If you’re eyeing Dubai for your next venture, IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is the no-drama, get-moving option founders pick when they want speed, flexibility, and a clean cost structure. In plain English: fewer hoops, more runway. Let’s break it down—no fluff, just facts (with a touch of friendly sarcasm to keep you awake).

What is IFZA and why founders love it

IFZA is a leading Dubai free zone designed to help entrepreneurs set up quickly with flexible licensing, a wide range of activities, and straightforward processes. It’s especially popular with service, consulting, e-commerce, and trading businesses that want Dubai credibility without the mainland complexity.

Where IFZA fits in Dubai’s business landscape

Dubai offers two main paths: mainland (more market access, more requirements) and free zones (100% foreign ownership, streamlined setup). IFZA sits squarely in the “fast and founder-friendly” camp. 

IFZA vs Mainland vs other Free Zones

Compared with heavyweight zones like DMCC or JAFZA, IFZA tends to be cheaper and simpler at the entry level—ideal if you want to validate, grow, then scale your footprint later.

IFZA license cost—quick snapshot

Let’s cut to the chase: the IFZA license cost is package-based, largely driven by how many visa quotas you need.

• Zero-visa package: AED 12,900

• 1-visa package: AED 14,900

• 2-visa package: AED 16,900

• 3-visa package: AED 18,900

• 4-visa package: AED 20,900
  (Prices commonly quoted inclusive of VAT; always reconfirm the current rate and inclusions.)

Pro tip: These are license package prices—visa processing, medical/Emirates ID, and establishment card are separate line items. Keep reading.

Zero-visa to multi-visa packages

Your headcount dictates the package. Solo consultant working remotely? Zero-visa or 1-visa often suffices. Import/export team? You’ll typically start 2–4 visas. 

Renewal costs vs first-year costs

Renewals are often ~80–90% of initial license fees, excluding visas and office renewals. Budget accordingly and set calendar reminders. 

What’s included vs what’s not

Included: license issuance for selected activities under your chosen package.
Not included: establishment card, visa issuance, medical test, Emirates ID, and often any office upgrade beyond basic flexi solutions. 

Deconstructing the IFZA license cost (real numbers)
Government fees & license packages

Typical public quotes align with the AED 12,900–20,900 spread for 0–4 visas. Market promos can differ, but the baseline is consistent across credible partners. 
Radiant Biz
Dubai Start Business

Establishment card, visas, Emirates ID & medical

Plan for:

Establishment Card: ~AED 2,000

Visa (2-year validity) per person: ~AED 3,750

Medical + Emirates ID (per person): ~AED 1,575

Some service providers add a security check/admin fee ~AED 1,050
These are sample market figures to help you budget; confirm current prices before you commit. 

Office options: flexi-desk vs dedicated

IFZA offers flexible office solutions that keep early costs down. If your bank insists on a physical lease or you staff up, consider upgrading later. Official guidance stresses options rather than fixed requirements, which is a relief for startups. 

Add-ons: name reservation, extra activities, legalizations

Expect small charges for trade name reservation, extra activities beyond package limits, and any required document attestations (especially for foreign shareholders/directors). These vary by case and service provider. 

Choosing the right IFZA license type
Professional (service/consultancy)

Great for agencies, IT, marketing, business consulting, training, wellness services, and more. It’s the clean route for expertise-driven businesses. 

Commercial & General Trading

If you’re buying and selling goods (including e-commerce), you’ll likely need Commercial or General Trading. General Trading enables multiple product categories under one umbrella—useful when you’re testing markets. 

Holding companies

Ideal for asset ownership, equity holdings, and IP management—when you’re thinking structure before scale. (Confirm scope with your advisor to avoid activity-scope gaps.) 

When to pick which—simple decision rules

Mostly services? Professional.

Multiple product lines/trade? General Trading.

Asset/Share holding? Holding.
If you’re a hybrid (say, consulting + e-commerce), a multi-activity approach under one license can be cost-effective. 

Activities & multi-activity licenses
How many activities make sense?

IFZA allows multiple activities under one license—smart for testing new services without opening a second company. Keep it relevant to avoid compliance and banking friction. 

General Trading vs specific trading

General Trading costs more than a narrow trading activity, but it buys flexibility across categories—handy if your product lineup changes quarterly. 

Step-by-step: how to set up in IFZA
KYC & documentation

Passport copy, photo, and basic KYC for all shareholders/directors.

Proof of address, sometimes bank letter/reference.

CV or experience letters for certain regulated activities.
(Your service provider will list exact docs.) 

Company name & initial approval

Shortlist three names. Check availability and compliance (no restricted terms). Initial approval is typically quick if paperwork is clean. 

