Company Formation in IFZA Free Zone
Set Up Your Business in IFZA – A Premier Free Zone in the UAE
Why Choose IFZA Dubai?
The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA), located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, is one of the fastest-growing and most cost-effective free zones in the UAE. It provides investors, entrepreneurs, and startups with a streamlined platform for company formation, business registration, and incorporation in Dubai.
Offering 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and a business-friendly regulatory framework, IFZA has become a top destination for company setup in Dubai. Its strategic location just 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport and Downtown Dubai ensures excellent global connectivity and access to both regional and international markets.
With affordable business setup packages starting from AED 12,900, IFZA offers a highly competitive environment for starting a business in Dubai. Whether you are a freelancer, SME, or multinational corporation, IFZA simplifies the entire process of company registration and business licensing, allowing you to set up your company remotely without needing to be physically present in the UAE.
From trade license issuance to visa processing and corporate bank account setup, every aspect of IFZA business formation is designed for convenience, flexibility, and global scalability.
Fast Page Navigation
- What is Company Formation in IFZA?
- Key Benefits of IFZA Company Formation
- Types of IFZA Business Licenses
- Legal Structures Available in IFZA
- Step-by-Step Process for IFZA Company Formation
- Documents Required for IFZA Company Formation
- Timeline for IFZA Company Formation
- Things To Know About IFZA
- Visa Services in IFZA
- Renewal & Liquidation in IFZA
- Common Challenges During IFZA Company Formation
- Why Choose Us
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Ultimate Guide to IFZA Business Setup with The Capital Zone
Set Up Your Business in IFZA
As an official partner of the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA), The Capital Zone is dedicated to providing seamless business setup solutions in one of the UAE’s most dynamic free zones. IFZA offers a unique B2B-focused ecosystem that simplifies the path to entrepreneurship for international investors.
What is Company Formation in IFZA?
Company formation in IFZA Dubai refers to the process of legally registering and establishing a business entity within the International Free Zone Authority, one of Dubai’s most flexible and investor-friendly jurisdictions. IFZA allows entrepreneurs to start, register, and manage their business setup with full ownership, tax efficiency, and multi-activity licensing options.
The IFZA company setup process is straightforward and cost-efficient, offering flexible license types such as commercial, professional, industrial, and consultancy licenses. Business owners can register multiple activities under one license and enjoy complete repatriation of capital and profits.
Under the UAE Corporate Tax regime (effective from June 2023), IFZA companies can benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate, provided they qualify as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) and meet the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) compliance and filing obligations.
At The Capital Zone, we provide end-to-end assistance for IFZA business setup and registration, including tax assessment, license application, visa processing, and FTA registration. Our experts ensure that your company formation process in IFZA is fully compliant, tax-optimized, and aligned with your long-term business goals.
With its strategic Dubai location, advanced infrastructure, and simplified incorporation procedures, IFZA remains one of the most attractive destinations for company formation, business registration, and startup setup in the UAE.
Key Benefits of IFZA Company Formation
- 100% Foreign Ownership: Set up your company in IFZA with full ownership — no local sponsor or UAE partner required.
- 0% Personal & Corporate Income Tax: IFZA offers a tax-friendly environment, ideal for global entrepreneurs seeking a cost-effective business setup in Dubai.
- Full Profit & Capital Repatriation: Enjoy unrestricted transfer of profits and capital to your home country.
- No Physical Office Requirement: Complete your IFZA company registration remotely through virtual or flexi-desk office options.
- Multiple Business Activities Under One License: Combine up to seven professional, commercial, or consultancy activities under a single IFZA business license.
- Fast & Hassle-Free Setup: Obtain your IFZA company formation license within 3–5 working days.
- Minimal Documentation: A simple and straightforward process for company incorporation in IFZA, requiring only essential documents.
- Flexible Visa Packages: Choose from multiple visa options, ranging from zero to six visas, based on your business needs.
- World-Class Infrastructure: Access modern office spaces, warehouses, and meeting facilities designed to support your company’s growth.
- 0% Customs Duty: Benefit from duty-free trade within the free zone. Standard customs duties apply only for:
- Goods moving between entry points (airports/seaports/borders) and Free Zones.
- Goods transferred from Free Zones to the local UAE market (imports) or GCC countries.
- Local customs duties for imports into other nations.
Types of IFZA Business Licenses
Commercial License
For trading, import, export, and distribution of goods and commodities. Example: food, fashion, auto parts, electronics, and cosmetics.
Professional License
Ideal for consultancy and service providers such as IT, HR, education, marketing, and legal services.
Holding License
Suitable for companies managing assets, shares, or subsidiaries.
General Trading License
Allows trading of a wide variety of goods under one license (except restricted items like tobacco, alcohol, or weapons).
