How much does IFZA company setup cost in 2026?
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) sets its fees, and we show them apart from ours. The table lists what you pay to the authorities and what Startex charges. Our service fee is quoted in writing before you pay anything.
| Item | Government fee (paid to) | Startex service fee |
|---|---|---|
| License and company registration, no visa | About AED 12,400 to 12,900 as one package (IFZA) | From AED 12,400 without a visa |
| License with one residence visa | About AED 21,000 to 21,500 in total, including the establishment card, entry permit, medical and Emirates ID (IFZA and GDRFA Dubai) | Quoted separately |
| Second and third visa | About AED 6,500 each (IFZA and GDRFA Dubai) | Quoted separately |
| Flexi desk | Bundled in standard packages, a physical office is extra (IFZA) | Quoted separately |
| Activity change or added activity | A fee per change (IFZA) | Quoted separately |
| Annual renewal | Less than year one, confirmed before you renew (IFZA) | Quoted separately |
Ranges at the time of writing, October 2026, checked against IFZA's published information and current package schedules. Packages change, so we confirm the live figure before we quote.
What does an IFZA package include?
- A Dubai free zone license with 100 percent foreign ownership, as shown on our packages page.
- A flexi desk that meets the workspace rule for most activities.
- A visa quota that grows with the package. Ask for the number in writing before you pay.
- Free activity consultation with our team, so the activities on the license match what you sell.
An IFZA license lets you list several activities, and the activities you choose decide the approvals and the final fee. Controlled activities such as food, health and real estate need a separate approval, so we check the activity list before you pay.
What are the IFZA visa and office rules?
IFZA packages come with a flexi desk, which is enough for consultancy, online trade and most service activities. If you hold stock, receive customers or need a larger visa quota, you move up to a physical office at an extra cost. Each residence visa adds a medical test, Emirates ID and health insurance, so budget the full visa bundle and not only the visa fee.
For the full range of visa costs and quotas by route, see our business setup cost guide and the PRO services we use to file them.
Who does IFZA suit, and who should look elsewhere?
IFZA suits:
- Solo founders, consultants and small teams that need a Dubai license quickly and cheaply.
- Online sellers and service companies that sell mostly outside the UAE.
- Companies that want to add visas one at a time as they hire.
IFZA is a weaker fit for:
- Businesses that sell mainly to UAE mainland customers, unless they add a dual license or mainland permit.
- Companies that need a large warehouse, showroom or factory.
- Regulated activities that need their own regulator's approval, which add time.
How long does IFZA setup take?
| Step | Typical time | Who decides |
|---|---|---|
| Trade name and application | 1 to 3 working days | IFZA |
| License issued | 5 to 10 working days from a complete document set | IFZA |
| Establishment card | About week 2 | Immigration |
| Residence visa, per person | 1 to 2 weeks after the establishment card | GDRFA Dubai and ICP |
| Corporate bank account | Several weeks | The bank |
What are the steps to set up an IFZA company?
- Choose the activities you will list, so the license matches what you sell.
- Pick the package that fits your visas and office, and confirm what IFZA includes.
- Send the documents: passport copies, photographs and, for company shareholders, attested papers.
- Sign and pay the IFZA application and receive the license.
- Apply for the establishment card, visas and bank account.
How does IFZA compare with other free zones?
| Zone | License cost from | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| IFZA | AED 12,400 to 12,900 | Consultants, traders and online businesses that want a Dubai license at a low entry price. |
| DMCC | AED 35,000 to 50,000 in the first year | Commodities, gold, tea, coffee, crypto and tech companies that want a premium address and banking reputation. |
| Meydan | AED 12,500 | Startups and solo founders that want a Dubai government free zone with a flexi desk and instant licensing. |
| DAFZA | AED 23,000 to 50,000 in the first year | Air cargo, logistics, aviation, electronics and pharmaceutical traders that need an airport-linked address. |
Not sure which zone fits? Read free zone vs mainland vs offshore, or compare all seven on the free zone setup cost page.
Fee ranges are for International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) and were checked in October 2026. Official sources: Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) and GDRFA Dubai. Startex Hub is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with IFZA.