Dubai · DIEZ Authority · Est. 2018
Operating from Dubai Silicon Oasis, IFZA provides cost-effective Dubai-based trade licenses, with zero-visa packages starting from AED 12,900 and supporting up to 15 visa allocations. Setup is managed through accredited B2B partners, offering fast 2–5 day processing without mandatory physical office space. Corporate banking access is rated moderate, and companies must adhere to mandatory annual financial auditing requirements.
Fees last checked · Licensing authority: DIEZ Authority. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the authority before you pay.
From
AED 12,900
Year 1
Quick facts
Zero Visa Package
AED 12,900
— · Flexi Desk · 0 visas
Renews at AED 12,900
1 Visa Package
AED 28,790
— · Flexi Desk · 1 visa
Renews at AED 24,400
2 Visa Package
AED 36,380
— · Flexi Desk · 2 visas
Renews at AED 27,400
3 Visa Package
AED 43,970
— · Flexi Desk · 3 visas
Renews at AED 29,400
Advisory Estimate
AED 15,500
— · 0 visas
Renews at AED 10,000
Estimated
No physical office required for standard packages; visa quota can be raised toward the 15-visa ceiling with a physical office upgrade. Mainland branch presence is now possible via an agent under Resolution No. 11 of 2025 for an AED 5,000 permit.
IFZA suits trading, tech and media businesses. Confirm your exact activity is on the zone's list before you apply.
Comparing with a mainland licence? Trading & Services · Transport, Storage & Logistics · IT & Media · Professional & Technical Services
Features
Mainland trading
Dual licence allowed
Crypto-friendly
Shared ownership
Coworking available
Online portal
Audit required
Tax and compliance analysis
Substance
Medium
Audit risk
Standard
Forensic ease
4/10
High-Flexibility Startup Node; The 'Small Business Relief' Safe Harbor.
IFZA is a premier gateway for agile startups and professional consultants. For 2026, the primary forensic challenge is 'Relief Election.' Many IFZA entities are opting out of the complex QFZP (0%) regime—which requires audited accounts and physical office substance—and instead electing for Small Business Relief (SBR) under Article 21. This allows a 0% rate for revenues under AED 3M with significantly lower compliance overhead, provided the entity avoids the 'Artificial Separation' trap.
Compliance focuses on the strategic election between Article 18 (QFZP) and Article 21 (Small Business Relief). While IFZA offers 'Flexi-Desk' solutions, these typically do not satisfy the 'Adequate Substance' requirements for the 0% QFZP rate, making SBR the preferred statutory path for most consultants.
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Tax and compliance
IFZA tax status and QFZP rules →
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How much does it cost to set up in IFZA?
The cheapest published package for International Free Zone Authority is Zero Visa Package at AED 12,900 for Year 1, renewing at AED 12,900. Costs scale with visa count, office type, and licensed activities.
How long does IFZA setup take?
Typical processing time is 2–5 business days, though bank account opening usually adds further time.
Is banking easy to set up with a IFZA licence?
Banking difficulty for IFZA is rated "Moderate". Known banking partners include Wio Bank, Mashreq Bank.
How many visas can I get with a IFZA licence, and what do they cost?
IFZA allows 3 visas per desk. Published packages include up to 3 visas (3 Visa Package, AED 43,970 for Year 1). A dependent (family) visa costs about AED 4,500.
How much is the IFZA licence renewal each year?
Annual renewal runs from AED 9,900 to AED 14,900, depending on the package, office and visa count.
What is the minimum share capital in IFZA?
IFZA sets no minimum share capital for a standard company, though some activities and entity types carry their own requirement.
Do I need a physical office in IFZA?
No physical office required for standard packages; visa quota can be raised toward the 15-visa ceiling with a physical office upgrade. Mainland branch presence is now possible via an agent under Resolution No. 11 of 2025 for an AED 5,000 permit.
Can a IFZA company trade on the UAE mainland?
Not directly. A IFZA company trades inside the zone and abroad; selling to mainland customers usually needs a distributor or a separate mainland licence.