Set up your IFZA company in Dubai from AED 12,900 with a license co-branded by the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority. Get approved in 3 to 5 working days with 100% foreign ownership and zero personal income tax.
IFZA is the International Free Zone Authority, based in Dubai Silicon Oasis. Your license is co-branded with the DSO Authority, which strengthens credibility when opening bank accounts and signing contracts.
It is the only UAE free zone running a pure B2B model. You set up through a professional partner like Riz & Mona Consultancy, which means a dedicated team handles your application from start to finish.
With over 1,500 partners globally, flexible licensing across multiple activity categories, and setup in 3 to 5 working days, IFZA is built for entrepreneurs who want an affordable Dubai base.
Business Benefits
Why Choose IFZA Dubai for Company Setup?
IFZA combines affordability, speed, and a co-branded Dubai license in a way few free zones match. Built for entrepreneurs wanting a credible UAE presence without premium overheads.
One of the most affordable free zone license packages in Dubai
Combine professional, commercial, and industrial activities under one license
Multi-year license options with discounts of up to 30%
Full remote setup with no need to visit Dubai for registration
100% foreign ownership with zero personal income tax
Co-branded license with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority
Dedicated Client Engagement Manager through your professional partner
Flexible workspace options from flexi-desks to private offices
License Benefits
What Is Included in Your IFZA Company Setup?
Every IFZA package includes the legal documents, registrations, and access rights you need to operate your business, open a bank account, sponsor visas, and sign contracts from day one.
IFZA Business License
Official trade license co-branded with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority. Valid for 12 months or available as a discounted 3-year package.
Certificate of Incorporation
Legal proof your company is registered within IFZA. Required for bank account applications, contracts, and UAE visa processing.
Registered Dubai Address
A business address in Dubai Silicon Oasis used for official correspondence, regulatory filings, and banking applications.
Memorandum of Association
Your founding legal document covering shareholder details, approved business activities, and company governance structure.
Share Certificates
Official documentation confirming each shareholder's ownership percentage. Included as part of your company formation kit.
Company Seal
An official company stamp for use on contracts, corporate documents, and legal correspondence. Issued as standard with every setup.
Visa Eligibility
Apply for UAE residence visas based on your package. Allocations range from zero on entry plans to multiple slots with larger setups.
Corporate Banking Access
Open a UAE corporate bank account under your IFZA license. The DSO co-branded license is well recognized by major UAE banks.
Dedicated Partner Support
Every setup is managed through an IFZA professional partner like Riz & Mona with a dedicated Client Engagement Manager.
License Types
IFZA License Categories
IFZA covers a wide range of business activities across six main license types. One of its biggest advantages is the ability to combine activities from different categories under a single license, a level of flexibility that most UAE free zones simply do not offer.
Professional License
For knowledge-based, service-oriented, and consultancy businesses.
Management and business consulting
Marketing and digital advertising
HR and recruitment advisory
IT support and technology services
Financial consulting (non-regulated)
Training and coaching services
Commercial License
For trading, general trading, import and export businesses.
General trading across multiple categories
Import and export of goods
Wholesale and distribution
E-commerce and cross-border retail
Commodity sourcing and resale
Industrial License
For light manufacturing, assembly, and processing activities.
Light manufacturing and production
Packaging and labeling
Food processing (with relevant approvals)
Component assembly
Material processing
Holding Company License
For asset management, investment structures, and corporate ownership.
Holding shares in subsidiary companies
Asset protection and management
Investment portfolio structuring
Family office and wealth management structures
Media License
For creative, content, and digital media businesses.
Digital content creation and publishing
Photography and videography
Advertising and creative agencies
Social media management
Printing and design services
E-commerce License
For online retail and digital selling businesses.
Online store operations
Digital marketplace trading
Dropshipping and fulfillment
Subscription-based digital products
Cross-border online retail
Legal Structures
IFZA Company Structure Options
IFZA supports three legal structures. The right choice depends on how many owners are involved and whether you are forming a new entity or extending an existing business into Dubai.
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
Full ownership and decision-making control
Limited liability protection
Separate legal entity from the owner
No minimum share capital requirement
Ideal for solo founders, consultants, and individual investors
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
Flexible shareholding arrangements
Limited liability for all shareholders
Separate legal personality from its owners
Scalable structure for business partnerships and joint ventures
Suitable for expanding businesses with multiple stakeholders
Branch of a Foreign Company
Operates under the parent company's legal identity
No separate legal personality
Parent company carries full liability for the branch
Must carry out the same activities as the parent company
Streamlined setup for established international businesses entering Dubai
Pricing
How Much Does an IFZA License Cost?
