IFZA Free Zone Company Formation in Dubai

IFZA packages start from AED 12,900 for a single-activity licence with no visa allocation (flexi-desk). A single-activity licence with one visa allocation typically costs AED 15,900–19,900 depending on the office type. Multi-activity licences and higher visa quotas add incrementally. All government fees are included - StrataLink provides a fixed, itemised quote with no hidden fees.

Typically 3 to 7 working days from complete document submission to licence issuance. StrataLink prepares all documentation in advance and submits a complete application on day one, avoiding back-and-forth delays. Bank account opening adds a further 2–4 weeks.

Yes. IFZA's multi-activity licensing is one of its strongest features. You can operate across several approved activities - for example, management consulting, IT services, and general trading - under a single licence. Each additional activity category costs incrementally. This flexibility is why IFZA is popular with founders who have diversified revenue streams.

No. A flexi-desk arrangement satisfies both the address requirement and visa eligibility under IFZA rules. Dedicated private offices are available at Dubai Silicon Oasis for companies that require a permanent Dubai workspace for their team.

Yes. IFZA licences are accepted by all major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, Mashreq, RAKBANK, and FAB, as well as neo-banks like Wio and Hubpay. StrataLink assists with bank selection, documentation preparation, and introductions - achieving a 95% approval rate for our clients.

No. The IFZA formation process is fully digital and remote. You do not need to travel to Dubai. StrataLink manages the entire process remotely. If you apply for an Emirates ID (UAE residency), a brief visit or an authorised representative in the UAE is required for biometrics - this is a government requirement, not an IFZA one.

IFZA is a designated free zone. IFZA companies that meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) conditions are eligible for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income. This includes income from transactions with other free zone entities and qualifying offshore activities. Income from UAE mainland customers is generally subject to the standard 9% rate above AED 375,000. StrataLink advises on structuring before incorporation.

IFZA offers 1,500+ approved business activities spanning professional services, trading, technology, media, finance, and more. Common categories include management consultancy, IT services, general trading, investment activities, and digital marketing. Activities requiring regulated UAE licences (banking, insurance, brokerage) are excluded - those require DFSA or UAE Central Bank authorisation.

IFZA's primary advantages are its Dubai address (Dubai Silicon Oasis), multi-activity licensing flexibility, and strong banking acceptance. Meydan is comparable in location but has fewer activities available. Ajman and Sharjah free zones are cheaper but do not provide a Dubai address, which can matter for client perception and banking credibility. StrataLink recommends the right jurisdiction based on your specific business model and budget.

Yes. Indian founders are among the most common IFZA applicants. IFZA accepts passport holders from all nationalities. For Indian founders, IFZA formation must be accompanied by FEMA compliance if you are transferring capital from India - specifically, Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) filing with your Indian bank. StrataLink guides Indian founders through both UAE formation and FEMA/RBI compliance.

IFZA licences must be renewed annually. Renewal costs are typically 60–70% of the initial licence fee (government fees apply). StrataLink handles renewal reminders and processing for all active clients. Missing renewal results in licence cancellation and re-formation costs, so managed renewal is important.

Indirectly, yes - but IFZA company ownership alone does not automatically qualify you. The Golden Visa investor pathway requires a qualifying investment of AED 2 million in UAE real estate or a public investment fund. You can, however, sponsor yourself for a standard investor or partner visa (2–3 years) through your IFZA company. StrataLink handles both standard and Golden Visa applications.