Start your UAE business journey with confidence. Our complete business setup service simplifies IFZA company formation—handling your free zone license, visa processing, and renewals. Rely on our expert consultants every step of the way.
Reviews
Dubai's free zones offer a powerful gateway for international entrepreneurs to establish 100% foreign-owned companies. Among these, IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) has emerged as a cost-effective and flexible option for a wide range of business activities.
It has established itself as a leading investment hub in the country and ranks high on the UAE's list of attractive free zones. This is due to its strategic location, being only 20 minutes away from Dubai International Airport and Downtown Dubai, and its cost efficiency.
IFZA offers some of the most competitive business setup packages in Dubai, with license costs starting from AED 12,900* for a zero-visa package per year and around AED 14,900* to AED 20,900+ for visa-inclusive options. Its affordability, flexible packages, and streamlined registration process make it a preferred choice for startups and growing businesses alike.
Entrepreneurs can choose between flexi-desk or office spaces upon setting up a company, and IFZA visa costs are one of the most economical in the UAE.
At Shuraa Business Setup, we combine local expertise with global insight to guide you through the entire IFZA company formation journey - from selecting the right structure and handling approvals to securing visas and renewals and beyond.
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is a Dubai-based free zone authority offering business licensing, registration, and support infrastructure. Originally founded in Fujairah, IFZA relocated its headquarters to the Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) Digital Park, placing it at the heart of Dubai's innovation and business ecosystem.
IFZA has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most affordable and flexible free zones in Dubai. Its licensing packages are transparent, inclusive, and designed to fit different stages of business growth.
One of IFZA's most attractive features is that it allows multiple business activities under one license, even if they belong to different categories (within approved combinations). This flexibility helps investors diversify operations without the need for multiple entities.
Entrepreneurs can register their businesses anywhere in the world through IFZA's network of authorised agents, like Shuraa. This makes it a popular choice for foreign investors who want a quick and compliant entry into the UAE market.
Moreover, IFZA's close collaboration with government bodies and banks makes it easier to open corporate accounts, apply for visas, and access business services faster than in many other free zones.
At Shuraa, we deliver end-to-end packages that typically include:
Package Include:
Starting From Just
14,900*
*T & C apply
Package Include:
Starting From Just
19,900*
*T & C apply
We can offer tiered packages (Zero visa, 1-visa, multi-visa) and multi-year discounts. All packages are transparent, with no hidden “surprise fees.”
Choosing the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) in Fujairah offers a streamlined and beneficial platform for global entrepreneurs and companies.
100% foreign ownership with no local partner required.
Full repatriation of profits and capital with zero currency restrictions.
Tax residency in the UAE with access to the Free Zone Corporate Tax regime, offering a potential 0% corporate tax rate on qualified income.
Operate multiple, complementary business activities under a single, cost-effective license.
Simplified, rapid company incorporation process, often completed within days.
Secure UAE residency visas for investors, employees, and their families.
Clear multi-year licensing options and straightforward renewal procedures.
IFZA supports a wide spectrum of business activities, broadly categorized as:
Management Consulting, IT Consultancy, Marketing/Advertising Services, HR Consulting, Financial Advisory.
Trading of specific items (e.g., Computer Trading, Home Furniture Trading, Auto Spare Parts, Building Materials).
Import, export, distribution, and storage of a broad range of goods.
Online retail, digital product sales, online service provision, and online marketplaces.
Import of raw materials, manufacturing, processing, packaging, and export of specified products.
Holding standalone assets and/or shares in other companies (useful for investment structuring).
Note: Certain regulated activities require additional governmental approvals (from UAE federal bodies, sector regulators).
One advantage often cited is that IFZA allows combining multiple related activities (for instance, consulting + trading of related goods) under one license (within same category) to optimise cost.
