The zone first operated out of Fujairah, but since 2020 it has been based in Dubai and registers companies under the IFZA Dubai brand. No paid-up share capital requirement, the option to combine several activities under a single licence and a strong partner network have made IFZA a default choice for consultants, traders and small IT teams.
Why businesses choose IFZA
IFZA has a reputation as a zone with minimal red tape: it builds the process around the client rather than the other way round. Here are the main reasons founders cite most often.
- Licence without a visa — from AED 12,900 per year according to open sources; the official rate is confirmed by the authority on request
- Fully remote registration: the MOA and AOA are signed electronically, no in-person visit required
- 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of capital and profits
- Several activities under a single licence, including a mix of commercial and professional lines
- No paid-up share capital requirement at launch
- A service ecosystem: help with a bank account, insurance, IFZA Academy and office solutions from a flexi-desk to a private office
Steps to register a company in IFZA
The procedure is the same for individuals and corporate shareholders — only the document package differs. The official flow looks like this:
- Consultation and solution scoping: licence type, activities, visa quota and office format
- Document preparation — application with UBO details, passport copy, digital photo, plus Emirates ID and visa for UAE residents
- Shareholder registration on the IFZA portal and signing of two electronic legal forms
- Application approval by the authority and payment for the chosen package
- Electronic signing of the MOA/AOA by all shareholders
- Licence issuance: the scan arrives by email, the original can be collected at the office; visas and the bank account follow
With a complete document package, the licence is usually ready within a few business days. If visas are part of the package, allow another two to three weeks for the entry permit, medical test and Emirates ID.
Cost of setting up a company in IFZA (2026)
IFZA does not publish a price list on its website: the exact quote is drawn up by the authority or an official partner for your specific set of activities and visas. The benchmarks below will help you plan your first-year budget.
|
Cost item |
Amount, AED |
Comment |
|---|---|---|
|
Licence without a visa |
from 12,900 |
Based on open sources 2025–2026; official price on request |
|
Licence with a visa quota |
on request |
The total depends on the number of visas in the package |
|
Founder’s residence visa |
on request |
Medical test and Emirates ID are paid separately |
|
Flexi-desk |
included in package |
A virtual office is allowed for some licences |
|
Licence renewal |
on request |
Multi-year packages cost less than annual ones |
Before paying, request a detailed quote from the authority or partner. That way you will see all the fees up front and avoid surcharges at the visa stage.
Taxation in IFZA
IFZA companies operate under the UAE’s general tax regime. Corporate tax is 9% on profits above AED 375,000 per year, with a 0% rate below that threshold. Qualifying Free Zone Person status gives 0% on qualifying income with no upper cap — provided there is genuine substance in the zone and the income conditions are met. The 5% VAT applies once the registration turnover threshold is exceeded, primarily when trading with the UAE market. All companies, even loss-making ones, must keep records and file a return through EmaraTax.
Who IFZA suits
- Consultants, freelancers and digital specialists who need a licence and visa without visiting the UAE
- Small trading and service companies with two or three activity lines
- Start-ups and holding structures that value a low launch budget with no capital requirement
“IFZA closed the gap between Dubai’s expensive premium zones and the budget licences of the northern emirates: here a Dubai address and remote setup cost the same as a licence in the provinces”, notes a lead lawyer at Dynasty Business Adviser.
Open a company in IFZA with Dynasty Business Adviser
Dynasty Business Adviser handles IFZA registration end to end: we select your activities and visa quota, prepare the documents, manage remote signing and open a corporate account with a UAE bank. Request a quote — we will send an exact estimate for your profile before the application is filed.
Get a consultation
Pricing is current as of the publication date (13 July 2026) and verified against open sources, including ifza.com; confirm the rates directly with the zone authority before payment.
