
Professional Services
Interior Design
Designing interior spaces for homes, offices, retail and hospitality.
Who is it for?
Designers and design studios; fit-out contractors need a different activity.
Common business models
- Residential design
- Commercial interiors
- Design consultancy
- Possible licence structure
- Professional activity for design; execution/fit-out is usually a separate contracting activity.
- Mainland considerations
- Useful when executing projects locally or partnering with contractors.
- Free zone considerations
- Design-only studios frequently use free zones.
- Office requirements
- A studio space may be useful for client meetings and samples.
- Visa considerations
- Visa eligibility is typically linked to the company's licence, office or package type and the licensing authority's current rules.
- Banking considerations
- Banks will want a clear description of clients, suppliers, expected transaction volumes and the countries you deal with.
- Potential approvals
- Fit-out works involve landlord, municipality and civil defence approvals.
Related free zones
IBS services
Related glossary terms
Last reviewed: 25 September 2026
General educational content — not legal or tax advice. IBS is not affiliated with any government entity. Always confirm current requirements with the official authority.
