Thinking about setting up a business in Dubai? IFZA is one of the easiest and cheapest free zones to start with. Here’s what it actually costs, in plain terms.
The IFZA license cost in Dubai starts from AED 12,900 for a one-year Zero Visa package. Packages with visa allocations start from AED 14,900. Multi-year packages offer lower annual costs, with discounts of up to 30%. Additional fees may apply for the establishment card, medical test, Emirates ID, visa status change, and optional fast-track services.
What Is IFZA?
IFZA stands for International Free Zone Authority. It’s based in Dubai Digital Park. You can open a Trading license or a Service/Consultancy license there. You get full ownership. You don’t need a local partner.
IFZA License Cost: The Basics
IFZA prices depend on two things:
- How many visas you need
- How many years you want your license for
The more visas you add, the higher the price. The longer you commit, the more you save per year.
1-Year License Prices
Here’s what a 1-year IFZA license costs, including VAT:
| Package | Price |
| Zero Visa | 12,900 AED |
| 1 Visa | 14,900 AED |
| 2 Visa | 16,900 AED |
| 3 Visa | 18,900 AED |
| 4 Visa and above | 20,900 AED |
Every package with 1 or more visas also comes with 1 free residence visa for life. You just need to keep renewing your license to keep it.
Multi-Year Prices (Bigger Discounts)
IFZA gives real discounts if you pay for more than one year upfront.
| Term | Discount | Zero Visa Price |
| 1 Year | — | 12,900 AED |
| 2 Years | ~15–25% | 19,400 AED |
| 3 Years | 20% | 31,000 AED |
| 5 Years | 30% | 45,200 AED |
A 5-year Zero Visa license works out to about 9,040 AED per year. That’s much cheaper than paying yearly.
What the Free Visa Actually Covers
The “free” visa isn’t fully free. Here’s what it includes:
- The standard visa issuance fee (3,750 AED)
- The standard visa renewal fee
Here’s what it does NOT include:
- Medical exam costs
- Emirates ID registration
- Any government fee increase above 3,750 AED
So budget a little extra per visa holder, even with the free visa offer.
Hidden Costs to Know About
The license price on paper isn’t your final cost. A few things are charged separately:
- Company establishment card
- Visa status changes
- Investor/partner title changes
- VIP or fast-track processing
- Medical exams
- Emirates ID registration
Good news: two fees that are usually charged are currently waived. The General Trading fee and the Cross Business Activity fee are both free for new applications, for the next 4 years.
Free FlexiDesk Included
New licenses also come with a free FlexiDesk for one year:
- Zero or 1 Visa → 1 desk
- 2 Visa → 2 desks
- 3 Visa → 3 desks
Renewal Costs
Multi-year packages are billed upfront, but issued with 1-year validity and auto-renewal on paper. As long as you renew on time, your visa stays free and your promotional benefits continue for up to 4 years. If you skip a renewal, you lose the free visa benefit.
Quick Example
Say you want a 2-Visa license for 2 years.
- License price: 28,700 AED
- 2 medical exams: ~1,600 AED
- 2 Emirates ID: ~1,400 AED
- Establishment card: ~2,000 AED
Conclusion
IFZA is one of the most affordable ways to start a business in Dubai. Just remember: the license price is your starting point, not your final cost. Add visa-related fees, and you’ll have a realistic budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest IFZA license?
1-year Zero Visa license, at 12,900 AED.
Is the visa really free?
It covers the standard government issuance and renewal fee. Medical exams and Emirates ID cost extra.
Do I get a discount for multiple years?
Yes. Up to 30% off for a 5-year license.
Can I get more than 4 visas?
Yes. The 4 Visa and above package covers this, starting from 20,900 AED.
What’s not included in the price?
Establishment card, medical exams, Emirates ID, and VIP services.
