FreezoneMatch

International Humanitarian City

World's Largest Humanitarian Logistics Hub in Dubai

Contact for pricing 5-14 working days setup 15 visas

What is International Humanitarian City?

International Humanitarian City is the world's largest humanitarian logistics hub, hosting UN agencies and international NGOs. It is not available for standard commercial business licensing.

World's largest humanitarian logistics hub near Jebel Ali, hosting UN agencies (WFP, UNHCR, WHO) and international NGOs. Not open for standard commercial licensing.

Key Features & Benefits

  • World's largest humanitarian hub
  • Tax-free for humanitarian entities
  • Hosts UN WFP, UNHCR, WHO, ICRC
  • Not available for commercial business licensing

Pricing & Costs

Contact for pricing

Year 1 costs, renewals, and multi-year discounts

Pricing

International Humanitarian City — Year 1 Fees

License Packages ⓘ

Contact for Pricing

AED 0/year
  • Contact the free zone directly for current license packages and pricing

💡 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 0 – 0

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 Humanitarian City'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 Humanitarian City

🛂
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 Humanitarian City.

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

2/5 ease · 3 partner banks

Bank account opening, partner banks, and payment setup

Banking

Corporate bank account opening with guaranteed IBAN.

★★ ★★★ Challenging
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 Humanitarian City is right for you?

Talk to an unbiased FreezoneMatch advisor. We'll help you compare options, avoid hidden costs, and find the best fit — completely free.

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Why International Humanitarian City?

8 key advantages

Key advantages that set this free zone apart

Why International Humanitarian City?

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 2/5 (Challenging). 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 near Jebel Ali, 30 minutes from central Dubai, adjacent to major logistics corridors

🏢

World's largest humanitarian hub

A key advantage of setting up your business in International Humanitarian City.

🔧

Tax-free for humanitarian entities

A key advantage of setting up your business in International Humanitarian City.

Best For
  • Humanitarian Logistics companies and businesses
  • Disaster Relief companies and businesses
  • Aid Distribution companies and businesses
Consider Alternatives If
  • Standard commercial businesses (not available for commercial licensing)
  • Retail or trading companies
  • Individual entrepreneurs or freelancers

Reviews

7 common questions

Customer reviews and alternatives

Is International Humanitarian City Right for You?

✅ Choose International Humanitarian City if you...

  • • humanitarian Logistics companies and businesses
  • • disaster Relief companies and businesses
  • • aid Distribution companies and businesses

🔄 Consider alternatives if you...

  • • standard commercial businesses (not available for commercial licensing)
  • • retail or trading companies
  • • individual entrepreneurs or freelancers

Compare with Similar Freezones

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Jebel Ali Free Zone

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FAQ

7 common questions

Common questions about setting up in this free zone

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about setting up in International Humanitarian City.

How much does it cost to set up in International Humanitarian City?
Pricing for International Humanitarian City is available upon request. Contact the free zone directly for a detailed quotation based on your specific business requirements.
How long does it take to set up a company in International Humanitarian City?
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 Humanitarian City?
Visa allocation depends on your office space and package selection. Contact International Humanitarian City directly for details on visa quotas and costs.
Can I sell to mainland UAE customers with a International Humanitarian City 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 Humanitarian City?
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 Humanitarian City?
International Humanitarian City is primarily a humanitarian logistics hub hosting UN agencies and international NGOs. It is not available for standard commercial business licensing. Organizations interested in setting up should contact IHC directly to discuss eligibility and office requirements.
How do I open a bank account with a International Humanitarian City 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 Humanitarian City 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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Book a Call Free, 15 min
Email Us Detailed advice
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Or contact International Humanitarian City directly

www.ihc.ae
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