What documents does a Bangladeshi national need to start a fashion design business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Bangladesh passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Bangladesh, attested documents via Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a business plan for your fashion design venture.

How long does it take for a Bangladeshi citizen to set up a fashion design company in Abu Dhabi DED?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 3–6 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 13–23 business days.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Fashion Design business in Abu Dhabi Mainland?

The annual licence renewal for a Fashion Design Abu Dhabi DED company costs approximately AED 10,000, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

What documents do I need to set up a Fashion Design business in Abu Dhabi DED?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

What are the tax implications for a Fashion Design business in Abu Dhabi Mainland?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Mainland companies are subject to the standard 9% corporate tax rate on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Is Abu Dhabi Mainland good for fashion design start-ups?

Abu Dhabi DED is well-suited for both start-ups and established businesses, offering capital city strategic advantage and government project access. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 12,000 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Fashion Design company in Abu Dhabi DED?

Most of the setup process for a fashion design business in Abu Dhabi DED can be completed remotely, with documents submitted online or via courier. However, you may need to visit the UAE for Emirates ID biometrics and bank account opening. IBA can coordinate to minimise your required visits.

Fashion Design in Abu Dhabi Mainland for Bangladeshi nationals

MainlandProfessional

Fashion Design in Abu Dhabi DED

Starting From

AED 10,000

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Abu Dhabi

About Fashion Design

The UAE continues to attract Bangladeshi entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and Abu Dhabi DED is one of the most popular jurisdictions for fashion design operations. Fourth-largest expatriate community in the UAE (~700,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Abu Dhabi Mainland gives your Fashion Design business access to Abu Dhabi's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as ejari office, co-working, private office and excellent connectivity. The Fashion Design activity does not require any special regulatory approvals beyond the standard trade licence, simplifying the setup process considerably.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up fashion design businesses in Abu Dhabi Mainland since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why Abu Dhabi DED for Fashion Design?

Choosing Abu Dhabi DED for your fashion design business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers capital city strategic advantage, which is particularly valuable for fashion design operations. Additionally, government project access ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. Operating on the mainland allows you to trade directly with the local UAE market without restrictions, and you can bid on government contracts — a significant advantage over free zone entities. Office solutions start from AED 6,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. Trade anywhere in UAE further enhances the appeal of Abu Dhabi DED for fashion design professionals. Furthermore, growing economic diversification positions your fashion design business for long-term success in the region. With Abu Dhabi continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Abu Dhabi DED remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established professional enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Bangladeshi nationals specifically, the Abu Dhabi government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Bangladeshi business community.

Capital city strategic advantage

Government project access

Trade anywhere in UAE

Growing economic diversification

100% foreign ownership

Visa Requirements for Bangladeshi Nationals

Bangladeshi nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. Once your fashion design licence is issued by Abu Dhabi DED, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 8–15 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Bangladeshi Business Owners

Bangladeshi entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. Some banks may require additional proof of business activity. For your fashion design business in Abu Dhabi DED, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Bangladeshi business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Bangladesh-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Bangladeshi Nationals

Bangladeshi nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for fashion design), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to Abu Dhabi DED.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Bangladesh passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

6Passport-sized photographs with white background

7Office tenancy contract (Ejari) for the registered business address

8Completed application form for trade licence

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	10,000
Visa Package (per visa)	4,000
Ejari Office	12,000
Co-Working	6,000
Private Office	25,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 26,000

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your fashion design business plan and the best Abu Dhabi DED licence options for Bangladeshi nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Bangladesh through Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the fashion design licence application to Abu Dhabi DED. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official Abu Dhabi DED trade licence within 3–6 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Bangladeshi nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Bangladeshi entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation.

Start Operations

Your fashion design business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 3 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Since the UAE's 2020 Commercial Companies Law amendment, Bangladeshi nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including fashion design.

Fashion Design in Other Jurisdictions

DIC

From AED 15,000

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750

DSO

From AED 12,000