IFZA Free Zone Dubai 2026 | Complete Setup Guide, Costs & Visa Options

Quick Answer: IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) company formation costs vary by package, activity and visa count — IFZA publishes no price list, so confirm the current quote with IFZA. Setup is completed in 3–5 business days. IFZA is located in Dubai and is ideal for freelancers, consultants, and SMEs seeking a professional license with no minimum share capital requirement.

Planning your budget? See the worked IFZA 3-year total cost example — year 1 licence, visa and office costs plus years 2–3 renewals, built from this guide’s published figures with assumptions stated.

IFZA Free Zone — Key Facts at a Glance (2026)

Bottom line: IFZA sets no minimum share capital, allows 1,500+ activities and sets up in 3–5 business days; visa quota scales from 0 to 6 per licence.

Source: IFZA does not publish prices on its website; its setup page directs applicants to a tailored proposal. AED figures elsewhere on this page come from third-party sources and are indicative only (ifza.com, checked 21 Oct 2026). How we source prices.

How to Set Up a Company in IFZA — Step by Step (2026)

1. Choose your business activity — Select from IFZA’s 1,500+ approved activities. Up to 3 activities allowed under one license.
2. Choose your package — Package price varies by visa count and add-ons — confirm the current price with IFZA.
3. Submit your application — Apply online via the IFZA portal or through a registered agent. Processing begins within 24 hours.
4. Receive initial approval — IFZA issues initial approval within 24–48 hours of document submission.
5. Pay the license fee — the amount depends on the package IFZA quotes. Multi-year packages may offer discounted pricing depending on the selected package and current authority offer.
6. Collect your trade license — Physical/digital license issued within 3–5 business days total.
7. Apply for UAE investor visa — Visa costs depend on the package and are quoted by IFZA. Valid 2–3 years.
8. Open a corporate bank account — IFZA license accepted at Emirates NBD, Mashreq, Wio, ADCB, and other UAE banks.

IFZA at a Glance

Bottom line: IFZA publishes no price list — treat every AED figure on this page as indicative until IFZA confirms a written quote.

IFZA License Packages & Pricing 2026

IFZA offers three core packages, each combining a trade license with a visa allocation. All packages include a Dubai flexi-desk address, 1,500+ business activities, and access to IFZA's business support services.

Bottom line: zero-visa IFZA packages suit non-resident owners; add a visa only if you need UAE residence from day one.

Additional costs to budget for:

• IFZA establishment card: charged by IFZA; confirm the amount
• UAE residence visa (per person): confirm with IFZA
• Emirates ID and medical test: government and clinic fees that change; confirm current amounts
• Bank account opening: free (bank dependent)

Total all-in cost for a solo founder with 1 visa: depends on the package IFZA quotes; request a written quote.

IFZA Business Activities: What Can You Do?

IFZA permits over 1,500 business activities across virtually every sector. You can include up to 3 activities on a single license at no extra cost. Popular categories include:

• Consulting & Professional Services: management consulting, IT consulting, marketing, HR, legal advisory, financial advisory
• Technology & Digital: software development, app development, cybersecurity, AI, blockchain, e-commerce
• Trading: general trading, commodity trading, import/export, wholesale distribution
• Media & Marketing: digital marketing, content creation, advertising, PR, social media management
• Education & Training: online training, coaching, e-learning platforms
• Healthcare & Wellness: health consulting, wellness coaching, supplement distribution

IFZA Company Structure Options

Free Zone LLC (FZ-LLC)

The most common structure for IFZA companies. An FZ-LLC can have 1–50 shareholders (individuals or corporate entities), with 100% foreign ownership permitted. No minimum share capital requirement. Shareholders enjoy limited liability protection.

Branch of Foreign Company

International companies can establish a branch office in IFZA to extend their existing operations into the UAE market. The branch is not a separate legal entity — the parent company retains full liability.

IFZA vs Competitors: How It Compares

Bottom line: IFZA competes on Dubai address and package flexibility, not on being the cheapest zone in the UAE.

IFZA's key advantage over competitors like SHAMS and RAKEZ is the Dubai address. Compared to DMCC and JAFZA, IFZA is typically positioned as a lower-cost option (IFZA publishes no price list, so compare written quotes) for service-based businesses that don't need warehouse space or commodity trading infrastructure.

How to Set Up an IFZA Company: Step-by-Step

1. Choose your business activities — up to 3 from IFZA's 1,500+ list
2. Select your trade name — must be unique, not offensive, and approved by IFZA
3. Choose your package — 1, 3, or 6 visa allocation
4. Submit your application — passport copy, application form, no business plan required
5. Receive initial approval — typically within 1–2 business days
6. Pay license + establishment card fees — amounts as quoted by IFZA
7. Receive your trade license — issued within 3–5 business days
8. Apply for Emirates ID and residence visa — via IFZA's in-house medical and typing services
9. Open UAE bank account — IFZA has preferred banking partners for faster approval

IFZA and UAE Corporate Tax 2026

IFZA companies can qualify for 0% corporate tax as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) on qualifying income — typically revenue from overseas clients or other free zone entities. Income from UAE mainland customers above the de minimis threshold (5% of revenue or AED 5M) is taxed at 9%.

