior spaces into something that is aesthetically pleasing, interior decorators combine artistic flare with functional knowledge in their professional activities. Decorators create spaces that reflect individual likes, lifestyles, and design preferences by capturing insights from fashion design in fabrics, furniture, and interior decoration. Drawing inspiration from industrial design principles, they carefully choose materials, colours, textures, and furnishings to maximize the use of spaces, aesthetic appeal, and overall ambience. Interior decorators create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also comfortable, usable, and practical by taking into account human qualities, safety norms, and market trends.

Interior decorators sometimes work with graphic designers to effortlessly incorporate innovative technology into their visual communication, such as augmented reality. Whether it’s choosing artwork, signage, or bespoke graphics for wall treatments, interior decorators enhance the cohesive storytelling of a space. They work to create appealing and harmonious interiors that resonate with the client’s objectives while also encouraging a sense of harmony and well-being within the built environment.

However, this category does not include activities such as the design and programming of web pages, architectural design, engineering design, i.e., applying physical laws and principles of engineering in the design of machines, materials, processes, and systems, structures, instruments, and theatrical stage-set design.

Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.

Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 7410.04 is exempt from this requirement.

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 7410.04 is exempt from this requirement.

Did you find what you were looking for? Explore the other guides in our Activity Hub for exploring unique business ideas in Dubai and navigate the essentials of business setup with ease.

You can also calculate your business setup costs easily using our handy cost calculator and choose from our customized company setup packages to find your perfect fit.

Get your business license in the UAE today and explore a world of opportunities waiting for you.