IFZA is one of the most competitively priced Dubai free zones without cutting corners on credibility or compliance. Here is a realistic breakdown of what to budget for 2026.
Zero Visa License
From AED 12,900/year
A lean entry option for founders who do not need UAE residency yet. Includes your IFZA trade license co-branded with DSO Authority and a registered Dubai business address.
With Visa Allocation
AED 15,000 to 25,000+/year
Includes your license and a visa quota of 1 to 6 slots depending on your office package. The most popular starting point for entrepreneurs relocating to Dubai.
3-Year License Package
AED 43,700 to 65,000+
Multi-year commitment with built-in discounts of up to 30% on license fees. Ideal for businesses planning long-term UAE operations and wanting to lock in lower rates.
What Affects Your Total IFZA Setup Cost?
Visa Processing
Each visa adds approximately AED 3,750 to 4,800 per person, covering the entry permit, medical test, and Emirates ID. Your package determines how many slots are available.
Business Activities
Up to 3 activities are included in standard packages. Cross-category additions may attract extra fees. IFZA periodically waives general trading and cross-activity charges, so check current promotions before applying.
Office Type
Flexi-desks start around AED 15,000 to 18,000 per year. Private offices within Dubai Silicon Oasis vary by size. Your office choice also determines your visa quota.
Establishment Card
Required before sponsoring employee visas. Budget approximately AED 2,000 for the first year and AED 2,200 on renewal.
Annual Renewal
The zero visa license renews at approximately AED 12,900. Packages with visa allocations scale based on the quota you retain at renewal.
Process
How to Register Your Company in IFZA
IFZA has engineered one of the most straightforward company registration processes available in Dubai. The entire setup can be handled remotely, and most steps are completed through a clean digital portal. Here is what the journey looks like.
1
Day 1
Define Your Business Activities and License Type
Choose from thousands of approved activities across professional, commercial, industrial, media, holding, and e-commerce categories. IFZA allows you to combine activities from different groups under one license, so plan your full scope from the start.
2
Day 1 to 2
Reserve Your Trade Name
Submit your preferred company name through the IFZA portal. Names must be unique and comply with UAE naming rules. Your IFZA professional partner can check availability and flag any conflicts before submission.
3
Day 2 to 3
Submit Documents and Receive Initial Approval
Upload shareholder passports, proof of address, and any required corporate documents. With a complete submission, initial approval typically arrives within 24 to 48 hours — significantly faster than most UAE free zone alternatives.
4
Day 3 to 4
Pay Fees and Select Your Office and Visa Package
Choose your office type and visa allocation, then pay the license and registration fees. IFZA offers packages from zero-visa entry-level setups to multi-visa packages for growing teams.
5
Day 4 to 5
Receive Your IFZA Business License and Company Documents
Once payment is confirmed, your IFZA license, certificate of incorporation, MOA, share certificates, and company seal are issued. Total registration can be completed in as little as 3 to 5 working days.
6
2 to 4 Weeks
Process UAE Residence Visas
Apply for your investor visa, employee visas, and dependent visas. This step requires a visit to the UAE for medical testing and Emirates ID biometrics. Your IFZA professional partner manages all government submissions on your behalf.
7
2 to 6 Weeks
Open Your Corporate Bank Account
Prepare your banking documentation with guidance from Riz & Mona and get introduced to the right UAE bank for your business type. IFZA's co-branded Dubai license is generally well received by UAE financial institutions.
Requirements
Documents Needed for IFZA Company Formation
The document list for IFZA is straightforward and one of the lightest among Dubai free zones. Getting everything ready before you apply helps you hit that 24 to 48-hour initial approval window.
Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, within 3 months)
UAE residence visa or entry stamp copy (if currently in the UAE)
Emirates ID copy (if a UAE resident)
Business plan (required for certain regulated or specialist activities)
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from UAE sponsor, if applicable
For Corporate Shareholders
Certificate of Incorporation of the corporate entity (notarized and attested)
Memorandum and Articles of Association of the corporate shareholder (attested)
Valid trade license of the corporate shareholder
Board resolution authorizing IFZA company setup and appointing signatories
Power of Attorney for the authorized signatory
Passport copies of all directors and authorized signatories
Two years of audited financial statements or a bank reference certificate (for certain activity types)
Documents originating outside the UAE need to be notarized, apostilled, or attested depending on the country of origin. Specific requirements vary by nationality and corporate structure. Riz & Mona confirms the exact document checklist for your situation at no charge.
