IFZA Business Setup in Dubai — fast, affordable, fully remote.
An IFZA business setup gives you a company in the International Free Zone Authority — one of Dubai's most cost-effective free zones — with packages from AED 12,900, 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, and a fully remote registration process. Based in Dubai Silicon Oasis, IFZA is built for startups, consultants, e-commerce and trading businesses. Aurum handles your IFZA company formation end-to-end: licensing, visas and banking.
Speak with an IFZA specialist
The benefits of an IFZA company setup
IFZA — the International Free Zone Authority, based in Dubai Silicon Oasis — has become one of the UAE's most popular free zones by pairing low setup costs with speed, flexibility and a banking-friendly reputation. Here's why founders choose it.
Low-Cost Entry
IFZA offers one of the most affordable routes into a Dubai company, with no paid-up capital requirement. Its General Trading license is among the cheapest in Dubai, making it ideal for startups and lean businesses.
Full Foreign Ownership
Own your IFZA company outright with no local sponsor or partner required. You keep complete control of your business, profits and direction.
Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income
An IFZA company can access the 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided it maintains adequate substance in the UAE and stays aligned with transfer pricing and Economic Substance Regulations.
Profit & Capital Repatriation
Move your profits and capital home freely. No currency restrictions, and access to banks experienced in multi-currency operations.
Fast, Remote Formation
IFZA company registration is quick and digital — licenses are typically issued in 3–5 working days, and the whole process can be completed without being in Dubai.
Multiple Activities, One License
Combine activities across categories under a single IFZA license, with three included as standard. Diversify your operations without paying for separate permits.
Multi-Year License Discounts
IFZA offers significant discounts on 2-, 3- and 5-year license packages — strong value for founders planning for the long term.
Trusted by UAE Banks
IFZA is well recognised by UAE banks, which can make corporate account opening smoother than with lesser-known jurisdictions.
Which IFZA license do you need?
IFZA's activities are drawn from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) list, giving you a broad choice across trading, services and consultancy. These are the main license types — Aurum's free activity consultation matches your model to the right one.
Commercial / Trading License
Import, export, distribute and store goods locally and internationally. Covers a wide range of products across B2B, B2C and C2B models (restricted items such as arms and alcohol excluded).
Best for: Traders · Import / export · E-commerce · DistributorsGeneral Trading License
Trade a broad array of products across multiple industries under one license — IFZA's General Trading license is among the most cost-effective in Dubai.
Best for: Multi-product traders · Wholesalers · E-commerce sellersProfessional / Consultancy License
Offer professional, consultancy and service-based activities — from management and IT consulting to marketing, technical and lifestyle services.
Best for: Consultants · Agencies · Freelancers · Service providersService License
For companies providing services and service-related activities under the company's name.
Best for: Service businesses · Digital businessesIndustrial License
For businesses importing raw materials and carrying out light manufacturing or processing of specified goods.
Best for: Light manufacturers · ProcessorsCompany structures available in IFZA
IFZA supports several legal structures. For most founders the choice comes down to three practical options, depending on shareholder count and whether you're a new entity or an existing business expanding.
Free Zone Establishment
A single-shareholder entity — a popular, straightforward structure for solo founders and small businesses.
- Shareholders 1
- Owned by One person or one company
- Best for Solo founders & small businesses
Free Zone Company
The most popular IFZA structure — flexible for one or multiple shareholders, with liability separated from owners.
- Shareholders 1 or more
- Owned by Individuals and/or corporates
- Best for Startups, SMEs & partnerships
Branch Office
An extension of an existing UAE or overseas company, ideal for established businesses expanding into IFZA with minimal red tape.
- Legal status Extension of parent
- Eligible UAE & overseas firms
- Best for Companies expanding into Dubai
How IFZA company formation works
The IFZA company registration process is one of the simplest in Dubai — no compliance questionnaire, no paid-up capital, and no need to be in the UAE to incorporate. Here's the path Aurum manages for you, with most licenses issued in 3–5 working days.
Choose your activities & license type
We run a free activity consultation so your license covers exactly what you do — combining up to seven activities, three of them included.
Reserve your trade name
We submit your preferred company name to IFZA for initial approval, checked against naming rules and availability.
Prepare & file your documents
For an individual shareholder this is light — passport copy and photo, plus visa/Emirates ID if you're already a UAE resident. We prepare and file everything.
License issued
Once approved, IFZA issues your trade license and registration documents electronically — your company is officially formed.
Secure your Establishment Card
We arrange your Establishment Card, which you'll need before applying for residence visas.
Apply for residence visas
We handle the entry permit, medical fitness test, Emirates ID and stamping. IFZA visas are valid for 2 years and can be processed remotely, often without prior health insurance.
