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

Quick Answer: IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) company formation costs AED 12,900–18,500 in 2026, depending on the number of visas. 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.

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

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 — Zero-visa package starts at AED 12,900. Each additional visa adds AED 2,000–3,000.
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 — AED 12,900–18,500 for first-year package. Multi-year packages offer up to 30% discount.
6. Collect your trade license — Physical/digital license issued within 3–5 business days total.
7. Apply for UAE investor visa — Visa costs AED 3,000–5,000 per person including medical, Emirates ID, and stamping. 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

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.

Additional costs to budget for:

• IFZA Establishment Card: AED 3,000
• UAE Residence Visa (per person): AED 3,000–4,500
• Emirates ID: AED 370
• Medical test: AED 300–500
• Bank account opening: free (bank dependent)

Total all-in cost for a solo founder with 1 visa: approx. AED 20,000–21,000 in year 1.

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

IFZA's key advantage over competitors like SHAMS and RAKEZ is the Dubai address at a relatively low cost. Compared to DMCC and JAFZA, IFZA is significantly cheaper 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 — AED 12,900 + AED 3,000
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 (AED 12,900–20,900 depending on visa package). 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).