Company Registration in IFZA Free Zone, Dubai, with licence, visas and bank support handled for you

What is the IFZA Free Zone?

The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) is a Dubai free zone that launched in 2018 and is based in Dubai Silicon Oasis. It was designed for entrepreneurs and small and mid-sized companies that want a Dubai licence with 100% foreign ownership, a light process and flexible office options.

A company registered with IFZA operates under a free zone licence. That licence lets it trade within the zone and internationally, and use a Dubai address for its banking, contracts and visas.

Who should choose IFZA?

IFZA suits consultants, freelancers turned founders, e-commerce and digital businesses, international traders, service companies and holding structures. It is less suited to businesses whose main customers are walk-in shoppers in Dubai, because those need a mainland licence.

• Consultancy, marketing, IT and creative services
• Import, export and international trading
• E-commerce and online brands
• Holding companies and small group structures

Licence activities and what they allow

IFZA offers more than a thousand business activities across trading, services and other categories. Several related activities can often be combined on one licence, subject to IFZA’s rules. Some activities are regulated and need approval from an outside body before IFZA will issue the licence.

Choosing the right activity matters because it appears on your licence and on your bank and visa applications. We map your real invoices and contracts to the activity list so that the licence fits how you actually earn.

Office options: flexi desk, office and warehouse

IFZA offers a flexi desk, which gives you a registered address and desk access without a full lease. Private offices, shared spaces and storage are available for companies that need them. Pick the lightest option that satisfies the licence and the visa rules, and upgrade when your team grows.

Ownership and legal structure for an IFZA company

IFZA companies are normally set up as a free zone company, either a single owner entity or a multi-shareholder entity. Foreign individuals and companies can hold 100% of the shares. A corporate shareholder provides attested constitutional documents and a list of directors.

IFZA licence cost and setup fees: what to plan for

The total depends on the licence package, the number of activities, the office option, the number of visas and any external approvals. Government charges and visa costs sit on top of the licence. We avoid quoting a single headline figure, because it is often only the entry package. You receive a written quote that breaks down each charge before you pay.

Corporate tax, QFZP and VAT for an IFZA company

A company in IFZA must register for UAE corporate tax like any other. Qualifying free zone persons can pay 0% on qualifying income when they meet conditions, such as adequate substance, and 9% applies to other income above AED 375,000. Income from the mainland or from non-qualifying activities is generally taxed at the standard rate.

VAT is 5%. Registration is mandatory above AED 375,000 of taxable supplies and voluntary from AED 187,500. Our accounting team can handle your registrations and returns.

Selling to UAE customers from an IFZA company

An IFZA licence covers operations inside the zone and international business. To serve customers on the Dubai mainland, free zone companies usually work through a distributor or a mainland partner, and Dubai has been introducing rules for permitted mainland operation. Ask us before you commit if the UAE market is a big part of your plan. If most of your customers are in the UAE, read our guide to company registration in Dubai for mainland licensing, or compare the RAK Free Zone and UAQ Free Zone.

IFZA visa and corporate bank account

With your licence you can apply for an investor visa, Emirates ID and a corporate bank account. UAE banks run compliance checks and decide at their own discretion, so a clear business model and documents matter. We prepare your bank pack and introduce suitable banks.

Common mistakes to avoid

A short planning call avoids most of these.

• Picking a cheap package without checking visa and activity limits
• Choosing IFZA when you mainly sell to UAE walk-in customers
• Skipping corporate tax registration
• Ignoring renewal dates for the licence and visas

Last reviewed 26 October 2026 by the BizSetups Consulting team. Sources: IFZA official website, UAE Federal Tax Authority, UAE Government portal. Fees, timelines and rules change, so confirm the current position before you commit.