Quick Answer: A one-visa IFZA setup totals roughly AED 45,800–51,000 over three years: about AED 20,000–21,000 in year 1 (licence package, visa, establishment card and flexi-desk) followed by licence renewals of AED 12,900–15,000 in each of years 2 and 3.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Reviewed by: UAE Free Zone Finder setup team.
This worked example applies the rules in our cost estimate methodology. Every figure traces to the published numbers on our IFZA guide (Dubai); the assumptions below are stated openly, and nothing outside the published package is included.
Assumptions
- Single shareholder, standard service/consultancy activity.
- One residence visa, with medical, Emirates ID and stamping bundled at AED 3,000–5,000 per person as published on our IFZA guide.
- Zero-visa starter licence at AED 12,900 with one visa allocation added (each additional visa adds AED 2,000–3,000).
- Establishment card budgeted at ~AED 3,000.
- Desk option included in the package; no office upgrade.
Year 1 — Licence, Visa and Office
| Component | Estimate | Source / note |
|---|---|---|
| Licence package (zero-visa base + 1 visa allocation) | AED 14,900–15,900 | AED 12,900 starter + AED 2,000–3,000 per additional visa |
| Residence visa (medical, Emirates ID, stamping) | AED 3,000–5,000 | Per person, as published on the IFZA guide |
| Establishment card | ~AED 3,000 | Budget figure quoted on the IFZA guide |
| Year 1 total (matches guide’s all-in estimate) | ≈ AED 20,000–21,000 | IFZA guide: “AED 20,000–21,000 in year 1” |
Years 2–3 — Renewals
Licence renewal runs AED 12,900–15,000 per year (IFZA guide FAQ: “Annual renewal runs AED 12,900 to 15,000”; renewal is typically the same as the initial licence fee, AED 12,900–20,900 depending on the visa package). Visa renewals in years 2–3 are not included in the published figure and depend on immigration fees at the time.
| Component | Estimate | Source / note |
|---|---|---|
| Year 2 renewal (licence package) | AED 12,900–15,000 | Same package renewed |
| Year 3 renewal (licence package) | AED 12,900–15,000 | Same package renewed |
3-Year Total
≈ AED 45,800–51,000
Notes and Exclusions
Promotional IFZA packages change during the year, so treat the year-1 figure as the anchor and reconfirm at quote stage. Mainland sales, VAT registration (above AED 375,000 revenue) and corporate tax (9% above AED 375,000 taxable income) are outside this total.
- Excluded from every total: bank minimum-balance deposits and monthly fees, UAE Corporate Tax and VAT, extra visa allocations, office upgrades, mainland access arrangements, attestation/translation and any fines — see the methodology for the full list.
- Authority fees and packages can change without notice; reconfirm in writing at quote stage via a free quote.
- Cross-check this zone against alternatives in our 3-year cost examples hub or the independent cost comparison on our companion site.
All figures are indicative estimates drawn from UAE Free Zone Finder published guides and official free zone authority fee schedules. Authority fees, packages and requirements can change without notice — always confirm your exact quote with the authority before committing. This page is general guidance, not tax or legal advice.