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

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

How long does it take for an Australian citizen to set up a interior design company in Sharjah 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.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Interior Design company in Sharjah Mainland?

Yes, following the recent amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for most mainland activities, including interior design. Previously, a local sponsor holding 51% was required, but this is no longer the case.

What documents do I need to set up an Interior Design business in Sharjah 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 annual renewal costs for an Interior Design business in Sharjah Mainland?

The annual licence renewal for an Interior Design Sharjah DED company costs approximately AED 7,500, 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.

How much does it cost to set up an Interior Design business in Sharjah Mainland?

The total setup cost for an Interior Design business in Sharjah DED starts from approximately AED 7,500 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 3,500 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

What business activities can I include on my Sharjah DED licence?

Your Sharjah DED licence can include interior design as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Mainland licences can include multiple activities, provided they fall within the same licence category (professional, commercial, or industrial). IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

Interior Design in Sharjah Mainland for Australian nationals

MainlandProfessional

Interior Design in Sharjah DED

Starting From

AED 7,500

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Sharjah

About Interior Design

The UAE continues to attract Australian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and Sharjah DED is one of the most popular jurisdictions for interior design operations. Growing Australian business community (~25,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Sharjah Mainland gives your Interior Design business access to Sharjah's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as ejari office, co-working, private office and excellent connectivity. The Interior 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 interior design businesses in Sharjah 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 Sharjah DED for Interior Design?

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

The jurisdiction offers cost-effective setup, which is particularly valuable for interior design operations. Additionally, adjacent to dubai 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 4,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. Trade across the UAE further enhances the appeal of Sharjah DED for interior design professionals. Furthermore, industrial areas available positions your interior design business for long-term success in the region. With Sharjah continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Sharjah 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 Australian nationals specifically, the Sharjah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Australian business community.

Cost-effective setup

Adjacent to Dubai

Trade across the UAE

Industrial areas available

Growing business hub

Visa Requirements for Australian Nationals

Australian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. Once your interior design licence is issued by Sharjah 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 Australian Business Owners

Australian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. Commonwealth banking standards are recognised by UAE banks. For your interior design business in Sharjah DED, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Australian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Australia-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Australian Nationals

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

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Australia passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Completed application form for trade licence

5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

6Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

7Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

8Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	7,500
Visa Package (per visa)	3,500
Ejari Office	8,000
Co-Working	4,000
Private Office	15,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 19,000

* 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 Sharjah DED licence options for Australian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Australia through Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

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

Trade Licence Issued

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

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Australian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Australian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

Start Operations

Your interior 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, Australian nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including interior design.

Interior Design in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750