IFZA Freezone Company Formation
Launch your business in IFZA — combine up to 7 activities on one licence, with tax-efficient structuring, no minimum capital, no NOC required, and your licence issued within a few working days, subject to authority processing.
Why Choose IFZA?
The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) in Dubai Silicon Oasis has emerged as one of the UAE's most flexible and entrepreneur-friendly freezones. With no minimum capital, no NOC requirement, the ability to combine up to seven activities on a single licence, and a streamlined digital setup process, IFZA removes the barriers that typically complicate freezone company formation.
Key Benefits of IFZA Registration
100% Foreign Ownership & Profit Repatriation
You retain complete ownership of your company and can remit all profits and capital abroad without restriction. This level of financial autonomy is rare across many global jurisdictions.
Corporate Tax & Customs Treatment
Qualifying Free Zone Persons may benefit from a 0% UAE Corporate Tax rate on Qualifying Income, subject to meeting the applicable conditions. Other income may be subject to the standard UAE Corporate Tax treatment. There is currently no UAE personal income tax, and customs and VAT treatment depends on the activity and goods involved.
No Minimum Capital & No NOC Required
Unlike many other jurisdictions, IFZA does not require paid-up share capital or a No-Objection Certificate from your current visa sponsor — removing two of the most common barriers to company formation.
Combine Up to Seven Business Activities
IFZA allows you to include up to seven different activities on a single licence. You could simultaneously sell products, offer consultancy, and run e-commerce operations — all under one company.
Strategic Location & Modern Facilities
Located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, IFZA provides world-class office space, logistics parks, and technology infrastructure. It serves as an ideal base for companies targeting GCC and global markets.
Limited Liability & Flexible Visa Packages
Whether you form a freezone company or open a branch, personal assets remain protected. IFZA offers flexible visa packages for investors and employees, scaling to your business needs.
Permitted Business Activities
IFZA supports one of the broadest activity lists of any Dubai freezone.
Professional Services & Consultancy
Management consulting, IT advisory, marketing, legal, and accounting services. Ideal for freelancers and knowledge-based firms operating without a local sponsor.
Trading & E-Commerce
Import, export, re-export, wholesale, and online retail across multiple product categories. A General Trading Licence covers a wide range of unrelated goods under one entity.
Industrial & Manufacturing
Light manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and processing. Companies can import raw materials duty-free and export finished products from Dubai's strategic location.
Logistics & Transport
Warehousing, freight forwarding, shipping agencies, and third-party logistics services. IFZA's proximity to major ports and airports supports efficient regional distribution.
Creative & Media
Design studios, advertising agencies, media production, gaming, and digital content creation — all benefiting from Dubai's tech infrastructure and qualifying-income treatment for Qualifying Free Zone Persons, subject to conditions.
Healthcare & Wellness
Telemedicine, diagnostics, biotech labs, health spas, and wellness consultancies, subject to DHA approvals. Positioned to capitalise on Dubai's growing health tourism sector.
Financial & Investment
Holding companies, asset management vehicles, and investment structures. Useful for managing real estate, shares, or other assets with full profit repatriation and tax-efficient structuring.
Hospitality & Tourism
Travel agencies, tour operators, event planners, and hotel management companies — leveraging Dubai's position as one of the world's top tourism destinations.
Aviation & Aerospace
Through the MBR Aerospace Hub, IFZA supports aviation MRO, aircraft leasing, flight training, manufacturing, and aerospace engineering with direct proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport.
Legal Entity Types
Limited Liability Company (LLC / FZCO)
A separate legal entity with liability distinct from shareholders' personal assets. Shareholders' liability is limited to their capital investment. This structure accommodates multiple shareholders and is the most popular choice for SMEs and growth-focused businesses.
Branch Office
An extension of an existing foreign or UAE company. The branch carries out the same activities as the parent and does not create a new legal entity — profits and liabilities remain with the parent company. Popular among multinationals entering the UAE market without restructuring their global corporate setup.
Types of Licences Available
Professional Licence
For individuals and firms selling knowledge or expertise. Allows billing for intellectual or talent-based services with 100% foreign ownership and tax-efficient structuring — ideal for freelancers and consultancies.
Commercial Licence
For businesses trading physical goods — importing, exporting, distributing, or wholesaling. Enables duty-free product imports and global re-export capabilities.
Industrial Licence
Authorises light manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and processing. IFZA's industrial facilities offer flexible warehousing and streamlined export processes.
Holding Licence
For businesses owning or managing assets rather than trading or manufacturing. Offers full control and profit repatriation, with Corporate Tax treatment depending on whether the entity meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions.
