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Affordable & Fast Business Setup with IFZA

Launch your business in one of the UAE’s most cost-effective Free Zones – flexible, fast, and ideal for startups, consultants, and entrepreneurs.

Set up in Dubai South Free Zone — home to Expo City, Al Maktoum Airport, and the region’s next big logistics hub.

Key Facts about setting a company in Dubai Free Zone

Setup from

5,555 AED

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Registration from

5 DAYS

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Bank Account

GUARANTEED

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Residence Visas for

2 YEARS

IFZA, located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, is one of the most cost-effective Free Zones in the UAE, catering to entrepreneurs, consultants, and remote businesses. It offers rapid company setup (as fast as three days), no requirement for a physical office (flexi-desks available), and affordable license fees. IFZA supports a broad spectrum of professional, commercial, and consultancy activities, making it ideal for solopreneurs, freelancers, and startups looking to minimize overheads. Visa packages with flexi-desk options are available, and IFZA is known for its flexible, straightforward processes.

Why Set Up in IFZA?

✅ Among the most affordable Free Zones in the UAE

✅ 100% foreign ownership with zero personal or corporate tax

✅ No requirement for physical office space

✅ Wide range of professional, commercial & consultancy licenses

✅ Quick setup – get licensed in as little as 3 days

✅ Ideal for solopreneurs, consultants, and remote businesses

✅ Visa packages available with flexi-desk

✅ Located in Dubai Silicon Oasis – central and connected

We handle it all – so you don’t have to.

What Business Activities Can You Do in IFZA?

IFZA supports a wide range of business activities, making it perfect for entrepreneurs who want flexibility and growth potential. Here are some popular business options you can start:

Business Consulting: Offer professional consulting services in various industries, helping businesses with strategies, management, and growth opportunities.
Digital Marketing & IT Services: Provide services such as SEO, social media marketing, website development, and IT solutions, tapping into the growing demand for digital services.
Accounting & Auditing: Set up a firm to offer accounting, bookkeeping, and auditing services to businesses in need of financial reporting, tax compliance, and audits.
E-commerce & Dropshipping: Launch an e-commerce store or dropshipping business, leveraging IFZA’s access to global markets and logistics solutions to sell products online.
Education & Training: Offer educational programs, workshops, and training courses in various fields such as business, technology, or personal development.
Corporate Services: Provide a range of corporate services, including company formation, legal services, business licenses, and HR services, assisting businesses in setting up and managing operations.
General Trading (Optional Upgrade): Engage in the import/export and wholesale distribution of goods, with the option to upgrade your license to expand into broader trading activities.

Market Research & Strategy: Offer market research, strategic planning, and consulting services to help businesses analyze their markets, competitors, and customer trends for informed decision-making.

Steps to Start a Business in IFZA (International Free Zone Authority)

1. Choose Your Business Activity and License Type

Identify the business activities you intend to undertake. IFZA allows up to seven activities under a single license, so select those that best fit your business model.
Decide on the appropriate license type: options include trading, service, consultancy, industrial, or e-commerce licenses, depending on your business needs.

2. Select the Legal Structure

Choose the legal structure for your business. IFZA offers:

Free Zone Company (FZCO) for multiple shareholders
Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for a single shareholder
Branch of an existing local or foreign company.

3. Choose and Reserve a Company Name

Select three preferred company names that comply with IFZA’s naming guidelines. The name must be unique and relevant to your business.

4. Prepare and Submit Required Documents

Gather the necessary documents, which typically include:

Passport copies of shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)
Digital passport photos
Completed IFZA application form (with Ultimate Beneficial Owner information)
Emirates ID and visa copy (if applicable)
Proof of residential address and contact details
For corporate shareholders: board resolution, Memorandum & Articles of Association, certificate of incorporation, and valid trade license.

Submit these documents online or through a licensed agent.

5. Get Initial Approval and Pay Fees

IFZA will review your application and documents. Upon approval, pay the required registration and license fees. The process can be completed remotely, and no physical presence is required.

