Company Formation Services in IFZA
Dubai’s International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) is one of the most dynamic business zones in the UAE. Established in 2018, it has quickly become a prime destination for entrepreneurs, startups, and international corporations. IFZA was built to simplify business setup while offering cost-effective licensing, complete foreign ownership, and streamlined compliance.
It promotes innovation, collaboration, and competitiveness across multiple sectors, from trading to technology.
The UAE government supports IFZA as part of its vision to strengthen the country’s economic diversity. The free zone offers strategic connectivity to international markets, flexible licensing structures, and access to Dubai’s global infrastructure. Entrepreneurs who choose IFZA find an ecosystem where cost-efficiency meets opportunity.
What Does Company Formation in IFZA Mean?
Company formation in IFZA refers to establishing a business under the International Free Zone Authority, headquartered in Dubai Silicon Oasis. This free zone allows companies to benefit from tax exemptions, 100% foreign ownership, and world-class support services.
Under the UAE’s Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022), companies registered in IFZA can qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on eligible income, provided they meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) requirements and comply with FTA filing obligations.
IFZA company formation is ideal for businesses looking to expand globally while maintaining a strong presence in the Middle East. It’s known for its flexible policies, transparent governance, and cost-effective packages that attract entrepreneurs from around the world.
Key Advantages of Company Formation in IFZA
IFZA’s appeal lies in its versatility and regulatory simplicity. It supports small entrepreneurs and large multinationals alike with equal convenience.
Here are some major advantages:
- Complete Foreign Ownership: Investors can own 100% of their business without a UAE national partner.
- Zero Corporate Tax: Businesses that qualify under QFZP criteria enjoy 0% tax on eligible income.
- Low Setup Cost: IFZA is one of the most affordable free zones in Dubai.
- Quick Incorporation: Licensing and registration are completed in just a few days.
- No Physical Office Needed: Virtual offices and flexible workspaces are allowed.
- Diverse Licensing Options: Options include professional, commercial, industrial, and holding licenses.
- Strategic Location: Proximity to Dubai International Airport and global trade routes.
- Visa Availability: Investor and employee visas are available.
- Networking Opportunities: The zone encourages collaboration among businesses.
- Minimal Paperwork: Streamlined registration with electronic documentation.
These benefits make IFZA a preferred choice for modern businesses aiming for speed, efficiency, and access to global markets.
Types of IFZA Company Licenses
Each license type under IFZA caters to a specific business need. Investors can choose based on their activity:
- Professional License: For service-oriented businesses like consulting, IT, or marketing.
- Commercial License: For trading, import, and export companies.
- Industrial License: For businesses engaged in light manufacturing and production.
- Branch License: For foreign or UAE-based companies expanding into IFZA.
- Holding License: For managing investments and owning assets.
The flexibility in license categories ensures that businesses can easily scale or diversify operations.
Step-by-Step Process for Company Formation in IFZA
Starting a company in IFZA is smooth, transparent, and fast. The steps are as follows:
Step 1: Choose a Business Structure
Select a suitable business structure based on ownership and objectives:
- Free Zone Establishment (Single shareholder)
- Free Zone Company (Multiple shareholders)
- Branch Office (Extension of an existing entity)
Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing assists clients in determining the most efficient structure based on tax, compliance, and investment goals.
Step 2: Choose Business Activities
IFZA allows a wide range of activities, including trading, consulting, logistics, education, and IT services. Selecting the correct activity ensures the license matches your business model and regulatory requirements.
Step 3: Select a Trade Name
The trade name should comply with UAE naming rules. It must be unique, non-offensive, and free of religious or political references. IFZA provides a simple name reservation system to secure your brand identity.
Step 4: Prepare and Submit Documents
The main documents for IFZA company formation include:
- Passport copies of shareholders and directors.
- Proof of residence and contact details.
- Application form with Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) information.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Emirates ID and visa copy (for UAE residents).
