Types of IFZA Licenses and Companies

IFZA offers several license types for entrepreneurs looking to set up their business in a Dubai Free Zone:

• Professional License – Ideal for service-based or consultancy businesses.

• Commercial License – Suitable for businesses involved in trading, storage, import/export, or distribution.

• Industrial License – For businesses handling raw material imports, production, and light manufacturing.

You can include up to seven activities, even across different license types, under a single IFZA license.

One of IFZA’s key strengths is the speed of setup, with licenses typically issued in 4 working days. Entrepreneurs can also complete the registration process remotely, without visiting the UAE.

Company Types Allowed by IFZA:

• LLC (FZCO): A legal entity where the company’s debts and liabilities remain separate from the shareholders. The shareholders’ risk is limited to their capital contribution.

• Branch Office: Allows an already existing company to open a branch under IFZA. The branch operates under the same name and activity as the parent company and is considered a part of the parent entity for legal and financial purposes.

IFZA Company Formation and Residence Visa Issuance Process

Why IFZA?

IFZA is a cost-effective and streamlined solution for setting up a company in Dubai. Co-branded with Dubai Silicon Oasis, IFZA has become one of the most accessible and flexible free zones for foreign entrepreneurs.

How to Set Up a Free Zone Company with IFZA

Setting up a company is a straightforward 3-step process:

Step 1: Choose your preferred license package online.
Step 2: Submit the following documents:

• Passport copy of each shareholder

• UAE visa or entry stamp (if available)

• Emirates ID (if applicable)

• Passport-size photo (white background)

Step 3: Your application will be submitted and processed. You can expect your trade license to be issued within 4–5 working days.

How to Obtain a UAE Residence Visa Through an IFZA Company

Step 1: If your license includes visa eligibility, the company’s Establishment Card will be applied for. This takes around 5–7 business days.

Step 2: The visa applicant must be inside the UAE for processing due to immigration regulations.

Step 3: The e-visa is issued within 4–5 days once the application is submitted.

Step 4: After visa issuance, the status change is completed in 1–2 days, allowing for the medical and Emirates ID process.

• Important: Once status is changed inside UAE, the applicant cannot leave the country until the visa is stamped.

Step 5: The applicant undergoes a medical exam and submits biometric data for the Emirates ID. Medical results are available in 2 hours to 7 days, depending on the package.

Documents Required:

• Original passport

• Copy of e-visa

• Change of status confirmation

• 3 passport-size photos

• Trade license

• Establishment card

Step 6: After receiving the medical report, the applicant proceeds with ID biometrics.

Step 7: Send all final documents to IFZA for visa stamping and ID issuance:

• Original passport

• 9 passport-size photos

• e-visa copy

• Change status confirmation

• Medical test result

• Emirates ID application

• Trade license

• Establishment card

Visa stamping takes 5–7 days, and the Emirates ID is generally issued 10 days later.

Optional Office Space Solutions

Extras & Add-ons:

• PO Box: AED 1,200/year

• Call handling: AED 150/month

• Extra phone: AED 75/month

• Meeting Room: AED 75–200/hour

• Extra workstation: AED 100/month

• Parking: AED 250/month (Flexi Desk only)

• Utility surcharge: 6% for private/personalized offices

• Printing: AED 50 per 100 pages

• Refundable phone deposit: AED 500

Office Types Explained:

• Flexi Desk: Shared workspace, max 10 hours/week, with WiFi and 1-hour monthly meeting room usage.

• Flexi Desk+: Fixed desk with unlimited access, 5 hours of meeting room time, and parking included.

• Dedicated Office: 9 m² private desk with 5 hours meeting + 1 hour conference room monthly.

• Private Office: 12.5 m² with executive or dual workstations, 24/7 access, 7 hours meeting + 2 hours conference room/month.

• Personalized Office: Customizable office (20 m²+), 24/7 use, 7 hours meeting + 5 hours conference monthly, with 2 parking spots.

Documents Required for an IFZA Company Formation

For Individual Shareholders:

• Passport copy

• Passport-size photo

• Emirates ID and visa copy (if resident)

For Corporate Shareholders:

• Notarized board resolution

• Memorandum & Articles of Association

• Trade license

• Certificate of incorporation (notarized)

Key Features