The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) in Dubai Silicon Oasis is a popular spot for businesses, offering affordable setup options and easy company formation.
Just 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport, IFZA helps both new and established companies connect to global markets with flexible offices, simple processes, and a range of business licenses.
Determine your primary business activities from IFZA’s wide range of business activities. You can choose up to seven activities under a single IFZA license. Select the license type based on your business needs (e.g., trading, professional, or industrial).
Decide on the structure that best suits your goals: Free Zone Company (FZCO) for limited liability and multiple shareholders, or a Branch Office if you are extending an existing business into IFZA.
Pick a unique trade name that complies with UAE naming conventions. Submit your trade name for approval to ensure it’s available and adheres to regulations.
Collect and submit required documents, which vary depending on the ownership structure (individual or corporate). Essential documents include passport copies, business plans, and shareholder authorization forms.
File your documents with IFZA, then pay the setup costs, which start at around AED 12,900 for a zero-visa package. If additional services or visas are required, costs will adjust accordingly.
After approval, IFZA issues the business license within 3-5 days. You will also need an Establishment Card, necessary for visa applications and further operations.
If your license includes visas, apply for UAE residence visas for owners, employees, or family members. IFZA provides streamlined visa processing and support for these applications.
With your IFZA license in hand, open a corporate bank account. IFZA-approved banks support the account setup process, ensuring a smooth transition for managing business transactions.
Complete any additional registrations, including customs (if applicable), and begin your business operations with IFZA’s flexible office options, such as Flexi-desk or Dedicated Office, tailored to various business requirements.
Start Your Business Journey with Our Professional Support!
There are two main company structure options, designed to meet the needs of various businesses setups in IFZA:
Suitable for startups and SMEs, this structure allows limited liability, where shareholders’ risk is capped at their capital investment. FZCO permits both individual and corporate shareholders, allowing a blend of expertise while enabling flexibility to conduct multiple activities under one license.
For established companies aiming to expand, a branch office operates as an extension of the parent company, following the same business activities. The parent company retains full liability, making this a viable option for firms seeking a presence in Dubai’s vibrant market without setting up a separate entity.
IFZA provides a range of business licenses, each designed to support specific operational needs and facilitate business setup growth across various sectors. Here’s a breakdown:
Ideal for consultancy and service-oriented businesses, covering sectors such as technology, management, and legal services.
Permits trading activities, including import and export, supporting distribution within Dubai and globally.
Supports manufacturing, processing, and packaging businesses, allowing the production and re-export of goods.
Enables a broader range of trade activities, covering the import and export of multiple goods under a single license.
Designed for companies managing assets and shares, ideal for entities focused on investment portfolios or ownership management.
Riz & Mona Consultancy is renowned as one of the top business setup consultants in Dubai, with over 15 years of experience facilitating a wide range of businesses throughout the UAE. Our deep connections with government officials and key authorities, combined with our extensive expertise in consultancy, streamline the process of establishing your business in Dubai. Additionally, we offer comprehensive financial, legal, and corporate services to support our clients throughout their business endeavors.
We are here to provide comprehensive support for your IFZA Free Zone Company Setup, from preparing your documents to completing the process. Connect with us now to begin your journey with a FREE consultation!
IFZA does not require any minimum paid-up share capital, making setup simpler for investors.
While most activities are permitted, trading in regulated items (like alcohol) may have additional requirements.
ESR compliance depends on activity type; companies must submit reports if involved in relevant regulated activities.
Yes, but this generally requires hiring a distributor or agent to facilitate mainland business operations.
IFZA offers 2-, 3-, and 5-year licenses with discounts of up to 30% for multi-year commitments.
While crypto mining is permitted under IFZA, it requires additional approvals. Applicants should ensure they meet regulatory and technical requirements before applying for a mining license.
Yes, certain cryptocurrencies may be restricted based on regulatory standards. It’s essential to check with IFZA or a legal advisor to ensure compliance with permitted digital assets.
IFZA offers guidance on regulatory compliance, including AML/KYC protocols, and may connect businesses with compliance experts to ensure adherence to Dubai’s crypto regulations.