License issuance, bank account, visas

Once the license is issued, open the corporate bank account and start visa processes. Banking can take longer than licensing; be patient and responsive with KYC. 

Hidden costs to watch (so you don’t get surprised)
Corporate bank account realities

Banks may request minimum balances, transaction profiles, and office evidence. Budget for compliance and onboarding time; don’t rely on “instant account” hype. 

Immigration file, E-channel/Establishment card

These are separate from the license and are mandatory for visas—don’t forget to include them in your IFZA license cost plan. 

Translations, attestations, amendments

Name changes, adding activities, or board changes can incur amendment fees and legalized translations. Factor a buffer in your first-year budget. 

Timeline: how long does IFZA setup really take?

IFZA licensing can be fast (days, not weeks) if documents are ready and your activity is straightforward. Visas and banking add time depending on background checks and KYC. 

Compliance you can’t ignore
UBO, ESR, VAT, bookkeeping

UBO declarations are standard.

ESR may apply depending on your activity.

VAT registration if you cross the turnover threshold (or voluntarily register).

Bookkeeping is not optional—banks and authorities expect clean records. IFZA’s own guidance emphasizes understanding costs and compliance up front. 

IFZA vs DMCC, RAKEZ, Meydan—cost & complexity

Benchmarking is healthy: DMCC and JAFZA tend to have higher total costs than IFZA at entry level. If you need premium infrastructure, specific commodities ecosystems, or logistics near Jebel Ali, you may justify the premium. Otherwise, IFZA’s cost-to-agility ratio is hard to beat for most service and light-trading startups. 

Who should pick IFZA (and who shouldn’t)

Good fit: consultants, digital businesses, importers/exporters starting lean, B2B agencies, SMEs testing the UAE market.
Maybe not: heavily regulated sectors that require mainland approvals, retail with physical premises, or businesses needing specific zone infrastructure (e.g., commodities). 
IFZA

Smart budgeting: sample budgets (estimates)

Numbers below are illustrative to help you plan. Always reconfirm current fees, as promotions and official rates change.

Solo consultant (Professional, 0–1 visa)

License (0-visa): AED 12,900

Establishment card: AED 2,000 (if you plan a visa)

Visa (optional): AED ~3,750 + AED ~1,575 (medical/Emirates ID)
Est. first-year total: AED 12,900–20,225, depending on visa. 

Small team (2 visas, Professional or Commercial)

License (2-visa): AED 16,900

Establishment card: AED 2,000

2 visas: AED ~7,500 + AED ~3,150 (medical/ID)
Est. first-year total: AED ~29,550 (plus any office upgrade if needed). 

Import/Export (General Trading, 3–4 visas)

License (3–4 visa): AED 18,900–20,900

Establishment card: AED 2,000

3–4 visas: AED ~11,250–15,000 + AED ~4,725–6,300 (medical/ID)

Possible office upgrade for banking: variable
Est. first-year total: AED ~36,875–44,200 (plus any office/security deposits).

Bottom line on the IFZA license cost

The IFZA license cost is straightforward if you know what’s included and what’s not. Think of it like a new phone: the handset (license) is the headline price; the plan (visas, IDs, establishment card) is where people forget to budget. Choose the package that matches your team size, keep compliance tight, and upgrade offices or visas only when there’s a real business case.

Key takeaways

• Anchor your budget on AED 12,900–20,900 for the license (0–4 visas).

• Add establishment card, visas, medical, Emirates ID on top.

• Renewals are usually ~80–90% of your initial license fee (excluding visas/office).

• IFZA is ideal for fast, flexible setups; compare with DMCC/JAFZA if you need specialized ecosystems.

Conclusion: Keep it simple, ship it fast

Dubai rewards speed and clarity. IFZA gives you both. Pick the right license type, be honest about visa needs, and plan beyond the headline figure. Do that, and you’re not just “setting up”—you’re actually set up to win.

FAQs

1) What’s the cheapest IFZA license package today?

Commonly cited entry is AED 12,900 (zero-visa). Promotions happen, but confirm inclusions and VAT. 
Radiant Biz
Dubai Start Business

2) Does the IFZA license cost include visa fees?

No. License packages are separate from establishment card, visa issuance, medical tests, and Emirates ID. Budget those on top. 

3) How much should I budget per visa?

Market references suggest roughly AED ~3,750 for the visa file plus AED ~1,575 for medical/Emirates ID per person, excluding any service/admin fees. 

4) Are renewals cheaper?

Often ~80–90% of the initial license (ex. visas/office). Double-check based on your exact package and any add-ons.

 
5) Is IFZA good for e-commerce or consulting?
Yes. Professional covers services/consultancy; Commercial/General Trading suits e-commerce and import/export. Choose based on activity mix and banking needs.