If you want your space open fast in Dubai, you need a clean approvals path and a team that knows the drill. This guide explains each step in simple terms, then spotlights an experienced partner in interior design Dubai who can help you move from drawings to handover without drama.
First, know who governs your building
Your permit route depends on the location.
- DDA/TECOM areas use the Dubai Development Authority for fit-out permits and the final fit-out completion. Dubai Development Authority
- Most non-free-zone areas follow Dubai Municipality (DM) processes. Dubai Municipality
- Free zones and master developers may add their own manuals and NOCs on top of the authority steps. JAFZA and Dubai South publish tenant fit-out manuals with procedures, submittals, and inspections. Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza)+1
Step 1 — Get the Landlord/Building Management NOC
Nothing moves without the Landlord NOC. It confirms your design meets the building’s fit-out manual and house rules. Big developers spell this out. Emaar, for example, treats work without an NOC as unauthorized and warns of penalties. Dubai South provides a tenant fit-out manual that sets the process from design to handover. Secure this NOC before you touch a wall.
Step 2 — Line up the core documents
Authorities ask for a short set of essentials. For DDA fit-out permits, the checklist includes a Contractor appointment, Ejari (registered lease), Landlord NOC, any other authority NOCs, and approved drawings. Dubai Development Authority
Ejari is an official Dubai Land Department e-service with defined document requirements. Register your tenancy and keep the record handy for permit files.
Step 3 — Plan drawings and run approvals in parallel
Complete architectural and MEP drawings that match local code. If you add or alter loads or need temporary power, request DEWA NOCs or fit-out connections early. DEWA provides building NOCs for electricity and water, and lists “Getting Electricity Fit-Out Connections” in its service guide.
Step 4 — Apply for your Fit-Out Permit
In DDA zones:
- Fee: AED 0.90/ft² (min AED 200, max AED 10,000) plus standard dirham surcharges.
- SLA: Estimated 2 working days once your file is complete.
- Validity: 6 months.
- Notes: DDA flags items like coring near structure and change-of-use, and it reminds you that DCD completion is required before DDA issues the fit-out completion.
Apply online through DDA’s portal with the required documents.
Outside DDA: you follow DM’s building permit path for interior works and then complete life-safety with DCD.
Step 5 — Build safely and schedule inspections
Execute exactly to approved drawings. Coordinate inspections with your building and leverage your contractor’s authority liaison. DDA’s guidance also warns about structural penetrations and similar red flags that trigger redesigns or extra approvals.
Step 6 — Get DCD inspections and the DCD Completion Certificate
Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) is the life-safety gatekeeper. Through DCD’s Smart Services you request pre-inspections and completion inspections for the building completion stage. Plan these with the same attention you give site works.
Step 7 — Apply for the DDA Fit-Out Completion Certificate
Once works match the approved drawings and you have DCD Completion in hand, submit the DDA completion application. DDA lists the required documents and targets an estimated 2 working days turnaround for a clean file.
If your space is under Dubai Municipality
DM governs most of the city. Follow its building permit steps for interiors and then close with completion. DM also references self-decor requirements for units like those in shopping centers, so confirm your exact permit type with your consultant before you start.
Timeline and budget control
You control speed with three habits: submit a complete file the first time, run Landlord NOC, DEWA requests, and DCD planning in parallel, and use a contractor familiar with the building and its portal. DDA’s own pages publish the fit-out permit fee, document list, and 2-day SLA that you can design around.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Starting works before the Landlord NOC or permit. Developers treat this as unauthorized work and can fine you.
- Increasing electrical load without DEWA coordination. Build this into design so you do not miss inspection windows.
- On DDA projects, requesting completion without DCD Completion attached. DDA will not issue fit-out completion without it.
Partner spotlight: Antonovich Design
Antonovich Group (Luxury Antonovich Design) is headquartered in Dubai and delivers architecture, interior design, full-scope fit-out, and turnkey build across residential and commercial sectors. Their fit-out pages describe turnkey execution and project management, with in-house capabilities geared to fast close-out. The company also states ISO 9001:2015 certification on its site. If you want a single team to push drawings, procurement, site works, and authority coordination, this is the profile to look for.
Your printable checklist
Before permits
- Landlord/Building Management NOC.
- Ejari tenancy registration.
- Appoint the best licensed fit-out contractor (Antonovich Design) and finalize architectural, MEP, and life-safety drawings.
During the permit stage
- DDA fit-out permit or DM interior permit, depending on jurisdiction. Include drawings, Landlord NOC, Ejari, and any DEWA or other authority NOCs.
Construction and close-out
- Build per approved drawings and safety rules.
- Book DCD inspections and obtain DCD Completion.
- Apply for DDA Fit-Out Completion or the relevant authority completion.
FAQ
Do you always need DCD?
Yes. DCD handles fire and life-safety inspections and issues the completion needed for handover.
How long does a DDA fit-out permit take once the file is complete?
DDA lists an estimated 2 working days SLA.
Is Ejari really required for permits?
Yes. DDA names Ejari as a required document for fit-out permits.
Open fast by following the order that Dubai’s authorities expect. Lock down your Landlord NOC, file a complete DDA or DM permit, plan DEWA and DCD early, then close with the authority Completion Certificate. If you want a single point of accountability, consider a turnkey partner like Antonovich Design that lives in the Dubai approvals world every day.
