Overview
The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) is one of the fastest-growing free zones in the UAE, headquartered in Dubai’s Fujairah branch office corridor. IFZA has gained popularity among entrepreneurs and SMEs for its competitive pricing structure, streamlined digital registration, and broad range of permitted activities spanning over 1,500 business categories.
License Types
IFZA offers several license categories including commercial licenses for trading activities, service and consultancy licenses for professional firms, industrial licenses for light manufacturing, and e-commerce licenses for online businesses. Each license permits multiple business activities to be bundled under a single registration.
Costs
IFZA is known for competitive pricing among UAE free zones. A standard license package starts at approximately AED 11,500 per year, which covers the trade license and one visa allocation. Additional visa packages, shared desk space, and flexi-office arrangements are available at incremental costs. Annual renewal fees are typically lower than first-year registration charges.
Setup Process
Setting up in IFZA follows a straightforward digital process. Applicants select their license type, reserve a trade name, submit incorporation documents (passport copies, application forms, and a business plan outline), and receive their license upon approval. The entire process can be completed within three to five business days, with most steps handled through the online portal.
Benefits
IFZA provides 100 percent foreign ownership, zero corporate and personal income tax for qualifying activities, full repatriation of capital and profits, and no currency restrictions. The free zone also offers competitive visa quotas relative to license cost and a wide range of permitted business activities.
Location and Infrastructure
IFZA operates from offices in Dubai with registered facilities in Fujairah. This dual-emirate structure gives businesses flexibility in operations while benefiting from the strategic positioning between the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman trade routes. The zone provides shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and business support services.
Key Sectors
IFZA supports general trading, e-commerce, technology services, management consulting, marketing and media, education services, logistics, and light industrial activities. The zone is particularly popular with freelancers, startups, and international SMEs seeking cost-effective UAE market entry.
Ideal Setup Profile
IFZA is best suited for cost-conscious entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and small businesses that need a UAE trade license and visa sponsorship without the overhead of premium free zone locations. The broad activity list and competitive pricing make it a strong entry point for first-time UAE business operators.