IFZA is the free zone most Dubai entrepreneurs actually end up choosing, and the reason is simple: it gives you a real Dubai address and a residence visa without the DMCC price tag. A licence starts around AED 12,900, setup takes days not weeks, and you keep 100% ownership with no paid-up capital and no local sponsor. For consultants, e-commerce sellers, IT and digital businesses, it is the value sweet spot of the UAE free zone market.
But IFZA has quirks that catch first-timers out. It does not sell to you directly, you must go through an authorised partner, so the same licence can be quoted at very different prices depending on the agent's markup and which add-ons they bundle. The headline figure is rarely the all-in figure once you add the establishment card, registration and per-visa costs.
This guide gives you the real 2026 IFZA packages and costs, the visa rules, the step-by-step process, the hidden add-ons to watch, and an honest comparison with DMCC, Meydan and RAKEZ. Since 2013, our team has set up companies across every major Dubai free zone, including IFZA, so the numbers and warnings here come from real client files with transparent, itemised pricing.
Want an exact, itemised IFZA quote with no surprise add-ons? Get a free consultation→
What is IFZA and who is it for?
IFZA, the International Free Zone Authority, is a Dubai free zone based at Dubai Digital Park in Dubai Silicon Oasis that offers low-cost company licences with a Dubai address, 100% foreign ownership, and fast remote setup. It is positioned as the mid-tier "goldilocks" zone, cheaper than premium Dubai zones like DMCC and DIFC, but with a genuine Dubai postcode that budget northern-emirate zones cannot offer.
IFZA suits consultants, coaches, e-commerce and dropshipping sellers, IT and software firms, marketing agencies, traders, and freelancers who want a credible Dubai licence and a residence visa at a sensible price. It is not the right fit for manufacturing or warehousing (a zone like RAKEZ or JAFZA fits better), regulated financial services (that is DIFC or ADGM), or businesses that specifically need a prestige physical office. IFZA has grown fast, issuing more than 25,000 licences, with consultancy, general trading and IT among the top categories [1].
How much does an IFZA licence cost in 2026?
An IFZA licence starts at around AED 12,900 for a zero-visa package and rises with the number of visa allocations you add, with a realistic one-visa setup landing near AED 21,000 all in. Visas are added in fixed package tiers rather than purely per head. Here is the typical 2026 ladder:
| Package | Indicative price (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zero visa | from ~12,900 | Licence + flexi-desk; holding / bank-account use |
| 1 visa | ~14,900 (licence only) | Add establishment card + visa to reach all-in |
| 3 visa | ~19,900 | Visa slots added in fixed increments |
| 6 visa | ~26,900 | Larger teams |
| 1-visa all-in (worked example) | ~21,450 | Licence + establishment card (~2,000) + visa (~3,750) + medical/EID (~800) |
Multi-year licences carry real discounts: roughly 15% off for two years, 20% for three, and up to 30% for five, which can bring a zero-visa licence down to about AED 11,667 a year on a three-year term [1]. Renewal from year two typically mirrors the first-year licence fee, from around AED 11,500.
Common Mistake: Comparing IFZA quotes on the licence price alone. The licence is only part of the bill. The establishment card (around AED 2,000), annual registration, and per-visa processing (AED 3,750 basic government fee plus medical and Emirates ID) can add roughly 30% to a headline figure. Always ask for the all-in number including every visa you need, not just the licence. Our team gives you that full breakdown upfront. Talk to a setup expert→
What activities can you run on an IFZA licence?
IFZA offers more than 800 official business activities, with advisers citing 2,000-plus in practice, spanning professional, consultancy, commercial and trading lines, and most packages include around three activities at no extra cost. You can usually combine multiple activities under one licence as long as they sit within compatible groups, and a general trading licence covers many unrelated trading lines.
Adding activities beyond the included allowance typically costs from AED 500 each. The flexibility to bundle, for example, consultancy plus e-commerce plus general trading under one licence, is a big part of why IFZA suits multi-stream entrepreneurs. We explain the documentation in our guide to documents required for free zone company setup.
Want a clear, no-obligation plan for your Dubai setup? Our advisors map the right structure, costs, and timeline for your goals.
Get a free consultation→How many visas can you get, and do you need an office?
IFZA lets you take zero to six residence visas on a flexi-desk package without renting a physical office, and a flexi-desk is included in the licence. You only need a larger physical office if your visa count or activity demands it, which keeps entry costs low and makes IFZA one of the easiest Dubai zones to set up remotely.
Each residence visa runs about from AED 3,800 all in, built on the official basic visa fee of AED 3,750 plus medical and Emirates ID. There is no paid-up capital requirement, no local service agent, and no NOC needed, and you get 100% foreign ownership with full profit repatriation [1].
Pro Tip: In 2026 IFZA is running a "Visa for Life" offer that covers the basic government fee for your first visa for the life of the licence, including renewals. It is genuinely useful if you plan to keep one visa long term, but read the conditions: it covers the basic fee only (not status-change or investor fees), is non-transferable, and eligibility depends on your incorporation month. Ask whether your package qualifies before you assume the saving.
