DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT FREE ZONE

Dubai Design District free zone is the latest addition to Dubai free zones. d3 free zone was launched in 2013 by the UAE’s Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid al Maktoum. The vision behind launching Dubai Design District free zone is to build a tailor-made design hub that would develop emerging local talent and provide a home for the county’s creative thinkers.

Many of the world’s creative hubs have grown organically over many years, the result of developing fashions and cultural trends. The creators of the Middle East’s design district are undertaking an ambitious and innovative approach to creating a regional center for creative design. From the ground up, Dubai Design District free zone has evolved to become the primary destination for creative from all over the Middle East – and it is still evolving.

D3 free zone (Dubai Design District free zone) provides individuals and companies with the choice of operating either as a free zone entity or as an on-shore business. Each set up has its own merits and our team will be able to talk about which way forward might be best suited to your needs. We also provide freelance permits so that talented and ambitious young artists and designers can get a foothold on the commercial ladder and work in an environment that reflects their needs. The physical spaces at d3 free zone are designed to provide this kind of flexibility.

For the thousands of artists, fashion designers and creative minds across the region, there has been a desperate need for a real, living community. A community that provides space, collaboration and opportunities for our regions designers and that also attracts exceptional talent from across the globe.

Dubai Design District free zone, d3 free zone, has been carefully developed to provide a creative ecosystem that surpasses the expectations of a typical creative neighborhood. It has its own beating heart; its own spirit and its own very personal style. This is a place where bohemians can live, work and play. Where aspiring designers can cut their teeth and learn their trade; where local talent can work alongside international design, art and fashion houses. It is, at its heart, a place where creative minds can come together to realize their dreams.

Dubai Design District free zone License OR D3 free zone License

Free zone licenses are often a preferred option for companies that wish to retain 100% foreign ownership. Operating with a Free zone license means that you have the freedom to work within the zone. There are a number of different types of D3 Free zone licenses, each attracting zero tax and full repatriation of profits:

* Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC)

* Branch of a UAE company

* Branch of a foreign company

* Freelance permit

All Free zone licenses come under either a commercial license or a freelance permit. Commercial licenses can either be a Free zone Limited Liability Company (owned by a natural or a corporate) or a Branch Company (a branch of either an existing UAE company or a foreign company). Freelance permit enable individuals to work as a sole proprietor for the specified activity.

Definitions of each Free zone license

1. FZ-LLC

* Wholly owned by the Company – an independent legal entity

* Zero corporation or income tax for employees

* Ability to repatriate 100% of profits

* Can only operate within the Free zone itself

* Must have at least one Director

* A minimum capital requirement for incorporation is required

2. Branch office of an existing foreign company

* No share capital required

* Zero corporation or income tax for employees

* Not a separate legal entity from its parent

* Conducts all or some of the operations inherent in the parent’s business

3. Branch office of an existing UAE company

* 51% locally owned

* No share capital required

* Zero corporation or income tax for employees

* Not a separate legal entity from its parent

* Conducts all or some of the operations inherent in the parent’s business

4. Freelance license

* Offers the ability to operate as a freelance professional

* Identified as a sole practitioner

* Enables practitioner to conduct business under birth name as oppose to a brand name

Salient Features of Dubai Design District free zone:

* Location: In the heart of the city, adjacent to Business Bay. 6 minutes from the Dubai International Financial Centre. 3 minutes from the Dubai Mall’s 65 million annual visitors. 15 minutes from the Dubai Intl Airport. 18 minutes from the city’s Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City clusters.

* Company formation in Dubai Design District: Dubai Technology & Media Free Zone Authority (DTMFZA) is responsible for the registration of companies in Dubai Design District. There are 6 easy steps to setting up your Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) and only 4 steps if establishing a Branch Company.

* Regulatory Value: The District falls under an independent, business-friendly regulatory scheme under the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority. D3 free zone is adjacent to the Business Bay area of Dubai with the dedicated focus of developing the Emirate’s fashion, design and luxury sectors. 100 percent foreign ownership. A simplified environment. A legal framework that encourages startups. Integrated service provision. Full repatriation of profits and capital. A regulatory framework that means business, and ignites creativity.

* On-shore Company Formation in Dubai Design District – Company Formation in d3: Unlike other free zones, it is quite possible to setup and operate at d3 free zone with onshore company and license. Onshore d3 free zone company has more flexibility in terms of territorial coverage as they can do business beyond the free zone area as well. At the same time they can be part of the unique d3 free zone community and take advantage from all its commercial, retail and leisure facilities available within the district. However, you need to be aware that onshore company formation in Dubai Design District means that the license is issued by the Dubai Economics Department (DED) directly and you need to have a local partner or sponsor.

Our D3 free zone company formation services include:

* Advising on the most cost-effective and suitable license package in Dubai Design District tailored to your business requirements and budget

* Assistance with obtaining residency visas and work permits after your company formation in Dubai Design District free zone

* Registering your company’s branch, subsidiary or representative office in Dubai Design District free zone

* Assistance with opening bank accounts for your Dubai Design District free zone company

* Assistance with all other start-up and legal requirements

D3 free zone set up cost:

Setting up costs for a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (”FZ – LLC”) or a branch in the d3 are tabulated below

Description	Fees (in AED)
License Fee:	15,000
Registration:	3,510
Office space categories:	Courtyard View AED 110 per sqft; Standard View AED 130 per sqft; and Burj View AED 165 per sqft
Office deposit:	Equal to three months’ rent, which will be adjusted to the rental of the office, once d3 is ready?