Here are the typical legal forms you can adopt under IFZA company formation:
FZE (Free Zone Establishment), for single shareholder entity
FZCO (Free Zone Company), for multiple shareholders
Branch/Representative Office of a foreign/mainland entity
Holding/SPV Entity (for investment or asset holding)
The choice depends on your shareholder structure, liability preferences, and required operations (e.g. whether trade, services or holding).
IFZA issues several distinct types of licenses tailored to different operational needs:
The license is issued to service providers and professionals offering consulting, technical, lifestyle, and other knowledge-based services.
The license is issued for businesses involved in the trading, import, export, storage, and distribution of specified goods.
For companies that plan to engage in importing raw materials, manufacturing, processing, packaging, and exporting final products.
Used exclusively for holding assets and shares, offering excellent options for wealth management and international structuring.
Beyond licensing, it offers a variety of facilities to support your day-to-day operations and growth:
Flexible Office Solutions
Warehouse & Industrial Spaces
Business Support Services (Meeting rooms, administrative support, and coworking areas)
Networking Opportunities
Government & Banking Access
Digital Infrastructure (High-speed internet, online license management, etc.)
Printing & Mailing Services
Cafeteria & Lounge Areas
Security & Maintenance (24/7 security, CCTV surveillance, and facility upkeep)
For IFZA company registration, typical required documents include:
Shuraa will assist you in collating, verifying and submitting these documents to ensure smooth processing.
IFZA company setup is typically completed in 2 to 5 working days with the assistance of a specialist like Shuraa:
Firstly, discuss your business plan, choose license type, visa quota, office requirements, and get a customized quote.
Next, you’ll need to select and reserve a trade name for your company. The name should comply with UAE naming regulations (for instance, no offensive words or references to religions or political groups).
Once your trade name and initial approval are ready, the next step is documentation. With Shuraa’s assistance, all necessary paperwork is gathered, verified, and submitted to IFZA’s registration department.
After the documents are submitted and fees paid, IFZA proceeds with the registration and licensing process.
Once approved, you'll receive:
At this point, your company is legally registered, and you can begin operations immediately. For many setups, this stage is completed within 3-5 working days.
If your package includes visa eligibility, the next step is obtaining your Establishment Card, which allows your company to apply for residence visas for owners, employees, or dependents.
The visa process typically involves:
With your trade license and company documents in hand, the next crucial step is to open-business-bank-account-uae. Shuraa partners with multiple local and international banks to make this process quick and hassle-free.
Depending on your package, you can choose between a flexi-desk, shared workspace, or private office within IFZA. Once your workspace is active, you can begin your operations, hire employees, and start trading or providing services legally under your IFZA license.
Generally, an IFZA license costs starts from around AED 12,900, which includes registration, documentation, and basic setup costs. If you require visa eligibility, packages usually start from AED 14,900 to AED 20,000, depending on the number of visas and add-ons.
The IFZA company setup cost mainly depends on factors such as:
The type of business activity (commercial, professional, or industrial)
The number of visa allocations you require
Whether you choose a virtual office, flexi-desk, or physical office space
Any additional services like document clearance, visa processing, or bank assistance
| Component | Typical Cost / Range | Notes / Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Base Commercial License Package (1 year) | From AED 12,900 (zero-visa) | Covers registration, license, 3 business activities |
| With 1 visa | AED 14,900 | Visa, medical, ID included |
| With 2 visas | AED 16,900 | — |
| With 3 visas | AED 18,900 | — |
| With 4 visas | AED 20,900+ | — |
| License Renewal | Typically, same as initial fee, often AED 10,000–18,000 depending on license, package, office etc. | — |
| Visas, medical, Emirates ID, stamping etc. | AED 3,750 (visa) + medical ~ AED 450 to 850 + ID ~ AED 390 etc. | Per applicant |
The good part? You can customise your IFZA business setup package based on your budget and requirements. Doesn't matter if you' re a single entrepreneur launching an online business or a company expanding into Dubai, there's a plan that fits your goals.
At Shuraa Business Setup, we make sure you get the best possible deal and transparent pricing - no hidden charges, just expert support from start to finish.
