IFZA — the International Free Zone Authority — has become the default choice for service-based businesses launching in Dubai. Low entry cost, generous activity bundling, and a flexible visa quota make it 2026's most-used free zone. Here's exactly how to set up.
Why IFZA dominates the entry-level market
IFZA is headquartered in Dubai Silicon Oasis (a designated free zone area) and has built its reputation on three things: a price floor that starts under AED 13,000, a single licence that can cover up to 7 activities, and a virtual office allowance that satisfies the establishment card requirement without forcing a physical lease. For freelance consultants, e-commerce founders, and family offices, that combination is hard to beat.
Allowed activities in 2026
IFZA permits over 1,500 activities across these broad groups:
- Commercial trading (general trading, e-commerce, import/export)
- Professional services (consultancy, marketing, IT, design)
- Industrial — light assembly only (heavier industry must move to JAFZA or KIZAD)
- Holding companies and SPVs
- Educational services (training, coaching)
- Specialised licences (crypto-asset advisory, environmental consulting)
Restricted: banking, insurance, healthcare clinics, schools, and any activity requiring a sector regulator outside the free zone.
2026 IFZA packages
| Package | Activities | Visa Quota | Annual Fee (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | Up to 3 | 0 | 12,500 |
| Standard | Up to 5 | 1 | 14,900 |
| Plus | Up to 7 | 2 | 17,500 |
| Premium | Up to 7 | 4 | 22,500 |
| Executive | Up to 7 + dual licence | 6 | 28,000+ |
All packages include the virtual office, IFZA registration, and licence issuance. The visa quota is the maximum employees you can sponsor — actual visa stamping fees are separate (AED 3,800 – 5,500 per employee).
Virtual office rules in 2026
IFZA's virtual office (sometimes called "smart office" or "flexi-desk") includes:
- A registered Dubai address that satisfies the establishment card requirement.
- Meeting room access (4–8 hours/month depending on package).
- Mail handling and a dedicated PO box.
- Acceptance by ICP for visa applications.
It does not include a desk you can sit at full-time — for that you need to upgrade to a serviced or shared office (from AED 28,000/year).
Step-by-step setup
- Activity confirmation — pick your activities from IFZA's list and check no special approvals are required.
- Trade name reservation — submit 3 options through your IFZA portal account (or via a registered agent).
- Initial approval — IFZA reviews ownership structure and shareholder documents (1–2 working days).
- Document submission — passport copies, photos, signed application, and notarised MOA for multi-shareholder setups.
- Licence issuance — IFZA issues the trade licence, certificate of incorporation, and share certificate within 3–5 working days.
- Establishment card — issued by IFZA immigration; required before visa applications.
- Visa applications — entry permits, status change (if inside UAE), medical, Emirates ID, and final visa stamping.
Total cost for a 2-visa setup
| Item | Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| IFZA Plus package | 17,500 |
| Establishment card | 1,200 (included in some packages) |
| 2 employee visas (entry permit + medical + EID + stamping) | 10,000 – 12,000 |
| Notarisation (multi-shareholder) | 1,500 – 2,500 |
| Service / typing | 800 – 1,500 |
Realistic year-1 total: AED 30,000 – 35,000 for a two-visa setup including all visa fees. Renewal in year 2 is significantly lower (around AED 18,000 – 20,000) because the visa stamping is once per 2-year cycle.
What IFZA isn't great for
- Direct UAE-local retail (you'd need a dual licence with DED).
- Activities that need a physical workshop or industrial premises.
- Regulated finance — go to ADGM or DIFC instead.
- Companies needing 20+ employee visas — the per-visa cost compounds; consider DMCC or JAFZA.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the full process take?
Documents-ready to licence: 5–10 working days. Add another 2–3 weeks for visa stamping if all employees are inside the UAE on tourist visas.
Can I open a UAE bank account with an IFZA company?
Yes. Most major banks (Mashreq Neo, WIO, RAKBank, Emirates NBD) accept IFZA companies, though smaller / startup accounts have stricter compliance reviews. Plan for 3–6 weeks for full corporate account approval.
Is IFZA the same as Dubai Silicon Oasis?
IFZA operates within the DSO geographic footprint but is a separate licensing authority. You won't get DSO-specific tech-zone benefits; you get IFZA's free zone licensing.
Does IFZA allow crypto activities?
Crypto-asset advisory is permitted. Crypto exchange or custody services require a VARA licence and aren't issued by IFZA itself.
Can a single shareholder own an IFZA company?
Yes — single-shareholder LLCs are standard. Corporate shareholders also allowed (with parent company documents notarised and attested).
What's the corporate tax position for an IFZA company?
Subject to 9% corporate tax on taxable profits above AED 375,000. May qualify for 0% on qualifying free zone income if substance criteria are met.
How we help
Visa Simplified is a registered IFZA channel partner. We handle activity selection, package recommendation, name reservation, document drafting, visa quotas, and bank account opening under a single fixed fee. See our business setup services, or read our wider comparison of mainland Dubai LLC setup if you're weighing the alternative.
Need help with this?
Our PRO consultants handle the full process end-to-end — documents, government submission, and delivery. Service fee is fully refundable pre-submission.