IFZA License Cost 2026: Packages, Visa Fees & Step-by-Step Setup Guide

If you are comparing free zones in Dubai, the IFZA license cost is probably the number that brought you here. The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) has become one of the most popular choices for consultants, e-commerce brands, agencies and holding companies because it combines a Dubai address with one of the lowest entry prices in the emirate.

But the headline price is only part of the story. Visa fees, the establishment card, medical tests, banking and annual compliance all affect what you really pay. This guide breaks down every cost for 2026, shows you what is included and what is extra, walks you through the setup process step by step, and helps you decide whether IFZA is the right free zone for your business.

What is IFZA Free Zone?

IFZA is a Dubai free zone headquartered in Dubai Silicon Oasis, set up to make company formation fast, digital and affordable for international entrepreneurs. Instead of requiring a physical office from day one, IFZA lets most businesses start with a flexi-desk or virtual address, which keeps costs low in the first years.

An IFZA company is a separate legal entity, usually a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZCO). It can trade internationally, invoice clients worldwide, sponsor residence visas and open a UAE corporate bank account. One licence can cover several related business activities, so a consultant who also offers training or digital marketing does not need separate licences.

IFZA License Cost 2026 at a Glance

IFZA prices its packages mainly by the number of visas you need. The figures below are indicative 2026 prices for commercial and professional licences. Exact fees depend on your activities, promotions and visa applicant details, so always confirm with a written quote.

*First-year total includes the licence, establishment card and estimated visa costs (entry permit, status change, medical test and Emirates ID). It excludes bank fees, office upgrades and service fees.

Estimate Your First-Year IFZA Cost

Use this quick estimator to see what a typical IFZA setup costs in the first year based on how many residence visas you need.

What's Included and What Costs Extra

Most surprises in a free zone budget come from items that are not in the package. Here is how a typical 2026 IFZA package splits.

IFZA License Types Explained

IFZA groups activities into licence types. Choosing the right type matters because it decides which activities you can add and whether you need extra approvals.

For a full list of popular activities, read our guide to IFZA business activities and licences.

How to Set Up an IFZA Company: Step by Step

IFZA company formation is one of the fastest in Dubai. The licence itself is typically ready within a week; visas and banking take a few more weeks.

1. 1Choose your activities and packageDay 1

   Pick the licence type, list your activities and decide how many visas you need now and in the next year.

2. 2Reserve your trade nameDay 1 – 2

   Submit three name options. Names must be original and must not use restricted words such as country or government names.

3. 3Submit documents and sign onlineDay 2 – 3

   Upload passport copies, a photo and the application. Shareholders sign the company documents digitally.

4. 4Pay fees and receive your licenceDay 3 – 7

   After payment and approval, IFZA issues the trade licence, certificate of formation and establishment card.

5. 5Apply for residence visasWeek 2 – 4

   Entry permit, change of status or entry to the UAE, medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID. You need to be in the UAE for this stage.

6. 6Open your corporate bank accountWeek 3 – 6

   Apply with a digital bank for speed or a traditional bank for a full relationship. Expect compliance (KYC) questions about your business model.

IFZA Documents Checklist

Tick off what you already have. IFZA's document list is short compared with most free zones.

IFZA vs Meydan vs DMCC vs RAKEZ

IFZA competes mainly with other low-cost and digital free zones. Here is how it compares on the factors founders care about most.

Want a deeper comparison? See our IFZA vs DMCC guide or explore Meydan Free Zone.

Visas, Banking and Corporate Tax for IFZA Companies

Residence visas

Each visa package gives you a quota of residence visas for shareholders and employees. Investor and employee visas are typically valid for two years. Once you hold a residence visa, you can usually sponsor your spouse and children, subject to salary or income rules.

Corporate bank account

IFZA companies can open accounts with digital banks such as Wio Business and Mashreq NEO, or with traditional banks such as Emirates NBD, ADCB and RAKBANK. Banks review your business model, client countries and source of funds, so a clear one-page business summary speeds things up. Read more about our bank account assistance.

Corporate tax and VAT

All UAE companies must register for corporate tax. An IFZA company can pay 0% on qualifying income if it qualifies as a QFZP: it must keep adequate substance in the UAE, keep non-qualifying revenue within the de minimis limit (the lower of AED 5 million or 5% of revenue), follow transfer pricing rules and prepare audited financial statements. Otherwise the standard 9% rate applies to taxable profit above AED 375,000. VAT registration is mandatory once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 a year.

IFZA Renewal Costs and Penalties

Your IFZA licence must be renewed every year, and renewal costs are usually close to the original licence fee. Visas are renewed every two years. Renew before expiry: late renewal can lead to monthly penalties, blocked visa services and, eventually, suspension of the company. Set a reminder 60 days before the expiry date so there is time for any audit or document updates.

Is IFZA Right for Your Business?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest IFZA package in 2026?

The cheapest option is the zero-visa package, starting from about AED 12,900 per year. It includes the trade licence, establishment card in most packages and a flexi-desk address, but no residence visa.

How much does an IFZA licence with one visa cost?

The licence fee for a one-visa package starts from about AED 14,900. After adding the visa entry permit, medical test and Emirates ID, most founders pay roughly AED 18,500 to 22,000 in the first year.

How long does IFZA company setup take?

The trade licence is usually issued within 3 to 7 working days once documents are complete. Residence visas and a corporate bank account typically take another 2 to 6 weeks.

Can I set up an IFZA company without visiting the UAE?

Yes. You can register the company and receive the licence remotely with digital signatures. You only need to be in the UAE for the visa medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.

Does IFZA require a physical office?

No. Most IFZA packages include a flexi-desk or virtual address. You can upgrade to a dedicated office later if your activity or visa quota requires it.

Is there a minimum share capital for an IFZA company?

Most IFZA companies do not need to deposit share capital in a bank before incorporation. A share capital amount is still stated in the company documents, and some regulated activities have specific requirements.

Can an IFZA company pay 0% corporate tax?

Yes, if it meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions: adequate substance, qualifying income, non-qualifying revenue within the de minimis limit, transfer pricing compliance and audited financial statements. Otherwise the standard 9% rate applies above AED 375,000 of taxable profit.

Can an IFZA company trade with the UAE mainland?

An IFZA company can serve international clients freely. Selling goods or services directly to the UAE mainland may require a mainland distributor, a branch or specific approvals, and may affect your corporate tax status.

What is the IFZA licence renewal cost?

Renewal is due every year and usually costs about the same as the original licence fee for your package. Visa renewals every two years add roughly AED 3,000 to 5,000 per person.

Is IFZA better than DMCC?

IFZA is usually better for cost-conscious founders, consultants and e-commerce businesses because it is far cheaper and faster. DMCC suits companies that need a premium JLT address, commodities licences or a strong presence in finance.

Prices are indicative for 2026 and based on published IFZA packages and typical government fees at the time of writing. Fees and promotions change, so confirm the current price list with IFZA or our team before you apply. Official information: ifza.com.