Note: These costs are provided for reference only. For precise pricing, please use our cost calculator.
You can renew your IFZA license for 1, 2, or 3 years (depending on authority allowances).
Renewal is a simple digital process, requiring the payment of the annual license fee and submission of minimal updated documentation (e.g., renewed passport copies).
Renewal typically requires submission of updated documents, such as passport copies, visa status, tenancy contract, updated compliance checks, etc.
IFZA renewal cost ranges between AED 10,000 to AED 18,000, depending on license type, visa count, office facility, and add-ons.
IFZA offers attractive discounts (up to 30% or more) for multi-year renewals (2-year, 3-year, and 5-year packages), which we highly recommend to lock in lower costs and save time.
Note: You may also need to renew associated elements like Establishment Card, visa, Emirates ID etc. Shuraa offers license renewal assistance to ensure you never miss the window.
At Shuraa Business Setup, we go beyond just setting up your IFZA company - we provide complete business support across all UAE jurisdictions.
Here's what we can help you with:
Choose the right jurisdiction with full legal and licensing support.
Quick renewals, amendments, and activity additions.
Smooth opening with top UAE banks.
End-to-end support for investor, employee, and family visas.
VAT registration, corporate tax, and bookkeeping via our experts at Shuraa Tax.
Flexi-desk, shared workspace, or full office options in prime Dubai areas.
Smooth and compliant closure of your company.
Consultation for expansion, marketing, and compliance.
With 26 years of experience and over 100,000 businesses successfully launched, Shuraa is your trusted partner for starting and scaling in the UAE.
Talk to our experts today and get your IFZA business setup started the right way — quick, easy, and fully compliant.
Shuraa Business Setup is the highest-rated business setup consultancy in the UAE, providing expert guidance and comprehensive service to help entrepreneurs establish and grow their businesses seamlessly.
Had a great experience with Shuraa?
Your feedback helps other entrepreneurs make the right choice.
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is a Dubai free zone offering cost-effective licenses, 100% foreign ownership, and flexible business activities. It’s ideal for startups, SMEs, and international investors looking for a fast, efficient setup.
IFZA offers Commercial, Professional, and Industrial licenses. Each license caters to specific business activities like trading, consulting, e-commerce, and manufacturing.
Yes, IFZA allows multiple related business activities under a single license, giving flexibility to diversify operations without creating additional entities.
Yes, businesses registered in IFZA enjoy full foreign ownership, with complete control over profits and operations, without the need for a local sponsor.
The cost depends on your license type, number of visas, and office choice. Basic licenses start from around AED 12,900, while packages with visas range between AED 14,900–20,000. Shuraa can provide a customized quote based on your needs.
Not necessarily. IFZA offers flexi-desk and virtual office options, making it ideal for entrepreneurs who want to minimize costs.
Absolutely. IFZA licenses are e-commerce friendly, allowing trading, online services, and digital operations without needing a physical storefront.
The number of visas depends on your license type and office package. Shuraa can guide you to select a package that meets your team size and future growth plans.
The IFZA license cost depends on factors such as the type of business activity, the number of visas required, office space (flexi-desk or physical office), and whether you choose a single-year or multi-year package.
Choosing a multi-year IFZA license can help you save on renewal fees and administrative costs while offering peace of mind for a longer period. However, annual renewals provide flexibility if you want to test the market or make changes to your company structure later.
Yes, you can modify or expand your business activities under IFZA by applying for an amendment through the authority. Shuraa Business Setup can assist you with updating your license, adding new activities, or making other structural changes with ease.
The timeline for obtaining an IFZA license is typically between 3 to 5 working days, provided all required documents are submitted accurately. Shuraa Business Setup ensures a smooth and quick approval process by managing documentation, applications, and coordination with IFZA authorities on your behalf.
One conversation is all it takes. Connect with our experts for personalised advice on business setup and company formation in Dubai or across the UAE.
