Dubai · Free Zone
International Free Zone Authority
Affordable General Trading & E-Commerce Hub Starting from AED 12,900
What is International Free Zone Authority?
Competitively priced Dubai free zone popular with startups and SMEs seeking cost-effective company formation.
Budget-friendly Dubai free zone with competitive setup costs, popular with startups and SMEs seeking cost-effective company formation.
Key Features & Benefits
- 100% foreign ownership
- 0% corporate/personal income tax
- Competitive setup costs for a Dubai free zone
- 1,000+ activity codes
- Fast processing in 24-48 hours
- Popular with digital nomads and startups
Pricing & Costs
From AED 12,900/yr Year 1 costs, renewals, and multi-year discounts
Pricing & Costs
From AED 12,900/yrYear 1 costs, renewals, and multi-year discounts
Year 1 cost range
Pricing
International Free Zone Authority — Year 1 Fees
Last verified: May 2026
License Packages ⓘ
Zero-Visa Package
- License
- Registration
- 1 activity
One-Visa Package
- License
- Registration
- 1 visa
- Flexi desk
Three-Visa Package
- License
- Registration
- 3 visas
- Flexi desk
Note. Multi-year licenses (2–3 years) are typically eligible for a 15–20% discount when paid upfront.
Government Immigration Fees ⓘ
Renewal Fees ⓘ
All prices are in AED and exclude 5% VAT where applicable. Prices may change — verify directly with the freezone authority before making decisions. Last verified: May 2026
Setup & Documents
5-14 days Step-by-step process, timeline, and required documents
Setup & Documents
5-14 daysStep-by-step process, timeline, and required documents
Setup Roadmap
Your journey from application to fully operational business.
Choose Business Activity
Select your business activity and license type from International Free Zone Authority's approved list
Reserve Trade Name
Submit trade name application for approval
Submit Documents
Upload passport copies, application form, and supporting documents
Pay License & Registration Fees
Complete payment for license and registration fees to International Free Zone Authority
Receive Trade License
License issued after document verification and payment confirmation
Apply for Visa & Open Bank Account
Submit visa application and business bank account opening
Open for business.
License to Ready: typical timeline
From licence issuance through visa processing, bank account opening, and operational readiness. Estimates based on published rates and typical UAE freezone reported timelines as of May 2026.
Document Checklist
Everything you need to register your company with International Free Zone Authority.
Individual Shareholders
5 documents
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport-size photograph
- Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
- Proof of address (utility bill <3 months)
- NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)
Corporate Shareholders
7 documents
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Board resolution authorizing UAE setup
- Valid passport of authorized signatory
- Share certificate
- Good standing certificate
- Apostilled/attested documents (if outside GCC)
- Passport copies must show at least 6 months validity from application date
- Documents from outside the GCC may require apostille or attestation
- Upload high-quality colour scans — minimum 300 DPI
- Corporate documents should be certified as true copies
Banking & Payments
3/5 ease · 3 partner banks Bank account opening, partner banks, and payment setup
Banking & Payments
3/5 ease · 3 partner banksBank account opening, partner banks, and payment setup
Banking
Corporate bank account opening, IBAN issued at setup where supported.
Partner Banks
Emirates NBD
Major UAE bank widely used by IFZA-licensed entities
ADIB
Sharia-compliant business banking with established IFZA onboarding flow
Mashreq Neo
Digital-first SME account popular with IFZA freelancers and small entities
Documents Needed
- Apply to 2–3 banks simultaneously to maximise approval chances
- Prepare a clear business plan explaining your revenue model
- Have 3–5 sample contracts or invoices ready — even drafts work
- Consider digital banks like Wio for faster approval and zero minimum balance
Not sure if International Free Zone Authority is right for you?
Talk to an unbiased FreezoneMatch advisor. We'll help you compare options, avoid hidden costs, and find the right fit — completely free.
Why International Free Zone Authority?
8 key advantages Key advantages that set this free zone apart
Why International Free Zone Authority?
8 key advantagesKey advantages that set this free zone apart
Why International Free Zone Authority?
What makes this free zone stand out.
5-14 Day Setup
Standard company formation timeline. Fully remote setup available — no office visit required.
3 Partner Banks
Banking rated 3/5 (Moderate). Account opening typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Up to 15 Visas
2 years validity. Dependents allowed. Flexible allocation based on package.
0% Corporate Tax
On qualifying free zone income (QFZP status). 100% foreign ownership with full capital repatriation.
Mainland Trading Access
Multiple pathways to the mainland market including DET Permit and branch licensing.
Dubai Location
Located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport and Downtown Dubai
Competitive setup costs for a Dubai f...
A key advantage of setting up your business in International Free Zone Authority.
1,000+ activity codes
A key advantage of setting up your business in International Free Zone Authority.
