IFZA Business Setup in Dubai
Set up your IFZA free zone company in Dubai with an authorised IFZA partner. We help you choose the right licence, activities, visa package and office option, then coordinate your application, visas, corporate banking preparation and every renewal after that.
What Is
IFZA Free Zone?
IFZA, the International Free Zone Authority, is a Dubai free zone based in Dubai Silicon Oasis. Companies are registered under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones framework, so an IFZA company is a Dubai-registered free zone company with access to Dubai residence visas.
IFZA business setup is built for founders, consultants, traders and international investors who want a Dubai company without a local partner. IFZA incorporates companies as FZCOs (free zone limited liability companies) and also registers branches of existing companies. The incorporation stage can be completed without visiting the UAE.
IFZA works on a business-to-business model: applications are submitted through its authorised professional partners rather than directly by the public. Exactitude Business Services FZCO is listed on IFZA's authorised partners page , so we prepare and submit your application to IFZA and follow it through to licence issuance.
IFZA at a Glance
An overview of IFZA's location, company structures, licensing options and business setup requirements.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Authority | International Free Zone Authority (IFZA), Dubai |
| Location | IFZA Business Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis |
| Legal forms | FZCO (single or multiple shareholders) or Branch |
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership |
| Licence types | Professional and Commercial (including General Trading) |
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Activities | Multiple activities can be combined on one licence |
| Office | Flexi-desk through to private and personalised offices |
| Visas | Allocation depends on the licence package you choose |
| Presence | Not required during incorporation |
| Applications | Through authorised IFZA partners such as Exactitude |
Why Set Up a Company in IFZA?
Choosing a free zone is not only about the first-year licence price. Your business activity, ownership structure, visa plans, office needs, banking profile and renewal costs should all be considered before you commit.
IFZA can offer several practical advantages:
- 100% Foreign Ownership – no local sponsor or local service agent is required
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits
- Remote incorporation – no physical presence is needed during the incorporation process
- Multiple activities on one licence – combine related activities as your business grows
- Dubai address and Dubai visas – your company is registered in Dubai
- Flexible office options – start on a flexi-desk and upgrade within the zone later
- Packages built around visas – choose a zero-visa start or a package with visa allocations
- Support beyond formation – IFZA's wider ecosystem includes banking support, health insurance and office solutions
Our Experience
Who Can Benefit from IFZA Business Setup?
IFZA may be relevant for businesses that want a cost-conscious Dubai free zone structure, a broad choice of activities and flexibility to add visas as their business grows.
Consultants & Freelancers
Consultants, freelancers and professional service providers looking for a Dubai free zone business structure.
Professional servicesDigital Businesses
Marketing agencies, design studios, IT companies and digital businesses seeking a suitable licensing structure.
Digital & technologyE-commerce & Online Businesses
Online entrepreneurs exploring a Dubai company for their e-commerce operations and digital business activities.
Online businessTrading Companies
General and specialised trading businesses whose activities match IFZA's available licensing options.
Commercial activitiesInternational Entrepreneurs
Foreign entrepreneurs planning to establish a business presence in Dubai and explore UAE market opportunities.
UAE market entryHolding & Investment Structures
Investors considering holding or investment structures, subject to the permitted activities and applicable requirements.
Investment structuresForeign Company Branches
Established foreign companies exploring the option of registering a branch in Dubai through IFZA.
Branch registrationGrowing SMEs
Small and medium-sized businesses expanding into Dubai from other emirates or international markets.
Business expansionFind the Right IFZA Structure
The suitability of an IFZA setup depends on your business activity, licensing requirements, facility needs and visa allocation. Exactitude Business Services can help assess your requirements before you proceed.
CHOOSING YOUR BUSINESS STRUCTURE
When Another Option May Suit You Better
- IFZA usually fits well when…
- You serve clients outside the UAE or other free zone companies
- A flexi-desk meets your office needs
- You need a small number of visas at the start
- Your activity is professional, commercial or general trading
- Consider another structure when…
- Most of your customers are on the UAE mainland and you need to trade with them every day
- You need a shop, warehouse or retail outlet
- You plan a large team from day one
- Your activity is regulated and needs a specialised zone or mainland approval
If IFZA isn’t the right fit, we compare it with Meydan Free Zone, other UAE free zones, and Dubai mainland company formation before you apply. For a side-by-side view, read our IFZA vs Meydan vs DMCC guide.
IFZA Licence Types
Your licence type follows your business activity. IFZA offers two main licence types, plus a branch option for existing companies.
