Start your IT business in the UAE’s growing market, whether it’s software development or IT consulting.
12,900 AED
5 days
Guaranteed
2 years
Setting up your business with the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) is fast, efficient, and fully remote. Company incorporation and business license issuance typically take just 5 to 7 working days, with no personal presence required. Experience a seamless business setup process from anywhere in the world.
Start your business journey by identifying the specific activities your company will engage in and selecting the appropriate license type. This step is crucial—choosing incorrect activities or the wrong license can lead to complications during company registration and may even hinder the process of opening a corporate bank account. With IFZA, you can include up to 7 business activities under a single license, offering flexibility and convenience for diverse operations.
Define the legal status of your company when setting up in IFZA. You can establish a Free Zone Company (FZCO) or register a branch of an existing company—whether it’s based in the UAE or abroad. While FZCO entities operate similarly to Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), businesses registered under IFZA will carry the “FZCO” suffix in their official name.
Get your documentation ready for a smooth registration process. IFZA requires only a minimal set of documents, making company formation straightforward and hassle-free:
Three preferred company name options
Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
Visa and Emirates ID (if applicable)
Email address
Residential address
Phone number
Confirmation of chosen business activities
The entire registration can be completed remotely, with no need for physical presence, and typically takes 5–7 working days. At this stage, you’ll also be required to pay the applicable registration and processing fees.
Once your company is successfully registered, you will receive the official documents required to operate your business legally in IFZA. These include:
Certificate of Incorporation
Trade License
Articles of Association (AOA)
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Lease Agreement
These documents serve as proof of your company’s legal existence and authorization to conduct business within the free zone.
Obtain your Establishment Card, which includes essential details about your company and your allocated visa quota. The card is typically issued within 3 to 5 working days, and it’s a key requirement for sponsoring visas under your company.
Initiate the entry permit application as part of the visa process.
If you are outside the UAE, you’ll need to enter the country within 60 days of the permit being issued to complete your medical test and biometrics.
If you are already in the UAE, your visa status will be converted internally from your current tourist or residency visa to the new one, eliminating the need to exit the country.
As part of the residence visa process, you’ll need to undergo a medical examination and submit the necessary documentation.
The number of visas available for company owners and employees depends on the chosen registration package. One of the key advantages of setting up in IFZA is that visa processing does not require health insurance, simplifying the process further.
After your residence visa is approved, the next step is to obtain your Emirates ID—an essential identification document for residents in the UAE.
The visa stamping and Emirates ID processing typically take 5 to 7 working days following visa approval.
Once your company is fully registered, you can apply to open a corporate bank account with a UAE-based bank. IFZA’s strong reputation as a trusted and well-recognized free zone makes the bank account opening process smoother and more efficient.
After your account is activated and you receive your banking details, you’re all set to officially begin business operations.
IFZA License Fees
IFZA’s license fees start at AED 12,900 for a license without a residency visa, which includes the registration of up to 3 business activities (either trading or service). For packages that include visas, fees start at AED 14,900.
With low license fees and no capital requirements, IFZA offers an affordable option for entrepreneurs. Notably, IFZA’s General Trading license is the most cost-effective in Dubai.
Additionally, IFZA provides multi-year license discounts of up to 30% for 2-, 3-, and 5-year packages.
| TYPE OF LICENSE | COST |
|---|---|
| Zero-visa Trading/Service & Consultancy license | 12,900 AED |
| 1-visa Trading/Service & Consultancy license | 14,900 AED |
| 2-visa Trading/Service & Consultancy license | 16,900 AED |
| 3-visa Trading/Service & Consultancy license | 18,900 AED |
| 4-visa Trading/Service & Consultancy license | 20,900 AED |
Yes
You’re seeking a cost-effective business setup in Dubai. IFZA is among the most affordable free zones in the emirate.
You’re planning to launch a startup or SME involved in trading, consulting, or service-related activities.
You need the flexibility to combine business activities from different categories without paying extra fees.
You’re looking for a simple, hassle-free setup process, with fast application approvals and no compliance questionnaire requirements.
Your team includes high-risk nationals – IFZA offers a higher likelihood of visa approvals and a convenient pre-approval process.
You prefer a bank-friendly and reputable free zone, recognized by banks, which makes opening a business bank account much easier.
No
You’re a micro-business on a tight budget and need the absolute cheapest setup solution.
Your business is targeted at the local market and requires a physical retail presence on Dubai’s mainland.
You’re operating a large-scale enterprise that requires warehousing or industrial facilities. In this case, consider free zones like RAKEZ or JAFZA for more suitable infrastructure.
IFZA offers a wide range of business activities to choose from. With a single license, you can include up to seven business activities—three at no additional cost, while any extra activities beyond that will incur additional charges.
For a detailed breakdown, you can refer to the complete IFZA activity list [insert link if applicable].
Below is a summary of the business license categories available at IFZA, along with their descriptions:
Start your IT business in the UAE’s growing market, whether it’s software development or IT consulting.
A Commercial License enables you to start a business in retail, wholesale, or import-export, providing access to both local and international markets.
With a Professional License, you can offer specialized services in fields like consulting, management, education, real estate, and more.
Offer professional services in sectors like consulting, marketing, or IT with a hassle-free setup process.
Launch your online store or digital marketplace in the UAE and tap into the region’s fast-growing e-commerce sector.
Trade multiple products across various industries with a single license, offering maximum business flexibility.
Run your own restaurant, café, or food outlet and serve the UAE’s diverse and food-loving population.
Document processing services are in high demand in the UAE due to the large expat population. Open your Typing Center and help people with paperwork.
Provide financial services, including accounting, auditing, and tax consulting.
