FreezoneMatch

International Free Zone Authority

International Free Zone Authority — Affordable General Trading & E-Commerce Hub Starting from AED 11,500

AED 11,500 /year 5-14 working days setup 15 visas

What is International Free Zone Authority?

Budget-friendly Dubai free zone offering some of the lowest setup costs in the UAE, popular with startups and SMEs seeking cost-effective company formation.

Budget-friendly Dubai free zone offering some of the lowest setup costs in the UAE, popular with startups and SMEs seeking cost-effective company formation.

Key Features & Benefits

  • 100% foreign ownership
  • 0% corporate/personal income tax
  • One of the lowest setup costs in Dubai
  • 1,000+ activity codes
  • Fast processing in 24-48 hours
  • Popular with digital nomads and startups

Pricing & Costs

From AED 11,500/yr

Year 1 costs, renewals, and multi-year discounts

Pricing

International Free Zone Authority — Year 1 Fees

License Packages ⓘ

Starter Package (no visa)

AED 11,500/year
  • License
  • Registration
  • 1 activity

Business Package (1 visa)

AED 17,250/year
  • License
  • Registration
  • 1 visa
  • Flexi desk

Premium Package (3 visas)

AED 28,750/year
  • License
  • Registration
  • 3 visas
  • Flexi desk

💡 Multi-year licenses (2–3 years) are 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 RenewalⓘEvery 2 years (per person) AED 3,650 – 5,000

All prices are in AED and exclude 5% VAT where applicable. Prices may change — contact the FreezoneMatch team directly to confirm latest rates. (Prices last updated: 12 February 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

🎉

You're Open for Business!

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 with guaranteed IBAN.

★★★ ★★ Moderate
3 Partner Banks
2-4 weeks Account Opening

Partner Banks

Emirates NBD

Major UAE bank with comprehensive business banking

Mashreq Bank

Digital-first banking with StartUp packages

RAKBANK

SME-friendly banking solutions

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?

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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

🏢

One of the lowest setup costs in Dubai

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.

Best 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

7 common questions

Customer reviews and alternatives

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

Meydan Free Zone

Premium option with guaranteed IBAN and fast-track setup

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Sharjah Media City Free Zone

Lower cost option; strong in creative; Sharjah-based alternative

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Dubai Multi Commodities Centre

Higher cost but more features; strong in commodities, trading

Compare

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 11,500 – 30,000, depending on license type, office choice, and number of visas. This includes the trade license, registration, and basic setup 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.
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 best fit for your business.

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Email Us Detailed advice
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Or contact International Free Zone Authority directly

www.ifza.com
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