How do you set up an IFZA company step by step?
IFZA setup is fast, with the licence often issued in three to seven working days once documents are in, and most of the process can be done remotely until visa biometrics. The path is:
- Choose your activities and licence type and decide how many visas you need.
- Submit your documents (passport copies, application form) through an authorised IFZA partner.
- Receive name and initial approval (often within 24 to 48 hours).
- Pay the package fee and receive your trade licence (3 to 7 working days).
- Get your establishment card, which unlocks your visa quota.
- Apply for residence visas (entry permit, then medical, Emirates ID and stamping).
- Open your corporate bank account.
You can complete everything up to visa biometrics from outside the UAE, with full operation typically two to four weeks away once visas are factored in. Our post-setup services team manages the establishment card, visas and banking so nothing stalls. Start your setup→
Still weighing your options? Talk to our business-setup experts and get tailored advice for your situation.
Talk to an expert→IFZA vs DMCC vs Meydan vs RAKEZ: how does it compare?
IFZA sits in the middle of the market: cheaper than DMCC, similar to Meydan but with broader activities, and pricier than RAKEZ but with a Dubai address. The right zone depends on whether you prioritise cost, a Dubai postcode, banking, or industrial facilities.
| Free zone | Year-1 (≈1 visa, AED) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| IFZA (Dubai Silicon Oasis) | ~19,000 – 23,000 | Consultants, e-commerce, IT, value Dubai address |
| DMCC (JLT, Dubai) | ~35,000 – 49,000 + AED 50k capital | Commodities, crypto, premium banking |
| Meydan (Dubai) | ~18,000 – 22,000 | Cheap Dubai address, narrower activities |
| RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah) | ~18,000 – 22,000 (licence from ~6,000) | Industrial, lowest cost, non-Dubai |
Real Talk: IFZA's biggest catch is the channel-partner model. IFZA does not sell licences directly to the public and has no fixed public price list, so every quote comes through an agent who adds their own service margin on top of the standardised government fees. That is why two people can pay very different totals for the same licence. The fix is simple: get an itemised quote that separates the government fees from the service fee, and compare on the all-in total. A cheap headline with fat hidden add-ons is worse than a transparent flat number.
Can an IFZA company open a bank account easily?
An IFZA company can open a UAE corporate bank account, but expect three to six weeks and real scrutiny, and choose your bank to match your business model. Free zone companies are widely banked, and digital banks like Wio and Mashreq NeoBiz have made fast, low-balance accounts much easier for IFZA startups, but a vague business model or a high-risk activity can still cause delays or rejection.
Banking is the step that frustrates IFZA founders most, so prepare a clear business description, proof of activity, and a professional website before you apply. If you have been turned down before, our guide on overcoming bank account rejection in the UAE walks through how to fix it.
Ready to move forward? We handle licensing, visas, banking, and compliance so your launch is smooth.
Get started free→Real Client Stories
These are real examples from businesses we have helped set up. Names and details have been changed for privacy.
Omar's consultancy on a multi-year licence (IFZA)
Omar, an Egyptian management consultant, wanted a Dubai licence and one visa at the lowest sensible cost. We set him up on a three-year IFZA package to lock in the multi-year discount, bringing his effective annual cost well below a one-year licence, with one visa all in. His tip: "I almost paid year by year. The three-year discount saved me thousands, and I would have renewed anyway. If you are committed, take the longer term."
Priya's e-commerce store that bundled activities (IFZA)
Priya ran an online store and also did freelance design. Rather than two licences, we put e-commerce, general trading and design consultancy under one IFZA licence using the included activity allowance. Her advice: "One licence covers my whole income mix. I did not realise you could bundle activities like that, and it saved me a second setup."
A founder who got a transparent quote (IFZA)
A first-time founder came to us after a confusing AED 9,900 "headline" quote elsewhere that ballooned once visas and the establishment card were added. We gave him a single itemised all-in number, licence, establishment card, one visa and bank-account support, with nothing hidden. His takeaway: "The cheap quote was not cheap once everything was added. The flat, itemised price was actually lower and I knew exactly what I was paying for."
Set up your IFZA company the smart way
IFZA is the right call for most cost-conscious Dubai entrepreneurs: a real Dubai address, fast remote setup, 100% ownership, flexible activities, and no paid-up capital, all at a mid-market price. The only thing to watch is the partner-driven pricing, so insist on a transparent, itemised all-in quote and you get the value without the surprises.
Since 2013, BusinessDubai.ae has completed 700+ company registrations across the UAE, including IFZA and every major Dubai free zone, with transparent itemised pricing and no hidden fees. We will give you the real all-in number, bundle your activities efficiently, and handle the licence, visas and banking end to end. Get started free→
Related guides:
- Free Zone vs Mainland vs Offshore
- Dubai Business Setup Cost Breakdown (2026)
- Documents Required for Free Zone Company Setup
- Overcoming Bank Account Rejection in the UAE
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an IFZA licence cost in 2026?
