IFZA License Packages in Dubai: Costs, Types & Visa Options

IFZA license packages are one of the first things you need to understand before setting up a company in Dubai. Every package bundles your trade license with a visa allocation, an office solution, and the registration steps needed to get your company legally up and running.

Whether you are launching a consultancy, opening an e-commerce store, or setting up a trading company, choosing the right IFZA license package from the start can save you money and prevent unnecessary changes later.

In this guide, you will learn what is included in an IFZA license package, how much each tier costs, the different visa options available, and how to apply for your license.

What Is an IFZA License Package?

An IFZA license package is a business setup solution offered by the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA). Instead of applying for individual services separately, you choose a package that combines the essentials needed to establish your company, such as your business license, company registration, and, depending on the package, visa eligibility and office solutions.

The package you choose affects your IFZA license cost, the number of visas you can apply for, and the services included with your company setup. This flexibility makes the IFZA free zone suitable for freelancers, startups, SMEs, and international investors seeking a straightforward business setup process.

Key Benefits of an IFZA Business License

If you are weighing up where to register your company, IFZA is one of the most established free zones for entrepreneurs, startups, and international investors. Here are some of the main reasons businesses choose IFZA free zone.

• Competitive License Fees: The IFZA license cost starts lower than many comparable UAE free zones, which is why it appeals to startups, freelancers, and SMEs working with a tight first-year budget.
• Extensive Range of Approved Activities: The IFZA activity list spans trading, consultancy, technology, media, and more, so most businesses can find a matching activity without needing more than one license.
• Flexible Visa Allocation: You can start with a zero-visa package and scale up to multiple visa slots as your team grows, without having to switch free zones as your business expands.
• Fast, Largely Remote Setup: Much of the registration process can be completed online, which keeps your IFZA business setup moving without repeated trips to Dubai.
• A Genuine Dubai Address: Because IFZA falls under Dubai Silicon Oasis, your company gets a recognised Dubai address, which tends to carry more weight with banks than addresses in some free zones outside the city.

What Is Included in an IFZA License Package?

Every IFZA license package covers a core set of essentials, though the exact scope shifts slightly depending on the visa tier you pick. Here is what you can generally expect.

Once you know what is included, it becomes much easier to compare the price of IFZA free zone packages against what other zones are offering, since not every free zone includes the same standard extras.

Types of IFZA License Packages and Their Costs

IFZA offers different license packages to suit businesses of different sizes. As of 2026, IFZA license cost starts at roughly AED 12,900 for a zero-visa package, and it increases as you add each visa slot. The table below sets out the standard fees for a 1-year license.

Zero Visa Package

The Zero Visa package is ideal if you do not need a UAE residence visa. It is a popular choice for overseas entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors who want to establish a company in the UAE while managing their business remotely.

One Visa Package

The One Visa package includes one visa quota, making it suitable for freelancers, solo entrepreneurs, and business owners who plan to live and work in the UAE.

Two Visa Package

The Two Visa package is well-suited to business partners or businesses planning to hire their first employee. It provides additional flexibility while keeping your business setup relatively affordable.

Three Visa Package

The Three Visa package is designed for growing businesses that need multiple visa quotas from the outset. It is commonly chosen by agencies, consultancies, and SMEs planning to build a small team.

Four Visa Package

The Four Visa package is ideal for businesses with larger staffing requirements. If you expect to recruit several employees shortly after launching, this package can save you from upgrading your license as your business grows.

Additional Costs Associated with IFZA Free Zone Packages

Your package price is only part of your overall business setup cost. Depending on your requirements, there may be additional fees to consider before completing your IFZA business setup.

Some of the most common additional costs include:

• Establishment Card: AED 2,000 for the first year
• Resident Visa: AED 3,750 per person
• Medical Test: around AED 260 – 360
• Emirates ID: around AED 370 as standard
• Office Upgrades: varies by size and location
• License Renewal: applies annually

Need help estimating your setup costs? InZone can provide a tailored cost breakdown based on your business activity, visa requirements, and chosen package.

How to Choose the Right IFZA License Package

The right IFZA license package depends on your business goals, visa requirements, and budget. Before making your decision, consider these key factors.

1. Choose the Right Business Activity

Your first step should be identifying the business activity that best reflects what your company will do. Every IFZA license is issued based on approved activities, so selecting the right one is important. If you plan to expand your services in the future, check whether you can combine compatible activities under the same license.

