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With over 40 specialized free zones, each tailored to diverse industries, the country continues to attract innovative and growth-oriented enterprises from around the world. Among these, the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) in Dubai stands out as a premier choice for businesses looking for a scalable, cost-effective setup in the city’s vibrant commercial landscape.
Located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, IFZA is one of Dubai’s most progressive and affordable free zones. It is designed to support a diverse range of industries by offering unmatched flexibility, fast-track business setup, and a modern regulatory environment. IFZA’s strategic location provides proximity to key transportation hubs, technology parks, and urban infrastructure, making it an ideal launchpad for companies planning international operations.
Whether you’re launching a startup or expanding a multinational, IFZA provides a business ecosystem designed for growth.
| Business Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Startups & Entrepreneurs | Cost-effective setup with minimal capital requirements |
| SMEs | Easy access to regional and global markets |
| Multinational Companies (MNCs) | A strategic regional hub for MENA, Africa, and Asia with flexible growth opportunities. |
| E-commerce & Tech Firms | Ideal for digital businesses that don’t require a physical office. |
| Consulting & Service Providers | In addition to the location benefits, they gain access to a large base of IFZA companies that could serve as potential clients. |
1. 100% Foreign Ownership
IFZA permits 100% foreign ownership, providing full control over your company’s operations and profits.
2. Strategic Location
In Dubai, IFZA is situated near major airports and seaports, facilitating easy access to global markets.
3. Favourable Tax Environment
No corporate or personal income tax, exemption from import/export duties, and no VAT on most business transactions.
4. Flexible Business Activities
IFZA Free Zone offers licenses for consultancy, trading, e-commerce, media, and technology. To provide more flexibility, businesses can apply for multiple activities under a single license.
5. Efficient Business Setup
Minimal bureaucracy and a simplified setup process enable businesses to start operations quickly, reducing both startup time and complexity.
6. World-Class Infrastructure
Access to modern office spaces, warehouses, and cutting-edge technology, supporting various business activities.
7. No Office Requirement
IFZA allows businesses to operate within the zone without the need for physical office space within the free zone.
8. Multi-currency Transactions
IFZA Free zone gives the flexibility to transacts in multiple currencies.
9. Strong Business Community
An active business community fostering networking and collaboration.
Starting a business in IFZA is simple, but maintaining compliance, efficiency, and affordability demands expert management. This is where Stratrich Consulting plays a vital role.
With hands-on experience and deep regional knowledge, we manage the entire setup process from start to finish ensuring your business launch is smooth, compliant, and aligned with your growth goals.
Our Services Include:
After understanding the benefits of setting up your business in IFZA, follow these clear steps to complete your company registration and start operating with confidence.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity and Licence Type
The first step is to decide exactly what activity your business will engage in, as this will determine your licence category. IFZA offers several types:
• Professional Licence (for services and consultancy)
• Commercial Licence (for trading and import/export)
• Industrial Licence (for light manufacturing)
• Holding Licence (to hold shares in other companies)
If your business activity requires additional approvals, for example, in sectors such as healthcare or education, you will need to obtain clearance from the relevant authorities before proceeding.
Step 2: Select Your Legal Structure and Office Package
All companies registered in IFZA are incorporated as Free Zone Companies (FZCO). At this stage, you must confirm whether you are establishing:
• A new company with individual or corporate shareholders
• A branch of your existing UAE or overseas company
You will also choose your office solution inside the IFZA Business Park at Dubai Silicon Oasis. The available options include:
• Flexi Desk (shared workstation)
• Dedicated Desk (exclusive space in a shared office)
• Private Office (enclosed office unit)
• Warehouse (if your business activity requires storage or light manufacturing space)
Step 3: Reserve Your Trade Name
Once you have decided on your business activity, you must choose and reserve your trade name. The trade name should comply with IFZA’s naming policies, which means it:
• Cannot contain religious references or offensive language
• Must not duplicate any name already registered in the UAE
• Should relate to your business activity wherever possible
The reservation process is straightforward and typically takes one to two working days. Your reserved name will remain valid for 60 days.
Step 4: Prepare and Submit Your Documents
To proceed, you will need to gather and prepare the documents required by IFZA.
For individual shareholders:
• Passport copies
• Passport-size photos
• Proof of address (such as a utility bill)
• UAE visa or entry stamp copy, if already in the country
For corporate shareholders:
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Board Resolution approving the new company setup
• Certificate of Incumbency
Any documents issued outside the UAE must be notarised and attested. Once your file is complete, you can submit it through IFZA’s online portal, via an authorised service provider, or in person. The review and initial approval generally take about two to three working days.
Step 5: Sign the incorporation documents and pay the required fees
After you receive initial approval, you will sign the incorporation documents, which include the Memorandum of Association and other statutory forms. At this stage, you will also need to settle the applicable fees:
• Licence issuance fees
• Registration costs
• Office rental charges
Once everything has been signed and the payments are processed, IFZA will issue your Certificate of Incorporation, Business Licence, Establishment Card, and Lease Agreement. This process is usually completed within two to three working days.
Step 6: Apply for Visas (Investor & Employees)
Post the incorporation, you can apply for UAE residence visas for yourself and any employees you wish to sponsor. The visa application process involves several steps:
The total time to process each visa generally ranges from five to ten working days.
Step 7: Open a Corporate Bank Account
Once your company documents have been issued, you can open a corporate bank account in the UAE. Banks will usually require you to provide:
• IFZA incorporation documents and Establishment Card
• Shareholders’ passports and UAE residence visas
• A company stamp
• In some cases, a business plan and proof of address
Processing times can range from one to three weeks, depending on the bank’s internal compliance process.
Note: Minimum balance requirements vary widely between banks, so it is recommended to confirm these details in advance.
IFZA stands out as a premier choice for entrepreneurs and companies seeking a dynamic, cost-effective entry into Dubai’s thriving business ecosystem. With its strategic benefits, tax advantages, and streamlined processes, IFZA is ideal for both local and international ventures.
Contact Stratrich today to begin your IFZA business journey and unlock growth in the UAE and beyond.