- Management and business consultants
- E-commerce and online retail businesses
- General trading companies
- Technology and software companies
- Media, marketing, and advertising agencies
- Businesses needing warehouse or industrial facilities
- Businesses requiring specialized regulatory oversight not offered by this zone
Reviews
4.8★ (2,916 reviews) Customer reviews and alternatives
Reviews
4.8★ (2,916 reviews)Customer reviews and alternatives
Sourced from Google Maps — Last pulled May 2026
Reviews shown are unfiltered. Negative reviews often relate to third-party setup agencies rather than the freezone authority itself.
I had an excellent experience with IFZA’s support team, especially through their WhatsApp channel. The assistance provided was prompt, professional, and very clear throughout the entire process. A special thank you to Sonny for being extremely responsive, courteous, and proactive in addressing my queries. His support made the process smooth and stress-free. I would also like to sincerely appreciate Natalia, Ahmed Naseer, and Anwar Paramoon for facilitating the earlier request efficiently. Their coordination and commitment to delivering on time were truly commendable. Overall, the team demonstrated great customer service, professionalism, and dedication. I highly recommend IFZA for their reliable and supportive service. Thank you once again for the outstanding assistance!
I contacted IFZA through the contact form and was contacted by Switty, who provided all the information I needed and offered valuable assistance throughout the entire process. During the collaboration, I had to interact with many different team members, and everyone was helpful, responsive, and fast. Thank you, Switty and team, for all these efforts.
I attended the IFZA Partner Induction Training with trainer Amlinia D’Souza. The whole session was easy, fast-paced and very well structured. Amlinia has excellent English and clear pronunciation, so it was very easy to follow and understand all the material. I learned a lot of new and useful information about IFZA’s opportunities. I also want to highlight the IFZA office itself – a beautiful and comfortable space where it’s truly pleasant to be and to learn. Thank you for such a warm and professional training!
I had a great experience registering my client company with IFZA, thanks to Tima’s excellent support. She was professional, responsive, and guided me clearly through every step of the process. The entire registration was smooth and well-coordinated, and her knowledge made the process stress-free. I truly appreciate her dedication and would highly recommend her services to anyone planning to set up a company in IFZA.
I had an excellent experience with IFZA from start to finish. The entire process of company formation, residence visa, and Emirates ID issuance was handled with great professionalism and efficiency. A special thank you to Princess, Yasmeen, and Sonny for their continuous support via WhatsApp and email. They were responsive, patient, and extremely helpful throughout what can sometimes be a complex process. Everything was clearly explained, well-coordinated, and delivered as promised. I truly appreciate the level of organization and customer service provided. I highly recommend IFZA to anyone looking to establish a company in the UAE. — Gerard SOKENOU
Review data as of 29 March 2026. For the latest reviews, visit Google Maps.
Find International Free Zone Authority on Google Maps
View location, hours, photos, and real-time reviews from Google Maps.
Reviews shown on Google Maps are from verified visitors and updated in real-time by Google.
Is International Free Zone Authority Right for You?
✅ Choose International Free Zone Authority if you...
- • management and business consultants
- • e-commerce and online retail businesses
- • general trading companies
- • technology and software companies
🔄 Consider alternatives if you...
- • businesses needing warehouse or industrial facilities
- • businesses requiring specialized regulatory oversight not offered by this zone
Compare with Similar Freezones
FAQ
7 common questions Common questions about setting up in this free zone
FAQ
7 common questionsCommon questions about setting up in this free zone
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about setting up in International Free Zone Authority.
How much does it cost to set up in International Free Zone Authority?
How long does it take to set up a company in International Free Zone Authority?
How many visas can I get with International Free Zone Authority?
Can I sell to mainland UAE customers with a International Free Zone Authority license?
Do I pay corporate tax in International Free Zone Authority?
Do I need a physical office in International Free Zone Authority?
How do I open a bank account with a International Free Zone Authority license?
Related guides
Deeper reading on topics relevant to International Free Zone Authority.
IFZA vs Meydan: Complete Comparison 2026
IFZA wins on price, Meydan wins on address — and the visa-quota cutoff where most founders flip from one to the other.
IFZA vs SHAMS: Complete Comparison 2026
Both freezones run cheap, but SHAMS's Sharjah base and media-friendly activity list make IFZA the wrong call for content businesses.
Compare International Free Zone Authority
Side-by-side head-to-head comparisons with other UAE freezones — cost, setup, banking, visas.
FreezoneMatch provides comparison tools based on publicly available data. We are not affiliated with International Free Zone Authority. Costs and regulations change — always confirm directly with the freezone authority before making decisions.
Sources: International Free Zone Authority official siteDET (Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism)Google Maps reviews Last verified June 2026
Not sure if International Free Zone Authority is right for you?
Talk to a FreezoneMatch advisor — we don't work for any freezone, so you'll get honest, unbiased guidance to find the right fit for your business.
Or contact International Free Zone Authority directly