IFZA

A Dubai free zone in the Dubai Silicon Oasis area, popular with consultancies and small businesses for its broad activity list and flexible office options.

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Overview

IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is based in Dubai Silicon Oasis, with its reception at IFZA Business Park. Companies are incorporated as FZCOs and hold a commercial licence for trading activities or a professional licence for services. The broad activity list makes it a common choice for founders who want a Dubai free zone company without a large office.

Many IFZA companies start with one of its flexible workspace options rather than a private office, and move to a larger office as the team grows. As with any free zone, you own 100% of the company, but selling directly to customers on the UAE mainland usually needs an extra arrangement.

Good for

Consultancies, agencies and professional services
Small and medium-sized businesses with a small team
Founders who want a Dubai address with a flexi-desk
General trading and e-commerce businesses
Founders who need several related activities on one licence

Things to consider

Selling directly to UAE mainland customers usually needs a distributor, a mainland branch or a specific permit
Flexi-desk packages come with a limited visa allocation
Regulated activities, such as financial services, need extra approvals
Banks assess each new company individually, so plan for questions about your business

Fees, packages and visa quotas change often; we confirm current figures in your consultation.

Common questions

Where is IFZA located?

IFZA is based in Dubai Silicon Oasis, with its reception at IFZA Business Park, so your company has a Dubai free zone address.

What type of company do I get with IFZA?

IFZA incorporates companies as FZCOs (free zone companies). You then hold a commercial licence for trading activities, such as general trading or e-commerce, or a professional licence for services such as consultancy. The licence type follows your activities, so choose them carefully: banks and immigration authorities read your licence closely.

Can I combine several activities on one IFZA licence?

Usually, yes, within IFZA's rules on which activities can be combined. Some combinations or regulated activities need extra approval. We check your planned activities before you apply.

Do I need to be in the UAE to set up an IFZA company?

Not for incorporation itself: IFZA states that no physical presence is needed while the company is being incorporated. You will need to come to the UAE for residence visa steps, such as the medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics, and most banks want to meet the account signatory before they open an account.

Do I need an office in IFZA?

Not necessarily. Many small companies start with a flexible desk option. If you need more visas or a team workspace, a larger office may be required. Visa allocation depends on your package and office.

Can an IFZA company work with clients on the UAE mainland?

It depends on the activity and the client. Many free zone companies work with mainland clients through a distributor or agent, or set up a mainland branch. In some cases a specific permit is available. We confirm what applies to your activity.

Guides for choosing and running your company

Sources

Is IFZA right for you?

Tell us what you sell, who to and how many people you plan to hire. We compare options and confirm current fees and visa quotas.

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