Open your corporate bank account
IFZA's strong banking reputation helps here. We prepare your application and work with established banking partners to open your account, often within days.
IFZA business setup cost in Dubai (2026)
IFZA is built around affordability. Packages start from AED 12,900 for a zero-visa license covering three activities, with no paid-up capital required. Below are indicative all-inclusive packages — Aurum gives you an exact, itemised quote with no hidden fees.
- IFZA trade or service license
- 3 business activities included
- Trade name & initial approval
- Document preparation
- Dedicated consultant
- Everything in Starter
- 1 residence visa (investor or employee)
- Establishment Card
- Medical, Emirates ID & stamping
- Priority processing
- Everything in Professional
- Up to 3 visas
- Corporate bank account introduction
- Multi-activity / General Trading option
- Compliance onboarding (tax / UBO)
Typical add-on fees (indicative)
- Establishment Card: ~AED 2,000 (first year)
- Residence visa: from ~AED 3,750 (higher for partner/investor visa)
- Medical checkup: ~AED 250–300
- Emirates ID: ~AED 370
- Multi-year licenses: discounts of up to 30% on 2-, 3- and 5-year packages
Figures are indicative starting points for planning. Final IFZA business setup cost depends on your license type, number of activities and visas. IFZA and government fees are subject to change and seasonal promotions. Request a free tailored quote for exact pricing.
Documents required for IFZA company formation
IFZA keeps documentation light. For an individual shareholder you'll need very little — Aurum prepares, translates and attests everything where required.
For individual shareholders
- Passport copy
- Passport-sized photograph (white background)
- UAE residence visa & Emirates ID copy (if already a UAE resident)
For corporate shareholders
- Notarised board resolution
- Notarised Memorandum & Articles of Association (MoA / AoA)
- Notarised copy of the parent company's trade license
- Notarised certificate of incorporation
Your IFZA setup, handled end to end
- One dedicated IFZA specialist from quote to bank account — never a call-centre queue.
- Transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees revealed halfway through.
- 100% remote setup — incorporate from anywhere in the world.
- We get the details right: qualifying-income tax conditions, ESR, UBO and visa eligibility.
- Lifecycle support — renewals, amendments, banking and compliance long after your license is issued.
IFZA business setup FAQs
How much does IFZA company formation cost in 2026?
IFZA packages start from around AED 12,900 for a zero-visa license covering three business activities, with no paid-up capital required. A one-visa package starts from around AED 14,900, and costs rise with additional visas and activities. Multi-year licenses can attract discounts of up to 30%. Aurum provides an exact, itemised quote with no hidden fees.
Is IFZA the cheapest free zone in Dubai?
IFZA is one of the most cost-effective free zones in Dubai and is known for having among the cheapest General Trading licenses. A few zones — such as Meydan — can be cheaper for very specific minimal setups, so the best-value choice depends on your activities, visa needs and banking plans. Aurum advises on the right fit rather than just the lowest sticker price.
Can foreigners own 100% of an IFZA company?
Yes. IFZA companies allow 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor or partner required. International founders keep full control of their business and profits from day one.
How long does IFZA company registration take?
IFZA licenses are typically issued in 3–5 working days once documents are in order. Residence visas follow over the next one to two weeks, and corporate bank account opening is often quick given IFZA's strong banking reputation.
Do IFZA companies pay corporate tax?
An IFZA company can benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided it maintains adequate substance in the UAE, derives qualifying income, and stays aligned with transfer pricing and Economic Substance Regulations. Income that doesn't qualify may be taxed at the standard rate, so structuring matters — Aurum advises during setup.
Can an IFZA company trade in the UAE mainland?
An IFZA free zone company trades internationally and within UAE free zones, and can sell online across the UAE. To sell directly into the mainland retail market, you'd typically work through a local distributor or agent, or establish a mainland presence. Aurum can advise on the right route for your model.
How many visas can I get with an IFZA license?
IFZA offers flexible packages from zero-visa up to multi-visa licenses. Your visa allocation is tied to your chosen package. If you plan to hire a team, we'll recommend a package sized to your visa needs from the start.
Is IFZA good for startups?
Yes. IFZA is one of the most startup- and SME-friendly free zones in Dubai thanks to its low entry cost, no paid-up capital requirement, fast remote setup, flexible multi-activity licenses, and bank-friendly reputation — a strong fit for consultants, e-commerce sellers, digital agencies and service businesses.
Can I open an IFZA company remotely?
Yes. IFZA company formation is fully digital and can be completed from anywhere. You'll usually only need to visit the UAE for the medical fitness test, visa formalities and bank account opening.
Start your IFZA company today
Get a free, personalised IFZA quote from Aurum. Clear advice on the right license, structure and cost for your business — with no hidden fees.