Professional License
For businesses providing professional, consultancy and service activities, such as:
- Management consultancy
- IT consulting and software services
- Marketing, advertising and social media services
- Design and branding services
- Accounting-related services
- Human resources and events management
- Other professional and technical services
Commercial License
For businesses that import, export, distribute, or trade goods within and outside the UAE.
Examples include
- General trading
- Food and beverages trading
- Cosmetics and perfume trading
- Mobile phones and accessories
- Computer trading
- Auto spare parts
- Building materials trading
General Trading activity lets a company trade across a wide range of product categories under one licence. It is priced and approved differently from a single trading activity, so we confirm the current terms in your quote.
FZCO: The IFZA Company Structure
New IFZA companies are incorporated as FZCOs, which are free zone limited liability companies. An FZCO can have one shareholder or several, and shareholders can be individuals or companies. Every FZCO has a Memorandum and Articles of Association, which IFZA issues as a standard document for electronic signature.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENT
Parent company records and supporting corporate documents must be prepared for the branch application.
Branch of an Existing Company
Foreign companies can register a branch in IFZA instead of forming a new FZCO. A branch carries on the parent company’s activities, so the parent’s corporate documents are part of the application.
CORPORATE DOCUMENTATION
Every FZCO has a Memorandum and Articles of Association, issued by IFZA as a standard document for electronic signature.
IFZA Business Activities
IFZA publishes its approved activities in an online activity directory. Your activity determines what your company is authorised to do, which licence type you need and how banks will read your business, so it should match your real operations.
Multiple Business Activities
IFZA lets you combine several activities on one licence. How many activities are included in your package, and whether activities from different groups can be combined, depends on IFZA's current package terms.
Additional activities may attract additional charges. Exactitude confirms the current terms in writing before you apply.
Activities That Need Another Approval
Some activities need approval from another regulator as well as IFZA. IFZA may issue the licence on a provisional basis while that approval is obtained.
If approval is not obtained within the stated period, the activity must be changed or the licence may be cancelled. We flag these activities at the start.
Choosing Activities Carefully
After approval, you sign the incorporation documents electronically. Your signature confirms the activities on your licence, so check them carefully before signing. Your company can only carry out activities listed on its licence. Adding or changing activities later requires an amendment.
IFZA Business Setup Cost and Packages
IFZA business setup cost depends on your licence package, number of visas, activities, office type, and the services you need after formation. IFZA prices its licences by visa allocation, from a zero-visa licence upwards. Exactitude reviews your activity, visa plans, and office needs first, then gives you an itemised quote showing the IFZA package, government charges, and our service fee before you pay anything.
| IFZA Licence Package | Visa Allocation | Exactitude Package Price |
|---|---|---|
| Zero-visa licence | 0 | From AED 12,999 |
| 1-visa licence | 1 | From AED 17,700 |
| 2-visa licence | 2 | From approx. AED 22,700 |
| 3-visa licence | 3 | From approx. AED 27,700 |
| 4+ visa licence | 4 or more | From approx. AED 32,700, IFZA office required |
Prices are per year for a one-year licence. Final cost depends on your activity, visas, office requirements and current IFZA terms.
What the Licence Package Covers
- IFZA trade licence
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Share certificate
- A flexi-desk or office option, depending on the package
- The visa allocation for your package
Costs to Budget Separately
The licence package is the starting point, not the full first-year budget. Depending on your setup, you may also need:
- Establishment card (required before any visa application)
- Visa processing for each person, including entry permit or status change, medical fitness test and Emirates ID
- Health insurance for each visa holder
- Additional activities, or a General Trading activity
- A larger office if you need more visas or more workspace
- Attestation of documents issued outside the UAE
Multi-Year Licences
IFZA offers multi-year licence options alongside the standard one-year licence. A longer term can lower the average yearly cost, but it means paying more upfront. We compare both options in your quote.
IFZA Visa and Office Requirements
Visa eligibility and office requirements vary between IFZA free zones and packages.
IFZA Visa Options
The number of visas your company can sponsor depends on the licence package you choose. Exactitude helps you plan the right visa allocation for your team before you apply.
Depending on your requirements, you may need:
- Investor or partner visa
- Employee visas
- Dependent visas
- Establishment card
- Emirates ID
- Medical fitness test
- Health insurance
- Visa renewal and cancellation support
To apply for any visa, your company first needs an establishment card. The establishment card is renewed every year, and if it lapses, no new visas can be applied for.
If you need more visas later, the licence can be upgraded to a higher package. Higher visa numbers may also require leasing physical office space in IFZA. Each visa is a separate application, and approval rests with the UAE immigration authorities.
