DDA — Dubai Development Authority logo

DDA runs a structured, portal-based process: a Fit-Out Permit to start works, followed by a Fit-Out Completion Certificate once works are finished. The permit is valid for six months from issuance — if your works run longer, a straightforward renewal is available. Any structural change, use change, or increase in gross floor area during the fit-out requires a separate Building Modification application, and fit-out fees already paid are not refunded if your project gets reclassified this way.

Application procedure

  1. Create a Fit-Out project. Log in to the DDA Zoning e-Services portal and create a new project under "Fit-Out".
  2. Submit the Fit-Out Permit application. Complete the application form and upload the required documents and drawings.
  3. Pay applicable fees. Submit payment; you'll receive an acknowledgment of your application.
  4. Receive DDA feedback. DDA typically responds within 2 working days if the submission is compliant.
  5. Permit issued. The Fit-Out Permit is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
  6. Complete fit-out works. Carry out the approved works on site.
  7. Obtain Dubai Civil Defence completion certificate. DCD sign-off is required before DDA will issue its own completion certificate.
  8. Apply for Fit-Out Completion Certificate. Submit the completion application with supporting documents; DDA responds within 2 working days.

Documents required

  • Fit-Out Permit Request form
  • Contractor Appointment Letter issued by the tenant
  • Copy of Ejari (tenancy contract registration)
  • NOC from the building owner/landlord
  • NOCs per DDA's Fit-Out NOC Matrix (varies by scope)
  • Approved and proposed fit-out drawings per DDA Circular No. 400 drawing standards
  • For completion: tenant's trade licence for the unit and the Dubai Civil Defence Completion Certificate

Fees & payments

DDA publishes its fit-out fee schedule: the Fit-Out Permit costs AED 0.90 per sq ft (minimum AED 200, maximum AED 10,000), plus a AED 10 Knowledge Dirham and AED 10 Innovation Dirham per transaction. Renewal is a flat AED 200 (covers up to 3 months, within 1 year of original issuance) plus the same dirham fees. The Fit-Out Completion Certificate carries no fee.

Note: Fees are set by DDA and may be updated — verify the current schedule on the Zoning e-Services portal before submitting.

How SMB Design & Build helps

Our approvals team is in-house — the same people preparing your design and MEP drawings submit and follow up directly with DDA — Dubai Development Authority. We manage this alongside every other authority your project touches, so nothing falls between two consultants. See the full Authority Approval overview, browse fit-out guides for specific TECOM zones on our Locations page, or read our complete approvals guide for how these authorities interact on a typical project.

Official resource: DDA — Fit-Out Permit