IFZA Company Setup 2026: Cost, Visa Packages and Steps

IFZA, the International Free Zone Authority, is based in Dubai Silicon Oasis and is one of the most popular Dubai free zones for small and medium businesses. It offers 100% foreign ownership, digitally signed company documents and no minimum share capital.

IFZA sells through licensed partners rather than publishing a public tariff, so prices vary a little from partner to partner. The figures below are typical partner prices for 2026. Ask for a written quote and compare like with like.

The short answer: An IFZA licence with no visa starts from about AED 12,900 (some partners list a digital-only licence from AED 11,900). A one-visa package typically costs about AED 15,000 to 18,000 including the establishment card and the visa process. Renewals cost roughly the same as the licence in year one, less the one-off visa fees. Prices were checked on 2 November 2026 and change often, so always get a written quote before you pay.

IFZA at a glance

IFZA setup cost in 2026: starting prices and packages

Source and date: Typical IFZA partner pricing published in 2026, including licence, registration, establishment card, e-channel and the visa process (medical and Emirates ID) where visas are listed. IFZA does not publish a public tariff. Checked 2 November 2026.

Costs to budget for on top of the licence

A low headline price rarely covers everything. Before you compare quotes, check whether each one includes these:

• Establishment card: about AED 2,000 to 2,500 if not bundled.
• Each additional visa: about AED 3,800 to 4,800 all-in; change of status inside the UAE about AED 1,600.
• Extra activities: about AED 1,000 each beyond the three included.
• Health insurance for each visa holder.
• Multi-year packages can save 10 to 25% (a three-year package is quoted at about AED 43,470).
• Corporate tax: a free zone company pays 0% only on qualifying income if it meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions; other income is taxed at 9%. All companies must register for corporate tax, so take tax advice before you choose a structure.

Licence types and activities

IFZA issues trading, service, industrial (with extra approvals) and holding licences across 500+ activities. You can form an FZE with one shareholder or an FZCO with two or more. A flexi-desk package practically supports up to about six visas. From 2026, financial statements are required at renewal.

How to set up a company in IFZA: step by step

1. 1Pick activities and structureChoose up to three activities and decide between FZE and FZCO.
2. 2Name approvalUsually one to two working days.
3. 3Submit documents through a partnerPassports, photo, name options and an activity description.
4. 4Sign the MoA digitally and payNo visit is needed to sign.
5. 5Licence issuedUsually three to five working days after approval.
6. 6Establishment card, visas and bankVisas take about three to four weeks; then open the bank account.

Typical timeline: Licence in about three to five working days; four to six weeks in total with visas.

Documents you need

Individual shareholders usually need:

• Passport copy for every shareholder and manager (at least six months' validity)
• Passport-size photo
• Proof of residential address
• Two or three trade name options and your chosen activities
• Entry stamp or visa copy if you are in the UAE

Corporate shareholders (a company owning the new company) usually need its certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, a board resolution approving the setup, a certificate of good standing and, often, a power of attorney for the person signing. Documents issued outside the UAE must be attested (notarised, legalised and stamped by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and translated into Arabic or English where needed before the free zone will accept them.

Where DocuGulf helps

DocuGulf does not sell free zone licences. We handle the documents that delay most setups, so your application goes in complete the first time:

• Attestation of overseas corporate documents, board resolutions and degree certificates, from AED 230 per document.
• Certified true copies of passports and company papers for banks and free zones, AED 300 per set.
• Legal translation by MOJ-certified translators.
• Power of attorney drafting and notarisation if someone signs on your behalf.
• Trademark filing to protect your new brand name in the UAE.

Who IFZA suits

• SMEs and solo founders who want a Dubai licence at a mid-range price
• Businesses that want no share capital and digital signing
• Owners who plan to renew for several years and can use a multi-year discount

How IFZA compares with other UAE free zones

Starting prices for the free zones we cover, checked 2 November 2026. Each name links to its own guide.

Key takeaways: IFZA starts from about AED 12,900 (zero-visa licence, typical partner price). Add visas, the establishment card, medicals, Emirates ID, insurance and workspace to compare quotes fairly, and get any overseas shareholder documents attested early, because that is the step that most often holds up a setup.

Frequently asked questions

A note on scope: DocuGulf is a documentation facilitation service. All regulated work is performed by licensed notaries, lawyers, translators and approved typing centres, and we do not provide legal, tax or company formation advice. Free zone prices on this page are published or typical partner prices as of 2 November 2026; the free zone and its licensed partners set the final price. Reach us at info@docugulf.com or +971 58 569 3628.