Industrial License
Permits manufacturing, processing, packaging, and re-export of goods.
Branch License
For foreign or local companies expanding into Dubai without forming a new legal entity.
Legal Structures Available in IFZA
Entrepreneurs can choose between two primary legal structures:
Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZCO) – Suitable for startups and SMEs, offering limited liability and multiple shareholders (individuals or corporations).
Branch Office – For existing foreign companies seeking expansion, operating under the same name and activities as the parent company.
2023 License Packages and Pricing
IFZA offers competitive pricing for new 1-year licenses, covering both Commercial (Trading) and Professional (Service & Consultancy) types. All prices below include VAT.
| License Package | Price (AED) |
| Zero Visa License | 12,900 AED 10 |
| 1 Visa License | 14,900 AED 11 |
| 2 Visa License | 16,900 AED 12 |
| 3 Visa License | 18,900 AED 13 |
| 4 Visa License | 20,900 AED 14 |
Included Benefits: Each package includes three business activities and three individual shareholders free of charge.
Additional Costs: Extra business activities (up to a maximum of 7) cost AED 1,000 each.
Step-by-Step Process for IFZA Company Formation
The IFZA company setup process is designed to be fast, affordable, and fully compliant with UAE business regulations. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or an international investor, forming a company in IFZA is straightforward and can be done entirely online.
Step 1 – Choose Business Activity and License Type
Select your desired business activities from IFZA’s comprehensive list of 800+ options. You can combine up to seven activities under a single IFZA business license, whether trading, professional, or industrial.
Step 2 – Select Legal Structure
Decide the legal form of your business. Choose between a Free Zone Company (FZCO) for limited liability or a Branch Office if you’re extending an existing company into Dubai.
Step 3 – Reserve Trade Name
Choose a unique trade name that complies with UAE naming conventions and submit it for approval from the IFZA Authority.
Step 4 – Submit Application and Required Documents
Prepare and submit the required documents, such as passport copies, visa pages, Emirates ID (if applicable), and proof of address for shareholders or directors.
Step 5 – Pay Fees and Obtain Initial Approval
After your documents are verified, pay the IFZA company formation fee (starting from AED 12,900). Once approved, you’ll receive the initial approval certificate.
Step 6 – Obtain Your Business License and Establishment Card
Upon approval, IFZA issues your business license within 3–5 working days, along with an Establishment Card, which allows you to hire employees and apply for visas.
Step 7 – Apply for Residence Visas
Apply for UAE residence visas for company shareholders, employees, and dependents (if your package includes visa allocation). IFZA provides flexible visa packages ranging from 0–6 visas.
Step 8 – Open a Corporate Bank Account
With your new IFZA company license, open a UAE corporate bank account with one of IFZA’s partner banks to manage business transactions efficiently.
Step 9 – Begin Operations
Once your company is registered, you can begin operations immediately. IFZA allows remote business setup, meaning physical presence is not mandatory except during visa stamping or bank verification.
Documents Required for IFZA Company Formation
For Corporate Shareholders:
- Certificate of Incorporation or Formation of the corporate shareholder
- Memorandum & Articles of Association (MoA & AoA)
- Board Resolution authorizing setup
- Trade License copy of the parent company
- Related third party approvals, if required
- Application form with UBO information (provided by IFZA)
- Emirates ID and Visa Copy of every shareholder who is a UAE resident
- Passport copy of every shareholder and General Manager of the corporate shareholder
- Digital passport photo of every shareholder and General Manager of the corporate shareholder
For Individual Shareholders:
- Passport copy (valid 6+ months)
- Visa and Emirates ID copy (if UAE resident)
- Passport-sized photos (white background)
- Completed application form
- Related third party approvals, if required
Timeline for IFZA Company Formation
The IFZA business setup process is known for being fast and digital, but actual timeframes can vary based on documentation and visa needs:
- Initial Approval & Trade Name Reservation: 1–2 working days
- License Issuance: 3–5 working days after document submission
- Visa Processing (if applicable): 7–14 working days
- Corporate Bank Account Opening: 2–4 weeks (depending on bank)
On average, a complete IFZA company setup from application to operational stage and can take 7 to 21 working days.
Things To Know About IFZA
Tax & Regulatory Benefits in IFZA
Setting up a company in IFZA Free Zone Dubai provides one of the most tax-efficient environments in the UAE. Investors enjoy major tax advantages and regulatory flexibility designed to encourage global business expansion.
Corporate Tax (UAE Federal Law)
- 0% corporate tax on qualifying income for Free Zone companies that meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) requirements under UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) guidelines.
- 9% corporate tax applies only to non-qualifying income or mainland-sourced income above AED 375,000.