- Business plan (if applicable).
All documents are reviewed by IFZA before the issuance of the initial approval.
Step 5: Pay the License Fee
Pay the relevant license fee to secure your business registration. The cost depends on the type of activity and visa quota. IFZA provides packages that include one, two, or more visas as part of the setup.
Step 6: Sign the E-Agreement
Once approved, the free zone issues an E-Agreement that serves as the legal contract between IFZA and your company. Both parties sign it digitally, confirming compliance with the free zone’s terms and regulations.
Step 7: Receive the E-License and Certificate
After final verification, IFZA issues an electronic license and certificate of incorporation. You can immediately start your business operations.
Step 8: Post-License Setup
After receiving the license, complete the following:
- Open a corporate bank account in a UAE bank.
- Apply for investor and employee visas.
- Set up a workspace or virtual office if required.
- Register for corporate tax or VAT if applicable.
Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing manages each of these steps to ensure smooth compliance and setup.
Cost and Timeline for IFZA Company Setup
The cost of forming a company in IFZA depends on the license type, visa quota, and services selected.
Typical Costs:
- License and registration fees: AED 11,000 – AED 15,000
- Additional visas: AED 3,500 – AED 6,000 each
- Bank account setup: AED 2,000 – AED 5,000 (varies by bank)
- Office rental or virtual desk: Optional, starting at AED 5,000 annually
Typical Timeline:
- Name approval and initial clearance: 1–2 working days
- License issuance: 3–5 working days
- Visa process: 5–10 working days
Overall, the full IFZA company setup can be completed in less than two weeks when managed by experts.
Legal and Compliance Requirements
While IFZA offers flexibility, businesses must follow UAE regulations, including:
- Corporate Tax: Companies meeting QFZP criteria may qualify for 0% tax; others follow UAE’s standard rate.
- Economic Substance Regulation (ESR): Firms conducting “relevant activities” must file ESR notifications and reports.
- UBO Declaration: Companies must disclose their ultimate beneficial owners.
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance: Maintain transparent banking and recordkeeping.
- VAT Registration: If annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000, registration is mandatory.
Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing ensures businesses comply with all tax, ESR, and AML obligations to avoid penalties.
Why Choose IFZA Over Other Free Zones
- Lower setup cost than most Dubai zones.
- Central location within Dubai city limits.
- Full foreign ownership without restrictions.
- 100% repatriation of profits and capital.
- Streamlined digital incorporation process.
- Support for over 2,000 business activities.
- Strategic advantage for global investors.
These benefits position IFZA as one of the most flexible and growth-driven free zones in the UAE.
PRO Services in IFZA
IFZA requires certain administrative tasks that can be handled efficiently through professional PRO services:
- Trade name approval and amendments.
- Document attestation and notary support.
- Tenancy contract attestation and Ejari registration.
- Labor establishment card issuance.
- Employee and investor visa processing.
- Emirates ID, medical test, and visa stamping.
- License renewal, modification, and cancellation.
- Legal document drafting (MoA & AoA).
Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing manages all these PRO services, ensuring that your IFZA company operates smoothly and compliantly.
Why Choose Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing for IFZA Setup
Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but with Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing, the process becomes seamless. Our team assists clients with end-to-end company formation, compliance, and financial planning within IFZA.
We handle every aspect — from selecting the license type to filing documentation, tax registration, visa processing, and corporate banking.
Our goal is to ensure your setup meets UAE regulations and global standards.
We Provide:
- Expert consultation for business structure selection.
- Fast registration and licensing in IFZA.
- Corporate tax, ESR, and UBO compliance management.
- Accounting and auditing support.
- Assistance with visa and banking requirements.
At Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing, we believe that the key to success lies in precision and timing — after all, a stitch in time saves nine.
For More Information
- Visit Our Office: Saraya Avenue Building – Office M-06, Block/A, Al Garhoud – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Contact/WhatsApp: +971 50 276 2132
