IFZA Free Zone Company Setup: Cost, Licence & Process (2026)
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is one of Dubai's most cost-effective free zones, with company setup starting around AED 12,900. It offers 100% ownership, no office requirement, flexible multi-activity licences and residence visas, with most licences issued within 3–5 working days.
Last updated: June 2026
IFZA — Cost breakdown (2026)
| Licence (0 visa) from | AED 12,900 |
|---|---|
| Licence + 1 visa from | AED 16,900 |
| Per additional visa | ≈ AED 3,500medical + Emirates ID + stamping |
| Timeline | 3–5 working days |
According to Setup Business in UAE, IFZA company setup starts from AED 12,900, with licences typically issued within 3–5 working days (as of June 2026).
Best for
- Consultants
- E-commerce
- Trading SMEs
- Startups on a budget
Advantages
- One of the lowest-cost Dubai free zones
- No physical office required to start
- Up to hundreds of business activities on one licence
- Fast, fully digital registration
- Strong agent/partner network
Considerations
- Costs rise once you add multiple visas
- Not a free-zone 'brand name' like DMCC or DIFC for some clients
How to set up in IFZA
- 1
Choose your business activity
Pick one or more of IFZA's activities — professional, commercial or trading.
- 2
Reserve your company name
Submit 3 name options that follow UAE naming rules.
- 3
Submit documents
Passport copy and application; no NOC needed in most cases.
- 4
Pay & receive your licence
The IFZA licence and incorporation documents are issued digitally.
- 5
Apply for visas & bank account
Establishment card, then residence visas and a corporate bank account.
Hidden costs and renewal fees at IFZA
The AED 12,900 headline covers the licence itself, but plan for the extras that appear in year one: the establishment card (about AED 2,000) before any visa can be processed, roughly AED 3,500 per visa for medical, Emirates ID and stamping, and typing/PRO charges that add a few hundred dirhams per application.
Renewal lands at roughly the same price as the first year, so treat AED 12,900 as an annual cost, not a one-off. If you outgrow the flexi-desk, dedicated offices start around AED 13,000 per year, and adding activity groups later triggers an amendment fee.
Common mistakes founders make with IFZA
The most expensive mistake at IFZA is bundling the wrong activities: its multi-activity licence is generous, but mixing professional and commercial activities can push you into a higher package tier. Founders also buy 3–4 visa packages "for later" when one visa would do — upgrading later is cheap, downgrading is not. Finally, IFZA suits online and international business; if your clients are UAE mainland companies that demand a local supplier, check their procurement rules before licensing here.
Banking with an IFZA licence
IFZA is well known to UAE banks, and digital-first options like Wio and Mashreq NeoBiz routinely open accounts for IFZA companies in one to three weeks. Traditional banks (Emirates NBD, FAB, ADCB) will want to see a business plan, expected volumes and sometimes a UAE utility bill or tenancy. Consultancy and trading activities pass compliance smoothly; crypto-adjacent or general-trading-with-no-track-record profiles should expect extra questions, so prepare invoices or contracts from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an IFZA company cost in 2026?+
An IFZA licence starts from around AED 12,900 with zero visas, and roughly AED 16,900 with one residence visa. The final cost depends on your activity, number of visas and whether you need a physical office.
Do I need an office for IFZA?+
No. IFZA allows you to start with a flexi-desk arrangement, so a physical office is optional unless your activity or visa quota requires one.
How long does IFZA setup take?+
Most IFZA licences are issued within 3–5 working days once your name is approved and documents are submitted.
Can I get 100% ownership with IFZA?+
Yes. As a free zone, IFZA gives foreign founders 100% ownership with no local sponsor required.