The International Free Zone Authority is Dubai's most flexible setup option for SaaS, consultancy, and SME founders, 2,000+ approved activities, 0-7+ visa scaling, flexi-desk included. We handle yours with full UK-chartered accounting standards.
IFZA isn't the right answer for everyone, but for the majority of mid-market international founders we work with, it's the highest-value licensing option in Dubai.
One of the widest activity lists in Dubai. Covers SaaS, IT services, consultancy, trading, holding, marketing, e-commerce and dozens of niche specialisms.
Fast turnaround on the license itself. Total time-to-operational including visa and banking typically 30–45 days.
Shared workspace allocation included with the license. No need to lease a dedicated office unless you have local staff or substance requirements.
0-visa starter packages for non-resident structures; 1-3-visa standard SME; up to 7 visas for growing teams. Add-on dependant visas covered.
Like all UAE free zones, IFZA allows 100% foreign ownership with no local-partner requirement. No "nominee shareholder" complexity.
Qualifying IFZA companies benefit from the 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, the most generous CT treatment in the Gulf.
IFZA offers four published package tiers. The right one depends on visa count, activity scope, and whether you want multi-year discounting. Below is the typical Entegrix-bundled price, Entegrix advisory and year-1 compliance included.
| Tier | Visa quota | Activities | License-only price (AED, GBP) | Year-1 setup all-in* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zero Visa Non-resident founder · no visa quota |
0 | 3 | fromAED 12,900 ≈ £2,775 |
AED 13,900 ≈ £2,990 |
| 1 Visa Most chosen Solo founder · 1 visa free for life |
1 | 3 | fromAED 14,900 ≈ £3,205 |
AED 20,175 ≈ £4,340 |
| 3 Visa Small team · 3 visa slots |
3 | 3 | fromAED 18,900 ≈ £4,065 |
AED 36,425 ≈ £7,830 |
| 4 Visa Growing team · 4 visa slots |
4 | 3 | fromAED 20,900 ≈ £4,495 |
AED 41,025 ≈ £8,820 |
*Year-1 all-in includes license + Entegrix advisory fee + Establishment Card + Medical + EID + basic visa insurance for each applied visa. Excludes optional offices, status change (UAE-resident applicants only), and VIP processing. 1st residence visa application is free for life with any IFZA visa package.
Prices are illustrative. Use the live calculator above for your specific configuration, or book a FREE strategy call for a written quote.
We discuss your activity, target visa count, banking priority, and whether IFZA is actually the right zone for your situation (sometimes Meydan or DMCC is a better fit, we'll say so honestly).
Day 0We verify your activity against IFZA's approved list, identify the right activity codes, and send you a written quote with full cost breakdown in AED (with GBP equivalent).
Days 1–3We handle the IFZA application end-to-end. Document collection, name reservation, MOA preparation, fee payment. You sign electronically.
Days 4–14Establishment card, entry permit, status change, medical, biometrics, residence visa, Emirates ID. We schedule and accompany you.
Days 15–30We submit your application to Emirates NBD, FAB or Wio depending on your profile. The KYC pack is pre-prepared. Account typically opens in 2-4 weeks once submitted.
Days 25–45VAT registration if needed, corporate tax registration, FTA filing calendar, accounting setup, bookkeeping handover. You are now fully operational.
Days 30+Every zone has different strengths. If IFZA isn't the best fit for your activity, visa count, or budget, we'll tell you, and recommend the right alternative.
30-minute strategy call. We confirm IFZA is the right fit, walk through the exact cost for your configuration, and answer your specific questions.
Book a 30-min FREE strategy call