What documents does an Egyptian national need to start a interior design business in the UAE?

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

How long does it take for an Egyptian citizen to set up a interior design company in DMC?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 5–8 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 15–25 business days.

How much does it cost to set up an Interior Design business in Dubai Media City?

The total setup cost for an Interior Design business in DMC starts from approximately AED 15,000 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 5,000 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my DMC Interior Design licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from DMC, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Free zone companies can bank with most major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBank, and Mashreq. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Interior Design company in Dubai Media City?

Yes, DMC allows 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local partner or sponsor. This is one of the key advantages of establishing your business in this jurisdiction.

Is Dubai Media City good for interior design start-ups?

DMC is well-suited for both start-ups and established businesses, offering middle east media hub and home to international media houses. 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 Interior Design company in DMC?

Most of the setup process for a interior design business in DMC 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.

Interior Design in Dubai Media City for Egyptian nationals

Free ZoneProfessional

Interior Design in DMC

Starting From

AED 15,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

5 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Interior Design

As an Egyptian national looking to establish an Interior Design business in Dubai Media City, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Egypt has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Egyptian professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a free zone entity regulated under Dubai's commercial laws, your Interior Design business will benefit from middle east media hub and home to international media houses. The DMC licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 15,000.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your interior design setup in DMC. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why DMC for Interior Design?

There are several compelling reasons why Dubai Media City continues to attract interior design entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers middle east media hub, which is particularly valuable for interior design operations. Additionally, home to international media houses ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 12,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 5 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Full media production ecosystem further enhances the appeal of DMC for interior design professionals. Furthermore, 100% foreign ownership positions your interior design business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, DMC remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established professional enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Middle East media hub

Home to international media houses

Full media production ecosystem

100% foreign ownership

Creative industry networking

Visa Requirements for Egyptian Nationals

For Egyptian entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Egyptian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your interior design business in DMC.

Banking for Egyptian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your interior design company in DMC: Egyptian entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. Long-standing UAE-Egypt relations facilitate banking processes. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Egyptian business structures.

Document Attestation for Egyptian Nationals

Document attestation for Egyptian nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Egypt, (2) Attestation by Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to interior design businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Egypt passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

5Signed application form from DMC authority

6Completed application form for trade licence

7Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

8Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	15,000
Visa Package (per visa)	5,000
Flexi Desk	12,000
Shared Office	20,000
Private Office	45,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 32,000

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

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your interior design business plan and the best DMC licence options for Egyptian nationals.

Document Preparation

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

Licence Application

Submit the interior design licence application to DMC. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official DMC trade licence within 5–8 business days.

Visa Processing

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

Bank Account

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

Start Operations

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

Total estimated time: 5 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. DMC allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Egyptian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Interior Design in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

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RAKEZ

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DIFC

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Abu Dhabi DED

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JAFZA

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Dubai DED

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DMCC

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IFZA

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