IFZA
A cost-effective, fast IFZA free zone licence with 100% ownership, a clear plan and honest, indicative costs from a local, bilingual team in Al Qusais.
IFZA (the International Free Zone Authority) is one of Dubai's most popular free zones for founders, consultants and small businesses. It is known for being cost-effective, quick to set up and flexible, with multi-activity licences that let many companies trade, consult and provide services under a single permit. For startups and SMEs who want to own their business outright without a large upfront commitment, IFZA is often a sensible first step into the UAE.
At Noorulnasr we are an independent, bilingual business-setup consultancy based in Al Qusais, Deira. We are not a government department, and we never promise approvals, visas or bank accounts we cannot control. What we do promise is a transparent plan, plain-English advice and a single point of contact on WhatsApp from your first question through to your licence and visas. If you are still weighing your options, start with our free zone vs mainland guide or browse all UAE free zones before you commit.
Cost-effective for startups
IFZA is popular with founders and SMEs for its affordable, scalable licensing. Package prices are set by the authority and are indicative only until quoted, so always ask us for an exact figure.
Fast, streamlined setup
IFZA is designed for speed, with a digital process and a single authority handling your licence, immigration card and visa allocation. We keep your file moving so timelines stay realistic, not rushed.
Flexible multi-activity licences
Many IFZA licences allow several compatible activities under one permit, which suits consultants and service businesses that wear more than one hat as they grow.
100% ownership and compliance-first
You keep full ownership of your IFZA company. We map your activities and tax registration correctly from the start, so you avoid pitfalls such as the AED 10,000 late Corporate Tax registration penalty.
Who IFZA suits, and how setup works
IFZA tends to fit consultants, freelancers turning professional, service providers and trading SMEs who want a flexible licence without a heavy office commitment. As an International Free Zone Authority company, you own 100% of the business and can sponsor residence visas under the authority's quota. It is worth remembering what a free zone licence is and is not built for: it is designed for activity within the zone and for international trade, while selling directly into the UAE mainland market usually needs a distributor, a mainland branch or another arrangement. We will explain the trade-offs honestly so you choose the right structure rather than the cheapest headline.
If you also serve the local market, compare mainland company formation, where 100% foreign ownership now applies to most (not all) activities under Federal Decree-Law 26/2020. Strategic or restricted sectors may still require an Emirati partner, and some professional licences or foreign branches use a 0% equity Local Service Agent. For purely international holding structures that cannot trade inside the UAE, see offshore company formation. Prefer to look at alternatives in the same bracket? Compare with DMCC for commodities and international trade. Either way, our free zone company formation team handles the trade-name reservation, application and visas end to end.
Tax, VAT and ongoing compliance
UAE Corporate Tax applies from financial years beginning on or after 1 June 2023 under Federal Decree-Law 47/2022. The standard rate is 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that. An IFZA company that meets the conditions of a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) pays 0% on qualifying income and 9% on non-qualifying income, with no AED 375,000 band. Corporate Tax registration is required, the late-registration penalty is AED 10,000, and returns must be filed and tax paid within nine months of the end of your tax period. Small Business Relief may apply where revenue is under AED 3,000,000 per period, available until 31 December 2026. Always confirm the current position on tax.gov.ae.
VAT is charged at a standard 5%. Registration is mandatory once your taxable supplies reach AED 375,000, with voluntary registration available from AED 187,500. Our accounting, VAT and corporate tax service keeps your registrations, bookkeeping and filings in order, while our PRO and government services team handles renewals and amendments. When you are ready to grow, we can also help with a corporate bank account, investor residence visas and the Golden Visa.
What it costs and how we work
IFZA package prices are set by the free zone authority and are not official until you receive a written quote, so we always present them as indicative ranges rather than fixed figures, and government fees change from time to time too. As an indication only, a DET trade-name reservation is about AED 620, MOET foreign-branch initial approval is around AED 3,500, and ICP residence-permit government fees are roughly AED 100 per year plus medical, Emirates ID and typing charges. Always request an exact, written quote before you proceed; you can sanity-check the official schedules at icp.gov.ae and u.ae.
To plan your budget, try our cost estimator or read our guide on the cost to set up a business in Dubai. Beyond the licence we can help with trade licensing, office solutions and trademark and IP protection. When you are ready, message us on WhatsApp and we will give you an honest plan with no hidden fees, then get in touch to begin.
Frequently asked questions
Why do people choose IFZA?
IFZA is popular because it is cost-effective, quick to set up and flexible, which suits startups, consultants and small businesses. Many licences allow several compatible activities under one permit. Package prices are set by the authority and are indicative only until you receive a written quote. Use our cost estimator for a guide, then message us on WhatsApp for an exact figure with no hidden fees.
Can an IFZA company be 100% foreign owned?
Yes. As a free zone company, an IFZA business allows 100% foreign ownership with no local shareholder. On the mainland, 100% foreign ownership now applies to most activities under Federal Decree-Law 26/2020, but some strategic or restricted sectors still require an Emirati partner, and certain professional licences and foreign branches use a 0% equity Local Service Agent. See u.ae for the official position.
Can an IFZA company trade inside the UAE mainland?
An IFZA licence is designed for activity within the zone and for international trade. Selling directly into the UAE mainland market usually needs a distributor, a mainland branch or another arrangement, depending on your activity. We will explain the options so you choose the right structure. Note that an offshore company cannot trade inside the UAE and is used only for holding and international purposes.
How long does IFZA setup take?
IFZA uses a streamlined, mostly digital process, so it is often quicker than other routes, but any timeline is indicative and depends on your activities, documents and visa requirements. We give you a realistic schedule once we have reviewed your file, rather than a headline promise. We never guarantee approvals or visas, because those decisions rest with the authorities, not with us.
Do I need to register for Corporate Tax and VAT?
Corporate Tax registration is required, even for free zone companies, and the late-registration penalty is AED 10,000, with returns filed and tax paid within nine months of your period end. A Qualifying Free Zone Person pays 0% on qualifying income and 9% on non-qualifying income. VAT registration is mandatory once taxable supplies reach AED 375,000 and voluntary from AED 187,500. Our tax team handles this; see tax.gov.ae.
Does an IFZA licence include residence visas?
Most IFZA licences include a visa quota so you can sponsor yourself, eligible staff and family members, subject to the authority's rules. Government residence-permit fees through the ICP are roughly AED 100 per year plus medical, Emirates ID and typing, and these change from time to time. Confirm current thresholds on icp.gov.ae, and ask us about investor residence visas or the Golden Visa.
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