An IFZA licence starts around AED 12,900 for a zero-visa package and rises with visa allocations, with a one-visa setup landing near AED 21,000 all in once the establishment card and visa are added. Multi-year licences cut the effective annual cost by 15 to 30%.
What is the cheapest IFZA package?
The cheapest IFZA option is the zero-visa licence from around AED 12,900, which includes a flexi-desk and suits holding companies or businesses that only need a Dubai licence and a bank account. A three-year zero-visa term can bring the effective cost down to roughly AED 11,667 a year.
IFZA vs DMCC, which is better?
IFZA is 30 to 40% cheaper than DMCC, requires no AED 50,000 share capital, and sets up faster, which suits consultants, e-commerce and SMEs. DMCC offers premium banking, a JLT address and a commodities and crypto ecosystem. Choose IFZA for value and a Dubai address; choose DMCC if you need its specific ecosystem.
How many visas can I get with IFZA?
IFZA offers zero to six residence visas on a flexi-desk package without renting a physical office. Visa slots are added in fixed package tiers, and each visa costs about from AED 3,800 all in. Larger teams need a physical office to expand the quota further.
How many activities can I have on an IFZA licence?
IFZA offers more than 800 official activities, and most packages include around three activities at no extra cost. You can combine compatible activities under one licence, with additional activities typically costing from AED 500 each, which makes IFZA flexible for multi-stream businesses.
How long does IFZA setup take?
An IFZA trade licence is usually issued within three to seven working days once documents are submitted, with name and initial approval often in 24 to 48 hours. Adding residence visas extends full setup to roughly two to four weeks, and most of the process can be done remotely until visa biometrics.
Does IFZA require a physical office?
No. A flexi-desk is included in IFZA packages, and you can take up to six visas without renting a separate physical office. You only need a larger office if your visa count or activity specifically requires it, which keeps entry costs low.
What is the IFZA renewal cost?
IFZA renewal from year two typically mirrors the first-year licence fee, from around AED 11,500, plus any visa renewals. Multi-year licences reduce the effective annual cost, so committing to two, three or five years upfront is usually cheaper than renewing annually.
Is IFZA good for a startup?
Yes. IFZA is one of the best-value Dubai free zones for startups, consultants, e-commerce and digital businesses, offering a Dubai address, 100% ownership, no paid-up capital, flexible activities and fast remote setup. It is less suited to manufacturing, regulated finance, or businesses needing a prestige office.
Can I open a bank account with an IFZA company?
Yes, IFZA companies can open UAE corporate bank accounts, though it usually takes three to six weeks and requires a clear business model and documentation. Digital banks like Wio and Mashreq NeoBiz have made fast, low-balance accounts easier, while high-risk activities or vague descriptions can cause delays.
Is an IFZA company 0% tax?
IFZA companies pay 0% personal income tax and 0% corporate tax on profits up to AED 375,000, with 9% applying above that on non-qualifying income. Free zone companies meeting the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions can keep 0% corporate tax on qualifying income.
Can I set up IFZA without an agent?
No. IFZA operates through authorised partners and does not sell licences directly to the public, so you must go through an agent. Because there is no fixed public price list, quotes vary by partner, so it is worth comparing itemised all-in prices that separate government fees from the service fee.
What is the IFZA Visa for Life offer?
Visa for Life is a 2026 IFZA promotion that covers the basic government fee for your first visa for the life of the licence, including renewals. It covers the basic fee only, not status-change or investor fees, is non-transferable, and eligibility depends on your incorporation month, so confirm whether your package qualifies.
Can a foreigner own 100% of an IFZA company?
Yes. IFZA allows 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor or service agent required, and full repatriation of capital and profits. This applies to all IFZA licence types and is a standard free zone benefit.
Where is IFZA located?
IFZA is based at Dubai Digital Park in Dubai Silicon Oasis, a technology-focused district in Dubai. This gives IFZA companies a genuine Dubai address, which is a key advantage over cheaper free zones located in the northern emirates.
What hidden costs should I watch for with IFZA?
Beyond the licence, budget for the establishment card (around AED 2,000), annual registration, per-visa processing (AED 3,750 basic fee plus medical and Emirates ID), and any extra activities (from AED 500 each). These add-ons can raise a headline price by roughly 30%, so always get an itemised all-in quote.
References
[1] IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) and advisory sources. 2026 package pricing, visa fees, activity counts, multi-year discounts, Visa for Life offer, ownership rules, and growth figures. ifza.com
[2] IFZA. Official basic residence visa fee (AED 3,750), establishment card and licence structure. ifza.com
[3] UAE Federal Tax Authority. Corporate tax (0% on qualifying income up to AED 375,000, 9% above) and Qualifying Free Zone Person rules. tax.gov.ae
[4] Comparative free zone pricing (DMCC, Meydan, RAKEZ, SHAMS) from setup-advisory sources, 2026. Various.
[5] BusinessDubai.ae. Internal data from UAE company registrations since 2013, including IFZA and comparative free zone setups, real all-in costs, timelines and client case studies. businessdubai.ae