- Our team at The Capital Zone ensures your IFZA company remains compliant with FTA registration, filing, and reporting obligations.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
- Standard 5% VAT applies to taxable supplies within the UAE.
- 0% VAT for exports of goods and services outside the GCC.
- IFZA-registered entities can obtain a TRN (Tax Registration Number) for smooth VAT compliance and refund claims.
Personal Income Tax
- 0% personal income tax – shareholders, directors, and employees are not taxed on salaries or dividends, making IFZA an ideal base for global entrepreneurs.
Customs Duty Exemption
- 100% customs duty exemption for imports and exports within the Free Zone.
- No customs duties on trade between Free Zones or re-exports outside the UAE.
- Standard duties apply only when goods enter the UAE mainland or other GCC countries.
Currency & Capital Repatriation
- No currency restrictions – businesses can transact freely in multiple currencies.
- Full repatriation of profits and capital to the home country without limitations.
Visa Services in IFZA
When you complete your company formation in IFZA, you also gain access to a flexible range of UAE residence visa services for investors, partners, employees, and dependents.
At The Capital Zone, we handle the entire visa process from application to medical test and Emirates ID ensuring a seamless experience for you and your team.
Types of IFZA Visas:
- Investor / Partner Visa: Issued to business owners and shareholders after company registration.
- Employment Visa: For staff and employees sponsored under your IFZA company.
- Dependent Visa: For family members (spouse, children, or domestic help) under your sponsorship.
- Multiple-Entry Visas: Available for business owners or representatives who travel frequently.
Visa Cost (Estimated):
- Starting from AED 3,750 per visa, excluding medical, Emirates ID, and typing center fees.
- Processing time: Typically 7–10 working days after license issuance.
Key Benefits of IFZA Visa Services:
- Residency valid for 2 years, renewable.
- Visa quota packages available (0–6 visas per license).
- No need for physical office (Flexi-desk or virtual office accepted).
- Fast and fully managed visa issuance and renewal process.
- Option for remote processing – physical presence only required for medical and biometric stages.
Renewal & Liquidation in IFZA
License Renewal: Simple and cost-effective; no physical presence required.
Company Liquidation: Can be completed within 30 days through an authorized agent. Requires submission of audit report, visa cancellations, and clearance from utilities and banks.
Common Challenges During IFZA Company Formation
While the IFZA Free Zone offers one of the most affordable and streamlined business setup options in Dubai, investors may still face some practical challenges during the registration and post-setup stages:
- Selecting the Right Business Activity: With 800+ activities available, choosing the correct one for licensing and compliance can be confusing.
- Understanding Tax & FTA Registration: Many new companies need guidance on qualifying for 0% corporate tax under the Free Zone Person criteria.
- Bank Account Opening Delays: UAE banks often require detailed business plans and proof of activity, which can cause approval delays.
- Document Attestation Requirements: Foreign shareholders must ensure notarization and legalization of documents often overlooked.
- Visa Processing or Quota Limitations: Packages vary by visa allocation (0–6 visas), so choosing the right one is critical.
- Post-License Compliance: Companies must stay compliant with annual renewals, ESR, and UBO filing requirements.
Why Choose Us
At The Capital Zone, we simplify your IFZA company setup with end-to-end support making the process faster, smoother, and 100% compliant with UAE laws.
Our experienced consultants handle every aspect of business registration in IFZA, so you can focus on launching and growing your enterprise.
Our IFZA Company Formation Services Include:
- Company Registration & Licensing – Complete documentation and license issuance for all business types.
- Office / Flexi-Desk Solutions – Assistance in choosing physical or virtual offices to meet IFZA requirements.
- Visa & Immigration Processing – Fast and secure processing for investors, employees, and dependents.
- Corporate Bank Account Opening Support – Guidance for setting up UAE business bank accounts.
- Accounting & Tax Compliance – Ensure full compliance with UAE corporate tax and FTA regulations.
- Business Consultation & Advisory – Personalized strategies to help your IFZA company thrive.
Have A Questions?
Contact our team of financial experts for personalized assistance and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of setting up a company in IFZA?
Setting up a business in IFZA provides access to a cost-effective and strategic location in Dubai. Businesses benefit from 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate taxes, and a straightforward company setup process.
What types of licenses are available in IFZA?
IFZA offers a range of licenses, including commercial, service, consultancy, and trading licenses, providing flexibility for businesses in various industries.
Can I operate outside the UAE with an IFZA company?
Yes, companies registered in IFZA can operate internationally. However, they must follow UAE laws and IFZA regulations regarding local operations.
How long does it take to set up a company in IFZA?
The company formation process in IFZA is efficient, typically taking between 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the complexity of your setup and the documentation required.