IFZA Company Formation in Dubai — cost, licences and setup
Set up an IFZA free zone company in Dubai with 100% foreign ownership and a remote incorporation process. Aurum’s one-visa IFZA package starts from AED 12,000. Compare licence types, business activities, documents, costs and the complete company formation process.
What this guide covers
Quick summary
- Who it suits: consultants, e-commerce sellers, service providers, traders and international founders.
- Starting price: Aurum’s IFZA package with one visa starts from AED 12,000, subject to activity and approval.
- Ownership: 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation.
- Activities: combine eligible professional and commercial activities under one licence.
- Process: incorporation can be completed remotely; timing depends on documents and approvals.
IFZA company formation in Dubai: what it is
IFZA is the International Free Zone Authority, headquartered in Dubai Silicon Oasis. It licenses free zone companies through its network of authorised Professional Partners and supports remote incorporation, so shareholders do not need to be physically present for the company-registration stage.
An IFZA company can suit consultants, digital businesses, e-commerce sellers, service providers and trading companies that want a Dubai free zone address, 100% foreign ownership and the ability to repatriate capital and profits.
Why businesses choose IFZA Dubai
- 100% foreign ownership with full repatriation of capital and profits.
- Remote incorporation with digital application, e-legal forms and shareholder signatures.
- Flexible business activities with eligible professional and commercial activities available under one licence.
- Multiple activity options — IFZA’s official activity guide states that up to seven activities may be included, with the first three included in incorporation costs and additional activities charged separately.
- Dubai Silicon Oasis location within Dubai’s established technology and business district.
- Visa and office options selected according to shareholder, employee and operating requirements.
Corporate tax treatment depends on the company’s income and whether it meets the conditions for a Qualifying Free Zone Person. A 0% rate is not automatic for every IFZA company or every source of income. See our UAE corporate tax guide for the main conditions.
IFZA licence types and business activities
Choose the licence and activities that accurately describe how the company will earn revenue. IFZA’s official setup information highlights professional licences, commercial licences and branches of foreign companies.
| IFZA option | Suitable for |
|---|---|
| Professional licence | Consultancy, technical, marketing, technology and other approved professional services. |
| Commercial licence | Trading, importing, exporting and distributing specified goods. |
| E-commerce activity | Online sale of approved goods or services; it may be combined with other eligible activities. |
| General trading activity | Trading a broader range of unrelated approved products under the relevant commercial structure. |
| Branch | A Dubai free zone branch of an existing foreign incorporated company. |
Some regulated activities require approval from a Dubai or UAE federal authority. Search Aurum’s business activity tool, or ask us to confirm the activity codes before you apply.
IFZA company formation cost and visa packages
Aurum’s IFZA company formation package with one visa starts from AED 12,000. The final quotation depends on the selected activities, licence type, shareholder structure, visa allocation, establishment card, immigration charges, medical screening, Emirates ID, office solution and any external approvals.
| Cost component | What affects it |
|---|---|
| IFZA licence | Licence category, activities and licence term. |
| Immigration file | Establishment card and the company’s visa allocation. |
| Residence visa | Entry status, medical test, Emirates ID and immigration fees. |
| Office solution | Required workspace or facility based on the activity and visa needs. |
| External approval | Only for regulated activities that require another authority’s consent. |
Use the UAE business setup cost calculator for an estimate, then request a written quotation showing inclusions and exclusions. Starting price checked September 2026 and remains subject to IFZA approval and current promotional terms.
Documents required for IFZA company formation
For an individual shareholder, IFZA’s official setup process lists a completed licence application including ultimate beneficial ownership information, a passport copy, a digital passport photograph, and an Emirates ID and UAE visa copy where applicable. Corporate shareholders require additional incorporation, ownership and authorisation documents.
- Passport copy for each shareholder and manager.
- Digital passport photograph.
- Emirates ID and UAE residence visa copy for UAE residents.
- Proposed company name and selected business activities.
- UBO and shareholder information.
- Corporate documents and board authorisation when a company is the shareholder.
How to start an IFZA company
Confirm the structure
Choose the licence, approved activities, shareholders, visa package and office solution.
Prepare the application
Complete the licence and UBO information and provide the required shareholder documents.
Submit for processing
Aurum registers the application through the IFZA portal and coordinates any clarification or external approval.
Sign the legal forms
Shareholders sign the issued e-legal forms and digital memorandum or articles.
Receive the licence
After approval, IFZA issues the incorporation documents and electronic trade licence.
Complete visas and banking
We coordinate eligible residence visas and prepare the corporate bank-account application. Bank approval remains subject to KYC and the bank’s criteria.
IFZA vs other UAE free zones
IFZA is well suited to founders who want a Dubai free zone company, remote incorporation and flexible activities. Compare it with DMCC company formation when a specialist commodities ecosystem is important, or RAKEZ business setup when a Ras Al Khaimah jurisdiction or industrial facilities better match the operation.
Official IFZA references
IFZA business setup FAQs
How much does IFZA company formation cost in 2026?
Aurum’s IFZA package with one visa starts from AED 12,000. The total depends on activities, shareholders, establishment card, immigration charges, office needs and external approvals. Ask for a written itemised quotation before applying.
Which IFZA licence do I need?
A professional licence is generally used for consultancy and services, while a commercial licence covers approved trading activities. A foreign company may establish a branch. The activity codes determine the correct option.
Can I obtain an IFZA e-commerce licence?
IFZA permits an e-commerce business activity for the online sale of approved goods or services. It may be combined with other eligible activities, subject to the licence structure and approvals.
How many activities can an IFZA licence include?
IFZA’s official guide states that up to seven activities may be included under one licence. The first three are included in incorporation costs, while additional activities attract a fee. Regulated activities may need external approval.
Can IFZA company formation be completed remotely?
Yes. IFZA states that physical presence is not required for the incorporation stage. Residence-visa medical screening and biometrics, where applicable, must be completed in the UAE.
How long does IFZA company formation take?
Timing depends on document completeness, activity approvals and shareholder structure. Once IFZA approves the application and the legal forms are signed, the electronic incorporation documents can be issued.
Can an IFZA company open a UAE bank account?
Yes, an IFZA company can apply for a corporate bank account. Approval is not automatic: banks assess the activities, ownership, customer and supplier profile, expected transactions and source of funds.
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