Visa medicals and biometrics need you in the UAE, even though incorporation itself can be completed remotely.
IFZA Office Options
IFZA offers workspace at the IFZA Business Park in Dubai Silicon Oasis:
- Flexi-desk – a shared workstation with set weekly access hours, a shared IFZA address and meeting-room time each month
- Flexi-desk – unlimited access to a dedicated desk with an IFZA-provided address
- Dedicated office – a private workspace for a set duration within the year
- Private office – unlimited access to your own office with an individual business address
- Personalised office – a furnished or unfurnished office with 24/7 access
Most new founders start on a flexi-desk. If your visa needs grow, your office may need to grow with them.
Documents Required for IFZA Company Formation
Depending on your company structure and circumstances, additional documents may be required.
Individual Shareholders
- Valid passport copy
- Digital passport-size photograph
- Licence application form, including UBO details
- Emirates ID and visa copy, if you are a UAE resident
- Proposed company name(s) and selected activities
- Additional KYC documents if requested
Corporate Shareholders
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Board resolution approving the IFZA company or branch
- Certificate of Incumbency or equivalent corporate documents
- Certificate of Incumbency or equivalent corporate documents
- Passport copies of the directors, shareholders and authorised signatory
- UBO details for the parent company
Documents issued outside the UAE may need notarisation, legalisation or attestation, depending on the document and country. Our attestation and legal translation service can help with this.
How to Set Up a Company in IFZA
Exactitude guides you through each stage of IFZA company formation, from choosing activities to licence issuance and the steps after it.
- Step 1: Understand Your Business Requirements – We review your activity, ownership structure, visa needs, office needs and banking profile, then recommend the licence type and package.
- Step 2: Choose Your Company Name and Activities – We check your proposed name and map your activities to IFZA's activity directory. IFZA does not apply Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) naming protocols as standard, though DET name approval can be requested.
- Step 3: Prepare and Submit the Documents – We prepare the licence application, including the UBO details, and submit your shareholder documents through IFZA's partner portal.
- Step 4: Security Check and Approval – UAE authorities carry out a security check on each shareholder, director, and general manager. Once approved, IFZA issues the e-legal forms for signature.
- Step 5: Sign the MoA/AoA and Receive Your Licence – Shareholders sign the Memorandum and Articles of Association electronically. After payment, IFZA emails a soft copy of the licence and company documents. The original licence can be collected on request.
- Step 6: Establishment Card, Visas and Corporate Banking – After incorporation, we apply for the establishment card, coordinate visas, and prepare your Corporate Bank Account application.
Compliance Checks to Expect
IFZA must collect UBO information under UAE anti-money laundering rules, and you need to update it if ownership changes. IFZA only accepts payment from the person named on the invoice, unless it has approved otherwise in advance. As a precaution, IFZA generally does not allow share transfers in a new FZCO during the first three months after licensing.
How Long Does IFZA Company Setup Take?
A typical IFZA setup takes a minimum of 10 days once complete documents are received. Exact timing still depends on your documents, the security check and your activity. Visas and banking follow after the licence.
| Stage | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| Consultation, activity and package choice | Part of the minimum 10-day total |
| Application, security check and approval | Part of the minimum 10-day total |
| E-signature and licence issuance | Part of the minimum 10-day total |
| Establishment card and visas | After the licence is issued |
| Corporate bank account | Depends on the bank's own review |
Corporate Tax and VAT for IFZA Companies
Setting up in a free zone does not mean every company automatically receives a 0% Corporate Tax rate.
Under UAE Corporate Tax rules, a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) can benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income. Taxable income that does not meet the qualifying-income definition can be subject to the 9% rate.
Eligibility depends on the applicable conditions, including adequate substance, qualifying income, transfer pricing compliance and proper record keeping. Revenue earned on the Dubai mainland under a Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit is subject to the 9% rate.
See our Corporate Tax and VAT services page for full details.
Corporate Tax
Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP)The 0% rate is conditional. Companies must meet the applicable QFZP requirements to benefit from it.
VAT
UAE Registration ThresholdsVAT registration depends on taxable supplies, relevant expenses for voluntary registration and your business circumstances.
Corporate Tax and VAT Compliance
Every IFZA company must assess its Corporate Tax registration and record-keeping obligations. Our team can help coordinate tax compliance, VAT support and accounting requirements around your business setup.
Corporate Bank Account for Your IFZA Company
What Do Banks Usually Review?