Most IFZA businesses — particularly consultants, agencies, and tech companies serving international clients — will pay 0% corporate tax on their primary income streams. Companies with revenue under AED 3M can also claim Small Business Relief for a 0% effective tax rate.

IFZA Banking: Opening a UAE Business Bank Account

IFZA has established relationships with several UAE banks to streamline account opening for new license holders. Commonly used banks include:

• Emirates NBD — most popular for IFZA companies; business accounts in AED and USD
• Mashreq Bank — fast approval, neo-banking options available
• RAKBANK Business — strong for SMEs and startups
• FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank) — preferred for larger businesses
• Wio Bank — digital-first, fast onboarding, no minimum balance

Bank account approval timelines range from 1 week (Wio/Mashreq) to 4–6 weeks (Emirates NBD). Factors affecting approval include business activity clarity, source of funds documentation, and transaction volumes.

IFZA License Renewal

IFZA licenses are valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually. Renewal costs are typically the same as the initial license fee (confirm the renewal price with IFZA). Renewal must be completed before the expiry date to avoid fines and visa cancellations.

Visa renewals are also due every 2–3 years and include a repeat medical test and biometrics.

IFZA Free Zone — FAQs

Can I work for UAE mainland companies with an IFZA license?

With an IFZA free zone license, you can provide services to UAE mainland clients. However, if you want to physically trade or operate within the UAE mainland, you would need a mainland license or dual license. For service-based businesses, IFZA revenue from mainland clients is permitted but may be subject to 9% corporate tax above the de minimis threshold.

Is IFZA good for e-commerce?

Yes. IFZA permits e-commerce activities and is popular with online retailers selling internationally. For selling to UAE mainland consumers, you'll need to factor in VAT registration (if revenue exceeds AED 375,000) and potential corporate tax on mainland income.

What is the IFZA flexi-desk address?

IFZA's registered address is at Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai. This is a real UAE address accepted for trade license, Emirates ID, and bank account purposes. Physical access to the flexi-desk (hot-desking workspace) is available during IFZA business hours.

How long does IFZA company setup take?

Initial approval takes 1–2 business days. Trade license issuance takes 3–5 business days from payment. Full setup including visa and Emirates ID typically takes 2–4 weeks. IFZA offers an express service for faster processing.

Can I sponsor family on an IFZA visa?

Yes. An IFZA residence visa allows you to sponsor dependents (spouse, children under 18, parents) for UAE family visas, provided your salary meets the minimum threshold (typically AED 4,000/month for spouse, higher for parents).

Frequently Asked Questions About IFZA

How much does IFZA company setup cost in 2026?

IFZA company setup costs vary by package, activity, visa count and add-ons, and IFZA publishes no price list on its website (checked 21 Oct 2026). Confirm the current package price, establishment card, visa and renewal costs with IFZA before you commit.

How long does IFZA company formation take?

IFZA company formation takes 3 to 5 business days once your documents are complete. The trade license is issued digitally, and most approvals are processed without a physical visit.

How many visas can an IFZA license support?

An IFZA license supports 0 to 6 residence visas depending on the package: the Starter package includes 1 visa, Business includes 3, and Growth includes 6. The price of additional visa allocations depends on the package; confirm it with IFZA.

What business activities does IFZA allow?

IFZA offers more than 1,500 approved activities across professional, commercial, industrial and holding license types, making it one of the widest activity lists among Dubai free zones.

Does an IFZA company pay UAE corporate tax?

An IFZA company can qualify for 0% UAE corporate tax on qualifying income if it meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) conditions. Income that does not qualify is taxed at 9% above the taxable threshold.

How we source these figures: where a free zone publishes a price we record it with its source page and the date we read it; other figures are planning estimates and are marked as such. Figures are indicative, not quotations, and can change — see how we source prices, or report a correction if you spot an error.

IFZA Licence Renewals: What Changed for 2026

Since 30 September 2025, IFZA requires financial statements for the most recently completed financial year at every licence renewal. Companies with turnover of AED 3 million or less and nine or fewer employees can file IFZA’s simplified financial statement template; larger companies must file audited accounts prepared by a registered UAE auditor. Build this into your renewal budget alongside the licence renewal itself.

Budget lines founders often miss: the establishment card and per-person visa costs (entry permit, medical fitness test and Emirates ID) are charged separately from the licence package, and health insurance is mandatory for every visa holder. IFZA publishes no price list, so confirm every line in a written quote before you pay.

Last reviewed: October 2026. Reviewed by: UAE Free Zone Finder setup team.

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