IFZA Free Zone Company Formation
IFZA is a popular choice for consultants, service companies and holding structures that want a Dubai licence at a moderate cost and a quick, largely remote setup.
- Dubai Silicon OasisLocation
- AED 12,999Packages from
- 100%Ownership
- Largely remoteSetup
About IFZA
IFZA, the International Free Zone Authority, issues licences in Dubai with its business park at Dubai Digital Park in Dubai Silicon Oasis. Packages are priced by the number of visas, and many founders complete the setup without visiting until the visa medical.
It is well suited to consultancy, services, trading and holding companies, and allows a wide mix of activities on one licence.
Authority
International Free Zone Authority
Best suited to
Consultants and freelancers growing into companies; Service and technology businesses; Holding companies; Small trading businesses.
Benefits of IFZA
Moderate cost
Packages from AED 12,999 with a flexi desk.
Remote setup
Most steps done online.
Mixed activities
Combine activities on one licence.
Dubai address
Licence issued in Dubai.
Visa packages
Choose 0, 1, 2 or more visas.
Fast issue
Licences issued quickly once documents are complete.
Licence types available
Consulting licence
Advisory and consultancy.
Service licence
Professional and business services.
Trading licence
Import, export and trading.
Holding licence
Holding shares and assets.
Industrial licence
Light industrial activities.
Branch licence
Branch of an existing company.
Legal forms, visas and office
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legal forms | Free Zone Company (FZCO), Branch of a UAE or foreign company |
| Visa allocation | Packages are sold by visa count. A flexi desk is included in the starter package. |
| Office | Shared flexi desk included; dedicated offices available. |
How setup works
Activity and package
We match your activities to the zone’s list and choose a package and visa count.
Name and application
Trade name reserved and application filed with shareholder documents.
Licence issue
Initial approval, signing of incorporation documents and licence issued.
Establishment card and visas
Immigration card, entry permits, medicals and Emirates ID.
Bank, VAT and corporate tax
Bank account support, corporate tax registration and VAT where needed.
Documents required
- Passport copies of all shareholders and managers (valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport size photographs on a white background
- Visa or entry stamp copy for UAE residents, or a visit visa page
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Short business plan or activity description (some zones)
- For corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, board resolution and good standing, attested
IFZA packages
Starter, 0 visa
AED 12,999 indicative
- Business setup consultation
- Trade name reservation and initial approval
- MOA drafting and attestation
- Commercial trade licence issuance
- Up to 3 business activities on one licence
- Government fee guidance included
- shared flexi desk workspace included
Growth, 1 visa
AED 16,999 indicative
- Everything in the Starter package
- Professional licence issuance
- 1 investor/employee visa (Emirates ID and medical fees included)
- Dedicated relationship manager
- 1 free tax/VAT consultation session
Premium, 2 visas
AED 22,999 indicative
- Everything in the Growth package
- Industrial licence issuance
- Facility and site approval coordination
- 2 investor/employee visas (Emirates ID and medical fees included)
- Regulatory and environmental approval support
- Priority processing with dedicated relationship manager
Indicative Balance Brite package prices. Government fees change during the year, so we confirm everything in a written quote before you pay. Prices exclude 5% VAT where it applies.
Tax after setup
Free zone companies must register for corporate tax and file a return every year. If the company meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions (adequate substance in the zone, qualifying income, audited accounts, transfer pricing compliance and non qualifying revenue below 5% of total revenue or AED 5 million, whichever is lower) it pays 0% on qualifying income and 9% on the rest. VAT applies as normal unless the zone is a designated zone for goods. Corporate tax registration and VAT registration can be added to any package.
IFZA questions
How much does IFZA cost?
Our IFZA packages start from AED 12,999 with no visa, AED 16,999 with one visa and AED 22,999 with two visas. Government fees can change, so we confirm in writing.
Is IFZA in Dubai?
Yes. IFZA licences are issued in Dubai and its business park is at Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis.
Can I add visas later?
Yes, by upgrading the package or office, subject to IFZA rules.
Can a free zone company trade with mainland customers?
It can sell to mainland customers through a distributor or agent, or by registering a branch or obtaining a mainland permit where available. Services to mainland clients are possible in many cases. Rules differ by zone and activity.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up?
Many free zones allow remote setup. You will need to be in the UAE for the visa medical and Emirates ID biometrics.
Speak to our setup manager about IFZA
Hassam Abbasi manages company setup at Balance Brite. Share your activity, the visas you need and where your customers are, and he will recommend a jurisdiction and give you a written quote.