IFZA (International Free Zone Authority)
Dubai's high-volume, low-cost gateway for service and trading companies.
Overview
IFZA is one of Dubai's most cost-competitive and popular free zones, built around a network of registered agents rather than direct sales. It's designed for SMEs, startups, consultants, traders and holding companies that want a fast, affordable licence without a mandatory physical office — which has made it a default entry point for first-time entrepreneurs in Dubai.
Key benefits
- 100% foreign ownership with full repatriation of capital and profits
- Among the lowest-cost credible Dubai free zone packages
- 1,500+ approved activities, with up to 3 activities on one licence
- No mandatory physical office for basic packages (flexi-desk / digital)
- Fast digital setup — often 3–5 working days
- 0% personal income tax; 0% corporate tax on qualifying income
Business activities & licenses
IFZA supports a range of license types and activities, including:
- Commercial / trading
- Professional & consulting services
- E-commerce
- General trading
- Holding companies
- Technology & media
Ownership & visas
100% foreign ownership — no local sponsor required.
Visa quota is tied to your package and workspace. Zero-visa packages exist, scaling to 6+ visas with a flexi-desk or office upgrade.
Cost & timeline
Indicative from ~AED 12,900 (zero-visa). A 1–2 visa package with workspace and add-ons typically lands AED 15,000–25,000+.
License in ~3–5 working days (fast-track available).
Prices are indicative starting points, not quotes. Government and free-zone fees change frequently — we confirm current, all-in figures before you commit.
Is IFZA right for you?
Cost-conscious startups, solo consultants, freelancers going corporate, and trading or e-commerce SMEs that prioritise low upfront cost and speed over a prestige address.
What makes IFZA different
- Operates almost entirely through a registered-agent channel — pricing is package-driven.
- One of the highest-volume free zones by new registrations in Dubai.
Compare alternatives
How IFZA compares
| Free zone | Emirate | License from* | Typical timeline | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IFZA This page | Dubai | AED 12,900/yr | License in ~3–5 working days (fast-track available) | Consultants · E-commerce |
| Meydan → | Dubai | AED 12,500/yr | A few days to ~1 week (digital process) | Agencies · Consultants |
| DMCC → | Dubai | AED 20,000/yr | ~1–4 weeks depending on activity and workspace | Commodities · General trading |
| RAKEZ → | Ras Al Khaimah | AED 6,000/yr | Registration as fast as 1 day; full setup with visas ~1–3 weeks | Low budget · Industrial |
* Indicative license-only starting points for budgeting — not quotes. Compare all 17 zones
IFZA — frequently asked questions
01How much does it cost to set up in IFZA?＋
Indicative from ~AED 12,900 (zero-visa). A 1–2 visa package with workspace and add-ons typically lands AED 15,000–25,000+. These are indicative figures for budgeting — Incorporate Dubai will confirm current, all-in pricing for your activity and visa needs.
02Can I own 100% of my IFZA company?＋
100% foreign ownership — no local sponsor required.
03How many visas can I get with IFZA?＋
Visa quota is tied to your package and workspace. Zero-visa packages exist, scaling to 6+ visas with a flexi-desk or office upgrade.
04How long does IFZA setup take?＋
License in ~3–5 working days (fast-track available). Timelines depend on document readiness, visa processing and bank onboarding.
05Who is IFZA best for?＋
Cost-conscious startups, solo consultants, freelancers going corporate, and trading or e-commerce SMEs that prioritise low upfront cost and speed over a prestige address.