- Company business activity
- Ownership and management structure
- UAE residency status of the signatory
- Source of funds
- Expected transaction volumes
- Countries you will trade with
- Customers and suppliers
- Contracts, invoices or other commercial documents
- Company website and business presence
- KYC and AML documentation
Corporate Banking Support from Exactitude
- Reviewing your business and ownership profile
- Preparing the banking documentation
- Identifying documentation gaps
- Helping present your business model clearly
- Coordinating the application process
- Supporting communication during the application
See our corporate bank account page for full details.
A licence lets your company exist, and a corporate bank account lets it operate. Once your licence and establishment card are in place, your IFZA company can apply for a UAE corporate bank account. Approval is decided by the bank after its own KYC, AML and compliance review.
After Setup: Accounting, PRO, Visas and Renewals
Your IFZA licence is the start. After formation, Exactitude supports the work that keeps your company active and compliant.
Financial Management
Accounting and Bookkeeping
We keep your books in line with UAE Corporate Tax and VAT requirements, so your records are ready for tax filings, bank reviews and IFZA renewal.
Financial Management
Corporate Tax and VAT Records
Maintain organised financial records for tax filings, banking reviews and ongoing business compliance.
Corporate Tax & VAT
Accounting support aligned with UAE requirements.
google reviews
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Had a lovely experience with the Exactitude team. Right from opening the license until getting my visa and bank account, it was a seamless and stressfree experience. I highly recommend them.
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I have been dealing with Exactitude company since few months, and I would say that they are providing very professional services.They are very honest and they have Very close follow up without any..
Why Choose Exactitude for Your IFZA Business Setup?
- Authorised IFZA Partner Exactitude is listed on IFZA's authorised partners page, so we submit and track your application directly with IFZA.
- Business Activity Guidance We review what your business actually does before recommending activities and a licence package.
- Clear Itemised Quotes You see the IFZA package, government charges and our service fee before you pay.
- Corporate Banking Assistance We prepare your company for the corporate banking process and coordinate the application based on your business profile.
- Accounting, Tax and Renewals in One Place Bookkeeping, Corporate Tax, VAT, PRO work and every IFZA renewal handled by the team that formed your company.
- Guidance Led by Experience Your setup is overseen by Hashim Rizvi, Head of Sales, who brings 14+ years of experience in the field.
Planning an IFZA company in Dubai? Get professional guidance before you commit to a licence or package. Exactitude Business Services can help you choose your activities and licence type, select the right visa and office package, prepare your documents, coordinate your IFZA application and plan for corporate banking, visas and ongoing compliance
Call or WhatsApp +971 52 177 1150 or email sales@exactitudebusiness.com .
Frequently asked questions
What is IFZA Free Zone?
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is a Dubai free zone based in Dubai Silicon Oasis. It incorporates FZCOs and registers branches with 100% foreign ownership, and applications are submitted through its authorised partners.
How much does IFZA business setup cost?
Exactitude's IFZA packages start from AED 12,999 without visa (approx. AED 17,700 with 1 visa). Your final cost depends on the number of visas, your activities, office type and visa processing for each person, which we itemise in your quote.
Can I set up an IFZA company directly, or do I need a partner?
IFZA works through authorised professional partners. Exactitude is listed on IFZA's authorised partners page, so we submit and manage your application with IFZA.
Can I set up an IFZA company without visiting Dubai?
Yes. IFZA does not require physical presence during incorporation, and documents are signed electronically. You will need to be in the UAE later for visa medicals and biometrics.
Can foreigners own 100% of an IFZA company?
Yes. IFZA companies can be 100% foreign-owned, with no local sponsor or local service agent.
How many business activities can I have on one IFZA licence?
IFZA allows several activities on one licence. The number included and whether different activity groups can be combined depend on IFZA's current package terms. We confirm this before you apply.
How many visas can an IFZA company get?
It depends on the licence package. IFZA prices packages by visa allocation, and you can upgrade later. Higher visa numbers may require leasing physical office space in IFZA.
Do I need a physical office in IFZA?
Not for most new companies. A flexi-desk is the usual starting point. A larger office may be needed if you want a higher number of visas.
How long does IFZA company formation take?
A typical IFZA company formation takes a minimum of 10 days once complete documents are received. Timing still depends on the security check and your activity. Visas and banking follow after the licence is issued.
Does an IFZA company pay Corporate Tax?
IFZA companies fall under the UAE Corporate Tax framework. A Qualifying Free Zone Person may receive a 0% rate on qualifying income if the conditions are met. Non-qualifying taxable income can be subject to 9%.