Consultancy & Service Licence
Suits firms offering specialist advisory services. Allows combining service-oriented and related commercial activities without requiring multiple licences.
General Trading Licence
Permits the sale of a wide range of unrelated goods under one entity — going beyond standard trading licences. Enables duty-free imports and UAE-wide distribution.
Step-by-Step Setup Process
- 01
Select Activity & Reserve Trade Name
Choose up to seven activities aligned with your operations. Check availability and reserve your preferred trade name with IFZA.
- 02
Choose Licence Package & Visa Quota
Decide between a Flexi-Desk, dedicated office, or private office. Packages range from zero-visa options up to multi-visa allocations.
- 03
Prepare & Submit Documents
For individuals: passport copies, UAE entry stamp/visa, Emirates ID (if available), passport photos, and proof of address. For corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, board resolution, MOA/AOA, and directors' passports.
- 04
Application Review & Approval
IFZA reviews your documents and may request clarifications. Approvals typically occur within a few working days, subject to document completeness and authority processing.
- 05
Receive Trade Licence & Company Documents
Upon approval, receive your trade licence, certificate of formation, share certificates, Memorandum of Association, company stamps, and establishment card (if visa packages are included).
- 06
Residence Visa & Emirates ID (Optional)
For visa-entitled packages: establishment card application (5–7 days), e-visa issuance (4–5 days), medical tests, biometrics, and Emirates ID collection. Family and employee visas also arranged.
- 07
Open Corporate Bank Account & Set Up Office
ElevateBiz360 liaises with banking partners to open your corporate account. Flexi-desks, shared offices, and private suites within IFZA or other Dubai business centres are available to suit your budget.
- 08
Ongoing Compliance & Annual Renewals
Annual licence renewal reminders, PRO services, visa renewals, bookkeeping, VAT registration, and corporate tax compliance are all supported by ElevateBiz360.
Documents Required
Passport Copies
Clear, coloured scans of each shareholder's passport.
Passport-Size Photos
White background, showing head and shoulders; avoid jewellery and glasses.
Proof of Address
Utility bill or bank statement not older than three months.
UAE Entry Stamp or Visa
Required for shareholders already residing in the UAE.
Emirates ID Copy
If applicable for UAE-resident shareholders.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Professional résumé detailing business experience and background.
Business Plan / Activity Summary
Recommended to outline proposed activities and market strategy for IFZA review.
Corporate Documentation
For corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, board resolution, MOA/AOA, and a Power of Attorney authorising the signatory.
Important limitations
- IFZA approves trade names, activities, and licence issuance under its own rules.
- Some activities require third-party or regulatory approvals that extend the standard timeline.
- IFZA package prices, visa costs, and renewal fees are set by the authority and may be revised.
- Visa quotas depend on the package and facility selected, with UAE immigration making the final decision.
- Corporate bank account opening remains subject to the bank's independent compliance review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IFZA and what does it offer?
The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) is a Dubai freezone located in Silicon Oasis. It offers 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation, and supports businesses of all sizes and industries. Qualifying Free Zone Persons may benefit from a 0% UAE Corporate Tax rate on Qualifying Income, subject to meeting the applicable conditions. Other income may be subject to the standard UAE Corporate Tax treatment.
How long does it take to get an IFZA licence?
Timelines vary depending on the activity, external approvals and completeness of documentation. The process is largely digital, making it one of the faster freezone setups in Dubai.
Do I need to travel to Dubai to set up my company?
No. IFZA supports remote company formation. The majority of the process can be completed online from anywhere in the world.
What is the minimum capital requirement?
There is no minimum paid-up capital requirement for IFZA companies, making it highly accessible for startups and entrepreneurs at all investment levels.
Can I add or change business activities later?
Yes. Activities can be added or amended after incorporation. IFZA allows this through a straightforward application process, giving your business flexibility to evolve.
Are IFZA companies allowed to operate on mainland Dubai?
IFZA freezone companies cannot conduct direct mainland trade without a mainland licence or distributor arrangement. However, they can service mainland clients for professional and consultancy activities in many cases.
Does IFZA require an annual audit?
Annual audits are not mandatory for all IFZA entity types, though maintaining proper accounting records is required. Specific activities or licence types may have additional reporting obligations.
Can IFZA companies own property in the UAE?
IFZA freezone companies do not have the ability to own UAE real estate directly. However, offshore structures can be used for property ownership in approved freehold zones.
When can I open a bank account?
A corporate bank account can be opened once your trade licence and company documents are issued. ElevateBiz360 facilitates bank introductions to help you navigate KYC requirements efficiently.
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Speak with an ElevateBiz360 advisor today. We'll handle your IFZA application from start to finish — licence, visas, and bank account.