IFZA – International Free Zone Authority

Overview

IFZA is one of Dubai’s fastest-growing freezones, located in Dubai Silicon Oasis. Since its launch, it has attracted thousands of entrepreneurs and SMEs drawn by its competitive pricing and efficient registration process. IFZA provides a Dubai address and trade licence at a fraction of the cost of legacy freezones, making it a popular choice for first-time UAE business owners.

The authority supports over 1,500 business activities and offers flexible packages ranging from single freelancer visas to multi-employee company structures.

Ideal For

IFZA works well for consultants, e-commerce operators, general traders, tech startups, and marketing agencies. It is particularly attractive to solopreneurs and small teams who want a legitimate Dubai licence without the premium price tag of DMCC or DIFC. If you need fast incorporation and plan to operate primarily online, IFZA is a strong contender.

Setup Process

IFZA is among the fastest freezones to register with, often completing the process within 3 to 5 business days. The steps include selecting your business activity, choosing a company name, submitting passport copies and a proof of address, signing the application, and receiving your licence. Visa processing takes an additional 2 to 3 weeks.

For a comparison of setup speeds, see our Fastest Freezone Setup guide.

Costs

First-year packages start from around AED 11,000 for a basic licence and go up to AED 25,000 with visa allocations and additional activities. This makes IFZA one of the best-value Dubai freezones available. Renewal fees are competitive as well. Check our Cheapest UAE Freezones guide for a full cost comparison.

Pros and Cons

IFZA delivers excellent value: competitive pricing, fast turnaround, and a broad selection of licensable activities all under a Dubai jurisdiction. The process is straightforward and support is generally responsive.

The trade-offs include a shorter track record compared to established authorities like DMCC, which can make corporate banking more difficult. Some banks are slower to approve accounts for IFZA companies, and the freezone carries less brand recognition with international clients. For a detailed comparison, read our DMCC vs IFZA guide.

Related Freezones

Meydan and SHAMS offer even lower price points. DMCC is the step up for businesses prioritising prestige and banking access.