IFZA company setup gives consultants, small traders, e-commerce sellers and holding structures a Dubai free zone company through the International Free Zone Authority at Dubai Silicon Oasis. Most of the process runs online. Wordcraft picks activity codes that match your real business, prepares the KYC file, attests any corporate documents and follows the visas and bank account through to the end.
IFZA Company Setup in One Table
Founders usually ask about the same six points first. Current IFZA packages and rules are on ifza.com, and we recheck them for your activities before you pay.
| Feature | IFZA |
|---|---|
| Who it suits | Solo consultants, small service firms, general and specific traders, e-commerce sellers, holding companies |
| Office options | Flexi-desk for most small companies; dedicated offices for larger teams |
| Typical activities | Consultancy, marketing, IT services, general trading, e-commerce and holding; activities from different groups can often share one license |
| Remote setup possible? | Yes for the application and e-signing. The UAE visit is for the visa medical, biometrics and bank meetings |
| Visas | Packages are sold by visa count, including zero-visa options for owners who already hold residence or live abroad |
| Trade on the UAE mainland | Service work for mainland clients is common; physical goods sold into the mainland need a distributor, a mainland license or a Dubai permit if eligible |
Why Small Businesses Shortlist IFZA
IFZA built its reputation on flexibility. A founder can often put a consultancy activity and a trading activity on the same license, which many zones do not allow. Packages are priced around how many residence visas you want, so an owner who already lives in Sharjah on a spouse visa does not pay for a quota they will never use.
The trade-off: IFZA gives you an address and a license, not a physical hub. If you need a warehouse, look at zones with storage. If your clients are mostly Dubai government entities, a mainland business setup may serve you better.
Choosing Activity Codes That Banks Accept
The activity list is where most IFZA problems start. Banks compare your license with your invoices, and a license that says general trading when you actually sell software services invites questions. We read your business model, match it to IFZA activity names and flag any that need an outside approval, such as education, health or financial services, before the application goes in.
IFZA companies are usually formed as a free zone company (FZCO) with one or more shareholders, who can be individuals or companies. An existing business can also register an IFZA branch.
Documents IFZA Checks Before Approval
- For each individual shareholder and the manager: passport, current UAE visa page or entry stamp, and a recent utility bill or bank statement as address proof
- Two or three trade name options in order of preference
- A short description of what the company will do and who its clients are
- For a company shareholder: certificate of incorporation, articles, board resolution and good-standing certificate, legalized through the UAE embassy in the home country and put into Arabic where IFZA asks
The embassy step abroad now includes UAE MOFA attestation in a single digital certificate, so parent papers rarely need another stamp once they reach Dubai.
How We Run an IFZA Application
- Message us your activities and shareholder list; a written quote follows within 10–30 minutes.
- We lock the activity codes, reserve the name and upload the KYC pack to the IFZA portal.
- You e-sign the constitutional documents from wherever you are.
- IFZA issues the license, certificate of formation and share certificate.
- We open the establishment card, start the investor visa steps and put the bank file together.
Visas, Tax and the Bank Account
The owner usually takes an investor or partner visa through the company, which can later sponsor family members. Our investor visa page explains that route, and the residence file itself goes through GDRFA Dubai.
An IFZA company still has to register with the Federal Tax Authority. Qualifying free zone persons pay 0% on qualifying income and 9% on the rest; whether you qualify depends on your income mix, so have a registered tax agent review it. We do not keep books or file returns.
Banks want a business plan, expected transaction volumes and a profile of each shareholder. We prepare those with your company bank account application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine trading and consultancy on one IFZA license?
Often yes. IFZA allows activities from different groups on one license, subject to its activity rules and any outside approvals.
Do I need to be in the UAE to set up an IFZA company?
Not for the application. You travel for the visa medical and biometrics, and most banks meet signatories in person.
Can I choose an IFZA package with no visas?
Yes. Zero-visa packages exist for owners who already hold UAE residence or live abroad, and visas can be added later by upgrading.
Can an IFZA company sponsor my family?
Once you hold residence through the company, you can usually sponsor a spouse and children under the normal GDRFA rules.
Is IFZA better than Meydan Free Zone?
Both suit small service businesses. IFZA is stronger on mixing activity groups, while Meydan Free Zone is popular with e-commerce and digital founders. We compare both against your plan.
Can an IFZA company invoice clients in Dubai?
Service invoices to mainland companies are common. Physical goods sold to mainland buyers need a distributor, a mainland license or a permit.
What affects the cost of an IFZA company?
Visa count, number of activities, license term and any external approvals. Each one appears as its own line in the written quote.
Last updated: September 2026
