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Dubai · Free Zone

International Free Zone Authority

Affordable General Trading & E-Commerce Hub Starting from AED 12,900

AED 12,900 /year 5-14 working days setup 15 visas 4.8★ 2.9k reviews

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

Year 1 cost range

International Free Zone Authority Year 1 cost range: AED 13K to AED 30K, median AED 21K.AED 13K – AED 30K (median AED 21K)AED 13K – AED 30K (median AED 21K)
as of May 2026

Pricing

International Free Zone Authority — Year 1 Fees

Last verified: May 2026

License Packages

Zero-Visa Package

AED 12,900/year
  • License
  • Registration
  • 1 activity

One-Visa Package

AED 14,900/year
  • License
  • Registration
  • 1 visa
  • Flexi desk

Three-Visa Package

AED 18,900/year
  • 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

Visa Costs every 2 years, per person

Renewal Fees

Yearly
License Renewal AED 5,750 – 5,750
Every 2 Years
Visa RenewalEvery 2 years (per person) AED 3,650 – 5,000

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 Roadmap

Your journey from application to fully operational business.

5–14 working days 100% Remote No Visit Required
Step 1 1 day

Choose Business Activity

Select your business activity and license type from International Free Zone Authority's approved list

Step 2 1-2 days

Reserve Trade Name

Submit trade name application for approval

Step 3 1-2 days

Submit Documents

Upload passport copies, application form, and supporting documents

Step 4 1 day

Pay License & Registration Fees

Complete payment for license and registration fees to International Free Zone Authority

Step 5 5-14 days

Receive Trade License

License issued after document verification and payment confirmation

Step 6 2-4 weeks

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.

Typically 47 days (range 27 days–66 days)License5–14 daysVisa7–21 daysBank14–28 daysReady1–3 days
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)
Good to Know
  • 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

Corporate bank account opening, IBAN issued at setup where supported.

Moderate Banking ease — methodology ★★★★★ Major banks actively onboard new entities; average opening <2 weeks ★★★★ Most major banks accept; 2–4 weeks ★★★ Some banks accept; 4–6 weeks ★★ Challenging to open; 6–10 weeks Typically requires special structuring
3 Partner Banks
2-4 weeks Account Opening

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

Trade License
Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum & Articles of Association
Passport copy of all shareholders
Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
Brief company profile
Proof of business activity (contracts, invoices)
3 months personal bank statement
Tips for Faster Approval
  • 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
Independent Advice

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.

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Why International Free Zone Authority?

8 key advantages

Key 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.

Recommended For
  • Management and business consultants
  • E-commerce and online retail businesses
  • General trading companies
  • Technology and software companies
  • Media, marketing, and advertising agencies
Consider Alternatives If
  • 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

Top Rated Service 2026 4.8 based on 2.9K reviews

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.

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

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?
First-year costs typically range from AED 12,900 – 30,000, depending on the package, office choice, and number of visas. The Zero-Visa Package (AED 12,900, as of June 2026) includes the trade license and registration but excludes visa processing costs.
How long does it take to set up a company in International Free Zone Authority?
The standard setup process typically takes 5-14 working days, depending on document completeness and license type. Some zones offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
How many visas can I get with International Free Zone Authority?
Visa allocation depends on your office space and package. Based on package selected. Each visa costs approximately AED 3,650 – 5,000 for processing.
Can I sell to mainland UAE customers with a International Free Zone Authority license?
Free zone companies cannot directly sell to mainland customers without additional permits. You can obtain a DET permit, mainland branch license, or service agent agreement to access the mainland market. E-commerce sales are generally permitted with appropriate approvals.
Do I pay corporate tax in International Free Zone Authority?
Companies classified as Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZP) benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Non-qualifying income is subject to the standard 9% UAE corporate tax rate. Personal income tax remains 0%.
Do I need a physical office in International Free Zone Authority?
No, International Free Zone Authority offers flexi-desk and virtual office options that satisfy UAE compliance requirements. You can upgrade to a private office or warehouse as your business grows.
How do I open a bank account with a International Free Zone Authority license?
After receiving your trade license, you can apply for a business bank account with any UAE bank. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks. Required documents include your trade license, certificate of incorporation, passport copies, and proof of business activity.

Related guides

Deeper reading on topics relevant to International Free Zone Authority.

Compare International Free Zone Authority

Side-by-side head-to-head comparisons with other UAE freezones — cost, setup, banking, visas.

Third-party source

IFZA published 1/2/3/5-year promo price list (Oct 2025), verified June 2026

Last verified: June 2026

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

Independent Advice

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.

100% free No obligation We don't work for any freezone

Or contact International Free Zone Authority directly