An Oil Trading License in the UAE gives you access to profitable operations and international partnerships.
Quality food is in ever-growing demand in the UAE. A Foodstuff Trading License will allow you to import, distribute, and sell food products.
Create and distribute content with a Media License, covering fields like advertising, media, PR, and marketing.
Offer educational services, private tutoring, or professional training in one of the world’s fastest-growing learning hubs.
Start a travel agency, tour operator, or adventure tourism business in the UAE’s booming tourism sector.
Become a registered real estate professional in Dubai and legally buy, sell, or lease properties in a lucrative market.
You are allowed to combine activities from different categories. Both a General Trading License and a regular Trading License permit you to sell your products and goods online.
The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) proudly offers a wide range of office solutions to support your company setup in Dubai’s Silicon Oasis business park.
A shared working space available for a certain number of hours. It provides minimal facility requirements for company registration.
A work space within a free zone that you can design and furnish according to your business needs, offering complete flexibility.
The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) features world-class infrastructure tailored to support a wide range of corporate activities. Offering flexible operational options, customizable lease terms, 24/7 accessibility, and integrated residential and commercial facilities, IFZA provides an ideal environment for investors to establish and grow their businesses in Dubai.
Registering a free zone company entitles you to UAE residency. Both owner and employee visas are valid for two years and can be processed remotely, without the need for health insurance.
IFZA is especially recommended for citizens of high-risk countries such as Sudan, Algeria, Syria, Iraq, Bangladesh, Egypt, and Turkey. Please note that these are examples, and the list may be updated by the free zone authorities at any time. Compared to other regions, Dubai free zones generally have more relaxed immigration requirements.
|
|
IFZA FEE
|
MEDICAL CHECKUP
|
EMIRATES ID
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Owner
|
4,750 AED
|
650 AED
|
390 AED
|
|
Employee
|
3,750 AED
|
650 AED
|
390 AED
|
IFZA Family Visa
To sponsor your family and obtain dependent visas in the UAE, you will need to:
Rent an apartment within the UAE.
Have your marriage certificate and your children’s birth certificates attested by the UAE Embassy in your home country, as well as by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Translate the attested marriage and birth certificates into Arabic.
Renewing your IFZA business license is a quick and straightforward process. The renewal cost matches the initial first-year registration fee, with any applicable additional charges and deductions for accumulated discounts.
| FEE | COST |
|---|---|
| IFZA license renewal (for zero-visa package) | 12,900 AED |
| IFZA Establishment Card renewal fee | 2,200 AED |
| Late license renewal fine (applicable after a 30-day grace period) | 1,000 AED |
| Monthly fine for operating under an expired license | 100 AED |
No amendment fees are charged for making changes during the company license renewal process. To renew your business license, simply submit the application form along with the required documents to the free zone authorities, pay the renewal fees, and wait for the license to be processed.
IFZA Company Amendments
You can make company amendments at any time and as often as needed. For minor changes, you or your business setup consultant can send a request via email from your registered official address. Major changes, however, require a Board Resolution.
| SERVICE | COST |
|---|---|
| IFZA company amendment | 2,000 AED |
IFZA supports a variety of company amendments, including:
Changing the company name
Updating managers or shareholders
Modifying business activities
Appointing or resigning positions
Transferring company shares
And more
To make any changes, simply contact IFZA authorities or your business setup consultant via email, pay the applicable amendment fee, and await confirmation.
IFZA Company Liquidation
Company liquidation through IFZA can be completed without the physical presence of the business owner, as it may be handled by a designated representative. To proceed, you’ll need to pay the liquidation fee. Among UAE free zones, IFZA offers one of the most cost-effective and efficient company liquidation processes.
| SERVICE | COST |
|---|---|
| IFZA company liquidation | 2,000 AED |
IFZA Company Liquidation Procedure
Submit the required documents, including:
A board resolution signed by the shareholders stating the reason for liquidation
Deregistration documents
Visa cancellation documents
Copies of passports and visas for all visa holders
A comprehensive audit report
Settle all payments, including the company cancellation fee and any outstanding dues.
Visa cancellation begins, covering the shareholder’s visa and any other visas sponsored by the company.
Receive confirmation, as a deregistration letter will be emailed to confirm the official cancellation of your company.
Please note: The liquidation request must be submitted to IFZA authorities at least one month prior to the license cancellation. The entire liquidation process typically takes around one month to complete.
The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) is a highly regarded business hub and one of the most popular, cost-effective options for investors seeking a free zone company setup in Dubai. Originally based in Fujairah, IFZA relocated to Dubai Silicon Oasis in 2018, positioning itself at the heart of one of Dubai’s most dynamic business districts.
IFZA offers affordable license packages starting at just AED 12,900. One of its standout features is the flexibility to combine up to seven different business activities under a single license—making compliance simpler and administrative tasks less demanding.
When setting up your company with IFZA, you can choose from a range of facilities including:
Flexi-desks (shared workspaces)
Dedicated office spaces in various sizes
Conference rooms
Warehouses available for lease
IFZA also supports remote company formation, allowing you to establish your business from anywhere in the world. The setup process is quick and hassle-free, with licenses typically issued in as little as three days.
Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or planning a team-based operation, IFZA offers flexible packages with options for single or multiple visas—ideal for building a scalable business in the UAE.
Additionally, you may consider exploring other budget-friendly company formation alternatives in Dubai, such as the Meydan Free Zone, to find the solution that best fits your specific business goals.
The brand name Visa Kings Global is used under licence by Visa Success Limited. Visa Success Limited is not a firm of solicitors and is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Visa Success Limited does not give financial, legal or tax advice.
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