What is the IFZA free zone cost?
The ifza free zone cost is one of the main reasons entrepreneurs compare it closely with other Dubai free zones. IFZA is generally positioned as a mid-range option: more affordable than premium zones like DMCC, but usually above entry-level options such as SHAMS. For a basic first-year setup, a realistic starting point for an IFZA company is around AED 12,900 for the license package before visas, Emirates ID, and office upgrades. That makes it a popular choice for consultants, trading businesses, and service companies that want a Dubai free zone presence without the higher costs of some central business districts.
On dubaisetupcost.com, the goal is to estimate the full first-year spend, not just the headline license fee. In practice, your total depends on whether you need residency visas, how many shareholders or employees you plan to sponsor, and whether a flexi-desk or larger office is required for your activity.
Typical IFZA first-year cost breakdown
Below is a practical example of how IFZA costs are usually built up. Figures are shown in AED, with approximate USD conversion at AED 3.6725 = USD 1. Actual pricing can vary by package, activity, and promotional offers, but these numbers are consistent with standard Dubai setup budgeting.
| Cost item | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| IFZA base license package | 12,900 | 3,513 |
| Establishment card | 1,500 | 408 |
| Per residency visa allocation | 3,500 | 953 |
| Emirates ID (1 year) | 400 | 109 |
| Emirates ID (2 years) | 700 | 191 |
| Emirates ID (3 years) | 1,000 | 272 |
| Flexi-desk upgrade | 8,000 | 2,178 |
| Shared office upgrade | 20,000 | 5,446 |
| Dedicated office upgrade | 35,000 | 9,531 |
How IFZA compares with other Dubai setup options
IFZA sits in a competitive part of the Dubai market. A mainland LLC often starts around AED 15,000 before office and visa costs, while Meydan is commonly around AED 12,500. SHAMS can start lower at roughly AED 8,050, and a freelance permit may be around AED 7,500. At the premium end, DMCC often reaches AED 50,000 or more once office requirements are included.
This means IFZA is not the cheapest free zone, but it often appeals to founders who want a balance of cost, flexibility, and Dubai-based branding. If your priority is the lowest possible entry price, another zone may come out lower. If your priority is a recognized Dubai free zone with moderate first-year costs, IFZA is frequently shortlisted.
What increases your total IFZA setup cost?
The biggest jump usually comes from visas and workspace. If you are forming a company without residency, your first-year total may stay relatively close to the base license plus establishment card. But once you add one visa, your budget typically rises by at least AED 3,500, plus the related Emirates ID fee. Additional visas increase the total further on a per-person basis.
Office selection matters too. A business that can operate with a standard package may avoid major workspace costs, while a company needing a flexi-desk, shared office, or dedicated office could add AED 8,000, AED 20,000, or AED 35,000 respectively. Some regulated or higher-substance activities may also need extra approvals, which should be factored into the final estimate.
Example IFZA budgets for common scenarios
A simple no-visa setup might total about AED 14,400 including the base license and establishment card. A more common one-owner residency case could be around AED 18,800 with one visa and a one-year Emirates ID. If that same company also needs a flexi-desk, the first-year total may reach about AED 26,800. For teams needing multiple visas and a larger office, the cost can rise much more quickly.
Use the main calculator at / to build a personalized IFZA estimate based on your license, visas, Emirates ID term, and office needs.
Estimates only — see Terms for the full disclaimer. Last updated: 2026-06-12.