International Free Zone Authority · Dubai

IFZA

IFZA Free Zone

Set up a 100%-owned company in Dubai through IFZA — a well-priced route into a real Dubai licence, with fast setup and flexible visa packages.

Get a setup plan Get an exact quote

The structure

Who IFZA suits

A real Dubai licence and address at a reasonable price, with 100% ownership and a fast, remote-friendly setup. Here's where it fits — and where it doesn't.

✓

A strong fit for

Consultants & advisorsService work billed to clients in the UAE or abroad.
E-commerce & online sellersSell online across the UAE and internationally.
IT, software & digitalSaaS, dev studios, marketing and creative teams.
Trading companiesImport, export and re-export — reach the mainland through a distributor.
Agencies & professional servicesDesign, media, HR, PR and similar service firms.

Consider another route if

You'll sell directly to the UAE mainlandYou'd need a distributor or a separate mainland licence to invoice local customers.
You run a warehouse or industrial operationIFZA is desk-based — not built for heavy logistics or manufacturing.
You want the lowest possible priceAjman Free Zone starts at AED 4,888 and SRTIP at 5,510 — roughly a third of IFZA.

What it costs

Cost & what's included

Base

Costed for your setupFees vary by activity, visa count and office choice

A zero-visa licence, 100% foreign-owned. Your final figure depends on:

How many residence visas you need
Your business activity — or activities
Workspace: flexi-desk or a private office

We build a written quote around your exact setup, so you see the full breakdown before you commit — no surprises later.

Split payments Setup fees can be paid in instalments with Tamara. Your advisor confirms eligibility and terms with your quote.

What every IFZA licence includes

✓ 100% foreign ownership
✓ One business activity (add more anytime)
✓ Flexi-desk workspace & a Dubai address
✓ Digital company documents
✓ Corporate bank account introduction (a Bizvisor service, not a zone inclusion)

Get your exact quote IFZA activity list — pricing confirmed with the zone directly ↗

At a glance

The essentials

Legal structure: Free Zone LLC, or a branch of an existing company
Business activities: 1,000+ across trading, services, consultancy & holding
Activities included: One with the base licence; add more anytime
Corporate tax: 0% on Qualifying Income if you meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions — adequate substance here, audited accounts, and staying within the de minimis limits. Non-qualifying income is taxed at 9% with no AED 375,000 band. Fail the conditions and you fall into the ordinary regime: 0% to AED 375,000, 9% above
VAT: 5% — register once turnover passes AED 375,000
Immigration: E-channel registration + establishment card for visas
Licence renewal: Annual
Emirate: Dubai

The honest view

Advantages & limitations

✓What works in its favour

A genuine Dubai licence and address — stronger for client trust than the northern-emirate zones.
100% foreign ownership, with no local partner or sponsor.
Fast, mostly remote setup — typically 5–10 working days.
A broad activity list and flexible visa packages that scale as you grow.

–Worth knowing first

Priced above the Sharjah and Ajman zones — you're paying for the Dubai address.
Selling to the UAE mainland needs a distributor or a dual licence.
Higher visa counts need a physical office, not a flexi-desk.

How it stacks up

IFZA vs the alternatives

	IFZA	SHAMS	SPC	RAKEZ
Starting cost	from 12,900	from 6,885	from 6,895	from 6,010
Visa capacity	Up to 3	Up to 8–10	Up to 8–10	Flexible
Best for	Dubai services	Media & creative	Publishing & trading	Industrial / trading
Location	Dubai	Sharjah	Sharjah	Ras Al Khaimah

In short: choose IFZA if you specifically want a Dubai licence and address. SHAMS or SPC give nearly the same for about half the price; RAKEZ is the pick for warehousing or industrial.

FAQ

Common questions

Ask AgentBiz

How much does an IFZA company cost?

An IFZA licence starts from AED 12,900 for a zero-visa package. Residence visas, the immigration card, extra activities and office upgrades are priced to your exact setup — we send a full written breakdown before you commit.

Can a foreigner own 100% of an IFZA company?

Yes. IFZA is a free zone, so you keep 100% foreign ownership — no local partner or sponsor required.

How many visas can I get with IFZA?

Typically up to 3 on a flexi-desk package; higher visa counts need a physical office rather than a flexi-desk. We confirm your exact number before you commit.

Can an IFZA company trade in the UAE mainland?

Not directly. You'd sell to the mainland through a local distributor, or add a dual licence — we'll advise the cleanest route for your activity.

How long does IFZA setup take?

Usually 5–10 working days once your documents are in order, with visa stamping shortly after.

Do I need to fly to Dubai to set up?

Most of the process is done remotely. A short visit is usually needed only for your visa medical and Emirates ID biometrics, once the company is formed.

Will you help me open a corporate bank account?

Yes. We prepare your application, match you to the right bank for your activity, and support you through onboarding — one of the trickiest steps if you go it alone.