IFZA: company setup
International Free Zone Authority
Updated on 29 October 2026 · Published under the responsibility of Jason Pivron, director · Who we are
Why this zone
It is our default for a digital entrepreneur who wants a residence visa without paying for a prestigious zone's name.
What to watch for
The headline price is a licence without a visa. Once you add the investor visa, the establishment card and processing, the real cost nearly doubles. This is the first source of unpleasant surprises in this market.
Fee breakdown
All-inclusive package, official fees included: registration, first-year licence, establishment card and the minimum office the zone requires; visas are not included. Then €4,990 a year to renew the licence and the minimum office.
Suited activities
- Consulting and professional services
- E-commerce
- Software and IT services
- General trading
Banking
Improving reputation. A substance file is required, as everywhere since 2023.
Setting up in IFZA: the steps
- Scoping and choice of zone
- Name reservation and initial approval
- Licence issue
- Visa and identity
- Tax and bank account
Steps from our catalogue for the United Arab Emirates, recorded on 21 September 2026. Details and documents to provide →
Where these figures come from
- Emirate (Dubai): ifza.com
- Office, visas and setup time: our catalogue, recorded on 21 September 2026; to be checked with the zone.
- Banking: our assessment, not an authority's data.
IFZA free zone: frequently asked questions
How much does an IFZA licence cost?
From €5,525. All-inclusive package, official fees included: registration, first-year licence, establishment card and the minimum office the zone requires; visas are not included. Then €4,990 a year to renew the licence and the minimum office.
How long does company setup in IFZA take?
24 to 48 hours (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
Which emirate is IFZA in?
Dubai — International Free Zone Authority.
What office does an IFZA company need?
Flexi-desk accepted (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
How many visas with an IFZA company?
Depends on the package (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
Can an IFZA company open a bank account?
Improving reputation. A substance file is required, as everywhere since 2023. No account can be guaranteed.
Which activities are allowed in IFZA?
Consulting and professional services · E-commerce · Software and IT services · General trading.
What should I watch out for in IFZA?
The headline price is a licence without a visa. Once you add the investor visa, the establishment card and processing, the real cost nearly doubles. This is the first source of unpleasant surprises in this market.