Why IFZA?
Benefits of IFZA Freezone Business Setup
Located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is one of the most dynamic and cost-effective zones for entrepreneurs and investors. Whether you're starting small or scaling globally, IFZA offers flexibility, ease of operations, and a future-ready business environment.
Why us?
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- 100% foreign ownership with full repatriation of profits
- No corporate or personal income tax
- Fast-track company registration process
- Affordable business license packages
Let Us Handle Your IFZA Freezone Business Setup
Business & License Selection
We help you choose the most suitable license type and activity combination approved by IFZA.
Trade Name Registration
Don't worry about anything. We'll secure a compliant and memorable trade name aligned with your brand.
Application & Documentation
All IFZA forms, identification checks, and compliance filings are taken care of by our experts.
License Issuance
We are experts in every area of business, and will ensure your company license is issued within days with minimal paperwork.
Visa Assistance
Investor, partner, and employee visa processing under IFZA with end-to-end PRO services.
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What You Need to Begin
Documents Required for IFZA Business Setup
- Passport copy of shareholders
- Passport-size photo (white background)
- Proof of residence/address
- UAE entry stamp or visa copy (if available)
- Business activity details
Frequently Asked Questions
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is a leading Dubai-based freezone offering affordable licenses, 100% foreign ownership, and a fast setup process for various business types.
The IFZA business setup process is efficient, typically taking 5-10 working days from application to license issuance, including trade name reservation, document submission, and approvals. Initial consultations and pre-approvals can be handled remotely in 1-2 days, with visa processing adding 2-4 weeks for medical tests and Emirates ID. Delays may occur for regulated activities needing external nods, but IFZA's online portal streamlines most steps, making it faster than mainland setups.
IFZA offers six main license types: professional for services like consulting or IT, commercial for trading goods, industrial for manufacturing, holding for asset management, service for general non-professional activities, and e-commerce for online businesses. You can combine up to five related activities under one license without extra fees, provided they fit the category. This flexibility supports over 1,000 activities, focusing on innovation in tech and logistics.
IFZA allows sponsorship of up to three visas with a flexi-desk, expandable to more (one per 9 sq m) with larger offices, valid for 2-3 years. The process includes entry permits, medical tests, Emirates ID, and insurance, costing AED 3,000-6,000 per visa and taking 2-4 weeks. This enables investor and employee residency, with family sponsorship options, all handled online initially
No. IFZA allows virtual office setups, making it ideal for freelancers, consultants, and small businesses looking for minimal overhead.
Setting up a business in IFZA Dubai typically takes 5-10 working days and can be done remotely. Start by selecting your business activity and legal structure (e.g., FZCO or FZE), reserve a trade name, submit documents like passport copies and a business plan, pay fees, and receive your license and incorporation certificate. Finally, secure office space for visa eligibility and open a corporate bank account to begin operations.
Annual requirements include renewing licenses and leases at similar initial costs, filing corporate tax returns (0% on qualifying income), and maintaining financial records. Renew visas every 2-3 years with medical checks, update company changes, and comply with economic substance rules to avoid penalties. Audits are needed only if revenue exceeds AED 50 million.
IFZA imposes certain restrictions on business activities to align with UAE regulations, prohibiting heavily regulated sectors like financial services, insurance, investment banking, and activities requiring federal approvals such as heavy manufacturing or pharmaceuticals. While it supports over 1,000 activities in consulting, trading, e-commerce, and light industrial fields, businesses involving cryptocurrencies, gambling, or anything conflicting with public morals are not permitted. For specialized activities like education or healthcare, external approvals from authorities like the Ministry of Education may be needed, ensuring compliance before license issuance.
With an IFZA license, you can trade on the UAE mainland through a dual-license option or by appointing local distributors, but direct mainland operations like opening branches require additional approvals or a mainland entity. Freezone companies enjoy 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions but are primarily for international or freezone-based activities, with mainland access possible via service agreements or e-commerce without physical presence. For unrestricted local trading, combining with a mainland setup is recommended.
- Business Management consultation
IFZA offers compelling benefits like 100% foreign ownership, no minimum capital requirements, and 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, making it ideal for startups and SMEs. It provides flexible licenses combining up to seven activities, cost-effective packages starting at AED 12,500, and visa quotas tied to affordable office options. Additional perks include remote setup, multilingual support, and access to Dubai's global markets, though it's best for non-regulated sectors seeking quick incorporation
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What is IFZA Free Zone?
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is a leading free zone community in Dubai that lets entrepreneurs and companies set up quickly with flexible licenses and 100% foreign ownership. IFZA offers modern infrastructure, business-friendly rules, and a streamlined setup process for a wide range of activities like trading, services, and industrial operations. IFZA operates from Dubai Digital Park within Dubai Silicon Oasis, providing a strategic base with strong connectivity and support services for investors.
Benefits of IFZA Free Zone
- 100% foreign ownership with full profit repatriation, so no local sponsor is needed, and earnings can be sent back home freely.
- 0% personal income tax and 0% corporate tax for qualifying free zone persons when regulations are met, helping reduce ongoing expenses.
- Fast, simple company registration with options for virtual offices, flexi desks, or private offices to match different budgets and team sizes.
- Wide choice of business activities (2,000+), including consulting, trading, IT, e-commerce, media, logistics, and more, making IFZA suitable for many sectors.
- Ability to include up to three activities under one license type, keeping setup straightforward and cost-effective.
What is the license cost of IFZA Free Zone?
- IFZA free zone license cost typically starts from around AED 10,000 for a zero-visa package, with higher-priced packages including visa quotas, and can go as high as AED 25,000.
- Some advisors indicate entry pricing can start near AED 11,000–AED 13,000 depending on license type and promotions; visa/immigration, Emirates ID, and medical fees are additional.
- Budget for extras like establishment card, residence visa processing per person, and optional add-ons such as combining activity categories.
- Request an itemised quote covering license, visa allocation, government fees, establishment card, medical, Emirates ID, and office/activity add-ons.
What is the validity of an IFZA license?
An IFZA business license is usually valid for 1 year from the date of issue and must be renewed annually to keep the company active. Renewals are typically fast, and most updates, such as changes to activities, shareholders, or office, can be processed during renewal with the approval of the IFZA authority.
What sort of business can be set up in the IFZA Free Zone?
- IFZA supports consulting, services, trading, e-commerce, media/marketing, IT, education, holding companies, and more.
- Combine up to three activities under a single license type.
- Structures include branches, FZE (single shareholder), and FZCO (multi-shareholder).
How does the IFZA Company Setup Work?
- Choose business activities and license type based on the core offering.
- Select the company structure (FZE, FZCO, or branch) and pick a compliant trade name following IFZA rules.
- Submit required documents, receive approvals, and obtain the license.
- Arrange visas and office solutions as needed.
- Using a reputable setup advisor can speed up the process.