2. Consider Your Visa Requirements

Think about whether you need a UAE residence visa now or later. If you plan to manage your business from overseas, a Zero Visa package may be enough. However, if you intend to relocate or hire employees, choose a package with the appropriate IFZA visa allocation.

3. Set a Realistic Budget

Your budget should cover more than the initial IFZA license cost. Consider additional expenses such as visa processing, annual renewals, office upgrades, and any future amendments that may be required.

4. Plan for Future Growth

If you expect your business to grow, choose a package that can support your expansion. Upgrading later is possible, but selecting a package that meets your long-term needs can save both time and money.

Types of IFZA Licenses

Once you have selected the right package, the next step is choosing the appropriate license. The type of business license in IFZA you need depends on the activities your business will carry out. The most common ones include:

• Commercial License: A Commercial License is suitable for businesses involved in buying, selling, importing, exporting, or distributing goods. It is commonly chosen by retailers, wholesalers, and trading companies.
• Professional License: A Professional License is designed for businesses that provide specialised services or expertise. This includes consultants, marketing agencies, accountants, IT professionals, and other service-based businesses.
• Industrial License: An Industrial License is intended for businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, assembling, or packaging goods. Depending on the activity, additional approvals may be required before operations begin.
• Branch License: A Branch License allows an existing local or international company to open a branch in IFZA and operate under the parent company’s name.

Business Activities Available Under an IFZA License

The IFZA activity list covers a broad range of business activities, allowing entrepreneurs to choose the option that best matches their business. Some of the most common categories include:

• Trading & Commercial (import, export, wholesale, retail, distribution)
• Professional & Consultancy (business consultancy, accounting, HR, legal, marketing)
• Industrial & Manufacturing (manufacturing, processing, assembly, packaging)
• Technology & IT (software development, IT consultancy, cybersecurity, AI, cloud services)
• Media & Creative (advertising, content creation, PR, publishing, graphic design)
• E-commerce & Online Businesses (online retail, dropshipping, digital marketplaces)
• Education & Training (training institutes, coaching, educational consultancy)
• Real Estate & Property (property consultancy, brokerage support, real estate management)
• Healthcare & Wellness (healthcare consultancy, wellness coaching, fitness services)

You can typically combine several related IFZA license activities under one license, which saves you from paying for separate licenses if your business touches more than one service line.

IFZA Visa Options: Which One Is Right for You?

The right IFZA visa option depends on your business needs and chosen license package. Depending on your package, you may be able to sponsor yourself, employees, and eligible family members.

1. Zero Visa

A Zero Visa package is suitable if you do not plan to live in the UAE or require a residence visa. It allows you to establish your company while managing your business remotely.

2. Investor Visa

An Investor Visa is designed for business owners who want to live and operate their company in the UAE. It allows you to apply for UAE residency while managing your business.

3. Employee Visa

If you plan to hire staff, you can choose a package with the required visa allocation. The number of employee visas available depends on your selected license package.

4. Family Sponsorship

Once you have obtained your UAE residence visa and meet the applicable eligibility requirements, you may be able to sponsor your spouse, children, or other eligible family members.

How to Apply for an IFZA License Package

Applying for an IFZA license is a straightforward process when you have the right documents and choose a package that matches your business needs.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity

Select one or more approved activities from the IFZA activity list that best match your business operations and the products or services you plan to offer.

Step 2: Select Your License Package

Choose an IFZA license package based on your business activity, visa requirements, budget, and the number of visas your business may need.

Step 3: Submit the Required Documents

Complete your application and provide the required documents, such as your passport copy and any additional information requested for your chosen business activity.

Step 4: Pay the Applicable Fees

Once your application has been reviewed, you will need to pay the applicable IFZA license fees and any additional government charges.

Step 5: Receive Your License

After your application is approved, your business license in IFZA will be issued, allowing you to legally begin operating your business.

Step 6: Apply for Your Visa

If your package includes visa eligibility, you can proceed with your IFZA visa application, including your medical fitness test and Emirates ID registration.

Set Up Your IFZA Company with InZone

Choosing the right IFZA license package is only the first step. You also need to select the right business activity, prepare the required documents, and complete your company registration correctly.

At InZone, we help entrepreneurs, startups, and businesses compare IFZA free zone packages in Dubai, understand the full setup costs, and manage the entire registration process from start to finish. Whether you need a Zero Visa package or a package with multiple visa allocations, our team can help you find the right solution for your business.

Ready to start your IFZA business setup? Contact InZone today and let our experts guide you through every step of the process.