Visa & Immigration
How Do IFZA Residence Visas Work?
Your IFZA license gives your company the legal right to sponsor UAE residence visas. The number you get depends on your package and office type.
Entry-level packages start at zero visas for founders who only need the license and a Dubai address. Mid-range packages include 1 to 3 visa slots. Larger office setups unlock higher quotas.
Riz & Mona Consultancy manages the complete visa process for IFZA clients. From the establishment card application through to Emirates ID collection, every government submission is handled on your behalf.
A physical visit to the UAE is required only for your medical fitness test and biometric registration. Everything else in the process is completed remotely by our team.
Investor or partner visa, 2 to 3 years
Employee work visa for sponsored staff
Dependent visa for spouse and children
Emirates ID registration for all visa holders
Health insurance assistance, mandatory
Golden Visa guidance for qualifying investors
Visa renewal and cancellation management
Important Visa Notice
Visa approvals and conditions are determined by UAE immigration authorities and may change without notice. Riz & Mona Consultancy handles the full process.
Corporate Banking
Banking for IFZA Companies
UAE banks run thorough KYC checks on your business model, shareholders, and source of funds before approving any account. IFZA's co-branded DSO license gives your company a credible foundation banks recognize.
How Riz & Mona Helps With IFZA Banking
Business Profile Review
Riz & Mona reviews your business profile first, then recommends the most suitable banking options for your activity type, visa status, and expected transaction volumes.
Bank Matching
We match your IFZA company to the institution most likely to approve your account based on your activity, structure, and residency — not just the most popular choice.
Formal Introduction and File Submission
We prepare your full documentation file and provide a formal introduction to the bank, giving your application the best possible start and reducing back-and-forth delays.
IFZA Community
What Makes IFZA More Than Just a License?
IFZA is built around a living business community, not just a registration office. You join an ecosystem designed to support your growth long after the license is issued.
01
Professional Partner Network
A Global Network Behind Your Setup
Over 1,500 partners worldwide with a dedicated IFZA Client Engagement Manager. Specialists handle your full application.
02
IFZA Academy
Free Zone Training for Business Owners
The region's first learning institute for the free zone industry. Covers UAE regulations, compliance, and operations.
03
IFZA Cares
A Free Zone With a Social Conscience
Active CSR campaigns year-round including Ramadan drives, blood donations with Dubai Health Authority, and welfare work.
04
Events and Networking
Curated Gatherings for Business Owners
Regular networking events, seminars, and webinars connecting entrepreneurs building real businesses from Dubai.
Free Zone Comparison
How Does IFZA Compare to Other Dubai Free Zones?
IFZA is built for speed, affordability, and flexibility. Here is how it stacks up against two commonly compared alternatives so you can make a confident decision.
IFZA Free Zone
Affordable Dubai license co-branded with DSO Authority. Pure B2B model with 1,500+ partners and fully remote setup.
Setup CostAED 12,900 to 25,000+
Setup Time3 to 5 working days
Visa AllocationPackage-based (0 to 6+)
LocationDubai Silicon Oasis
Share CapitalNone required
Activity FlexibilityHigh, cross-category
Remote SetupYes, fully remote
License CredibilityCo-branded with DSO
DMCC Free Zone
The UAE's largest free zone with 26,000+ companies and the strongest banking reputation among all Dubai free zones.
Setup CostAED 30,000 to 80,000+
Setup Time2 to 4 weeks
Visa AllocationOffice-based (flexi: 3 to 4)
LocationJumeirah Lake Towers
Share CapitalNone required
Activity FlexibilityModerate, activity-specific
Remote SetupPartial
License CredibilityGlobal Free Zone of Year, 9x
Meydan Free Zone
Central Dubai location with Fawri instant licensing in 60 minutes. Transparent pricing and fully digital 24/7 setup.
Setup CostAED 12,500 to 25,000+
Setup Time60 mins (Fawri) / 1-3 days
Visa AllocationPackage-based
LocationCentral Dubai, near Downtown
Share CapitalNone required
Activity FlexibilityHigh, up to 3 groups
Remote SetupYes, fully digital
License CredibilityStrong local credibility
Not Sure Which Free Zone Fits Your Business?
Every business has different priorities. Riz & Mona Consultancy compares free zones based on your activities, visa needs, budget, and banking requirements.
How Can We Help You?
Ready to start your Dubai business? Our experts are here to guide you through every step of your entrepreneurial journey.