IFZA Licence Cost in Dubai in 2026: Full Breakdown
The real IFZA pricing for 2026, including base licence, visa add-ons, activity selection and renewal fees. All numbers taken from current packages.
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is one of the cheapest Dubai free zones in 2026. Base licence packages start at AED 12,900 and scale with visa count and activity type. Here is what every component actually costs.
IFZA zero-visa package
The IFZA zero-visa package is AED 12,900 per year. It includes:
- Trade licence for 1 activity
- Immigration establishment card
- Flexi-desk at IFZA Business Park (Dubai Silicon Oasis)
- Chamber of Commerce registration
This suits consultants, freelancers and holding companies that do not need UAE residency immediately.
IFZA with 1 visa
AED 17,900 to AED 18,500, including everything above plus visa quota. The visa itself (medical, Emirates ID, stamping) is a separate AED 3,900 to AED 5,500 per person.
IFZA with 3 to 6 visas
- 3 visa package: AED 23,900
- 5 visa package: AED 29,900
- 6 visa package: AED 32,900
Activity selection fees
IFZA licences cover up to 3 activities from the same group. Adding activities from a different group costs AED 1,500 per activity per year. Regulated activities (educational, medical) are not available at IFZA, so pick a different zone for those.
Share capital
IFZA does not require share capital deposit. The declared capital on the licence is nominal.
Renewal cost
Renewal runs at roughly 95 percent of the first-year cost. There is no steep second-year hike, which is why IFZA competes well against Meydan and SPC on long-run cost.
Hidden extras to budget for
- Immigration e-channel registration: AED 2,200 one-time
- Visa medical and Emirates ID per person: AED 1,100 to AED 1,500
- Attestation of foreign degree (if sponsoring certain visa categories): AED 150 to AED 2,000
- Bank account opening: free with IFZA partner banks, otherwise AED 0 to AED 25,000 depending on bank. See corporate bank account guide.
IFZA vs other low-cost zones
At AED 12,900 zero-visa, IFZA matches Meydan Free Zone (AED 12,500) and sits slightly above SPC Free Zone Sharjah (AED 5,750). IFZA wins on activity flexibility (up to 3 activities included) and visa scaling. Meydan wins on the Dubai city address. SPC wins on raw price if a Sharjah address is acceptable.
For the full free zone comparison see our best free zones for startups guide, or go to our Dubai free zone setup service.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest IFZA package?
The zero-visa package at AED 12,900 per year. It includes licence, flexi-desk and establishment card. You can upgrade to add visas any time.
How many activities can I have on an IFZA licence?
Up to 3 activities from the same group are included. Additional activities from other groups cost AED 1,500 each per year.
Does IFZA need a physical office?
No. The flexi-desk is included and satisfies the office requirement for licence and visa purposes. You can upgrade to a private office later if visa count or operations require it.
Can I open a bank account with an IFZA company?
Yes. Mashreq Neo Biz, WIO and Emirates NBD all onboard IFZA companies. Breeo pre-matches you to the bank most likely to approve based on activity and shareholder residency.
How long does IFZA setup take?
Licence issuance in 2 to 5 working days once documents are complete. Visa processing adds 7 to 14 working days per person.