6. Sign Legal Agreements

Sign the necessary agreements, including the declaration of the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) and any other required documents.

7. Receive Your Business License

Once payment is confirmed and documents are in order, IFZA will issue your trade license, typically within 3–7 working days.

8. Open a Corporate Bank Account

With your trade license, you can open a corporate bank account in the UAE to manage your business finances.

9. Visa Processing (If Required)

If you or your employees need UAE residency, apply for visas through IFZA. The number of visas available depends on your license package and office space.

Types of IFZA Free Zone Visas

IFZA offers several visa options to meet different business needs and family situations. Here are the main types of visas available:

Investor/Partner Visa

Issued to business owners or shareholders in an IFZA-registered company, this visa is valid for 2–3 years and is renewable, allowing you to legally manage or invest in the business.

Employment Visa

Granted to employees sponsored by an IFZA company, this visa is typically valid for 2 years and enables employees to live and work legally in the UAE under their employer’s sponsorship.

Dependent Visa

For family members (spouse, children, parents) of the primary visa holder, this visa’s validity matches the sponsor’s visa, allowing dependents to reside in the UAE under their sponsor’s status.

Freelance Visa

Designed for independent professionals, this visa is usually valid for 2 years and allows freelancers to operate legally in the UAE without needing a company, based on their specialized services.

Visa Application Process

Getting your IFZA visa involves several important steps, but the process is well-organized and can be completed efficiently. The entire procedure typically takes 2-4 weeks from application to receiving your Emirates ID. Here’s how the process works from start to finish:

1. Choose License Package:

Select an IFZA business license with visa allocation (at least 1 visa for residency eligibility).

2. Submit Required Documents:

Passport copy (min. 6 months validity)
Passport-sized photos
Trade license copy
Business plan (for investor visa)
Employment contract (for employee visa)
Marriage/birth certificates (for dependents)
Medical fitness certificate (post-arrival)
Emirates ID application form

3. Apply via IFZA Portal:

4. Obtain Entry Permit

Issued within 5–15 days, valid for 60 days to enter UAE.

5. Medical Test & Biometrics

Blood test and chest X-ray at an approved center.

6. Emirates ID Application

Submit medical results and documents.

IFZA Visa Pricing

License & Visa Package Pricing

License Duration	Visa Quota	Discounted Package Price (AED)	Notes
2-Year	1	25,300	Includes 1 free residency visa for life
3-Year	1	35,800	1 free residency visa for life
5-Year	1	52,200	1 free residency visa for life

Zero visa license: 21,900 AED (2-year), 31,000 AED (3-year), 45,200 AED (5-year) — no residency visa included.
Each additional visa: Adds 4,000–7,000 AED to the package cost.

Other Visa-Related Fees

Item	Cost Range (AED)	Details
Medical Test	500–1,000	Blood test & X-ray
Emirates ID	370–500	2-year validity
Visa Stamping	500–1,000	Final passport stamp
Establishment Card	2,000 (initial)	Required for company immigration
Fast-Track Option	+1,500–3,000	Optional, speeds up processing

Free Residency Visa for Life: IFZA offers a unique benefit—1 free residency visa for life with any license package that includes at least one visa. This means no renewal fees for that visa, resulting in significant long-term savings.

45,200 AED (5-year) — no residency visa included.
Each additional visa: Adds 4,000–7,000 AED to the package cost.

Other Visa-Related Fees

Item	Cost Range (AED)	Details
Medical Test	500–1,000	Blood test & X-ray
Emirates ID	370–500	2-year validity
Visa Stamping	500–1,000	Final passport stamp
Establishment Card	2,000 (initial)	Required for company immigration
Fast-Track Option	+1,500–3,000	Optional, speeds up processing

How MenaHerald Can Help You?

Dubai South is rapidly emerging as a hub for logistics, aviation, and e-commerce; but navigating the setup process can still be overwhelming without the right guidance.

At MenaHerald, we simplify the route for you. Whether you’re a startup, SME, or international investor, our experts: