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MIRR ASIA · Dubai IFZA Free Zone
IFZA Company Formation Guide (Dubai)
Located in Dubai—the global business hub—IFZA offers 100% foreign ownership, free repatriation of capital and profits, customs benefits, and a streamlined incorporation process under a flexible regulatory environment.
Overview · 01
Key Advantages
Why companies choose an IFZA free-zone entity in Dubai.
100% foreign ownership
UAE Free Zones allow 100% foreign ownership, free repatriation, and customs benefits. IFZA operates within the Free Zone framework.
Full repatriation of capital & profits
Free Zone entities may repatriate 100% of profits and capital (subject to each bank's KYC/sanctions policies).
Import/export customs exemptions
Goods moving into/out of Free Zones may benefit from customs exemptions; rules may differ when transferred to the mainland.
Residence visa (up to 3 years)
Investor/employee visas are typically valid for 2–3 years (subject to policy). Family visas are tied to the sponsor's validity.
No personal income tax (UAE)
No personal income tax at UAE federal level.
Home-country taxation may apply separately.
Flexible administration
Flexible licence up/down-grades and one-stop administration.
At a glance
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Repatriation of Capital & Profits
- Customs Duty Exemption
- Investor Visa (up to 3 yrs)
Costs · 02
Costs (VAT Inclusive)
| Government Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| IFZA License (incl. 1 visa quota) | AED 16,900 |
| Establishment Card A company card used for immigration transactions (e.g. visa sponsorship) when hiring staff or sponsoring visas. | AED 2,000 |
| Total Government Fees | AED 18,900 (≈ USD 5,150) |
| Our Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Incorporation & License Handling | USD 3,000 |
| Corporate Tax (CT) & VAT Registration CT: UAE entities generally must register for Corporate Tax; Free Zone entities may qualify as QFZP (0% on qualifying income) if conditions are met, but registration/filing obligations still apply. VAT: Mandatory registration at taxable supplies ≥ AED 375,000 (for residents). | USD 800 |
| Total Our Fees | USD 3,800 |
| Summary | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Total Cost (Setup) | USD 8,950 |
The interactive version of this quote — with selectable add-ons and live totals — is on the Quick Quote tab.
Included · 03
What's Included
- Up to 3 shareholders + up to 3 activities
Within the chosen activity group, IFZA licenses include a set number of activities by default. Extra activities can be added for a fee. - Business license, Incorporation certificate, Standard Articles, Resolutions/Minutes
Upon Free Zone incorporation, you receive the trade license, certificate of incorporation, standard articles (MoA/Articles), and resolutions/minutes. - UBO registration
The UAE requires Ultimate Beneficial Owner registration and ongoing maintenance/reporting of beneficial ownership information. - ULA (Unit Lease Agreement) issuance
A Free Zone address (flexi/physical) is required for license issuance; the ULA serves as address evidence within the zone.
Add-ons · 04
Optional / Add-On Items
Include in the quote as needed.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Medical Check & Emirates ID (per person) New/renewed residence visas require a medical exam and an Emirates ID application. Timelines vary by center and fast-track availability. | USD 850 |
| Fast-track biometrics Priority booking/processing for biometric capture that can shorten the overall visa timeline (availability varies by emirate). | USD 1,600 |
| Visa application & handling (per person) We handle entry permits, e-visas, in-country status changes, medical/ID, and visa stamping end-to-end. | USD 1,600 |
| Bank account opening arrangement UAE banks apply KYC and source-of-funds requirements. Free Zone companies can open accounts subject to meeting each bank's criteria. | USD 2,500 |
| Visa status change (in-country) An in-country status change is used during entry/sponsorship changes without the applicant exiting the UAE. | USD 650 |
| Investor visa title registration Specifies the visa category as Investor/Partner, reflected in sponsorship records and official references. | USD 450 |
| Additional business activity (per activity) Activities beyond the default allocation can be added for a fee. Classifications/definitions follow IFZA's official list. | USD 550 |
| Annual bookkeeping package (≤ 20 txns/month) Includes ledgers/journals, monthly financial statements (P/L, B/S, C/F), bank/card reconciliations, and VAT return prep. | USD 6,000 / year |
| Statutory audit (required, revenue ≤ AED 10m) External audit may be required depending on annual revenue and zone policy (submission body/template per license/zone rules). | USD 2,000 / year |
Final billing may vary due to FX movements and official fee changes.
Documents · 05
Incorporation Requirements & Documents
- 1. Passport copy of shareholder(s) / director(s)A notarized copy may be required depending on nationality
- 2. Original verification of the passport copyKorean passport vs. other countries
- 3. Two proofs of address issued within the last 3 monthsThe addresses must be the same
- 4. Company Incorporation ApplicationMirr Asia form
*If you wish to open an account after incorporation, please contact us in advance.
Process · 06
Process
- 1Submit documents → Settle fees → Company name availability check
- 2Sign & submit incorporation documents
- 3Receive incorporation approval & license
- 4Visa & Emirates ID issuance (on-site in UAE)
- 5Bank account opening (on-site in UAE)
* With fast-track biometrics, end-to-end can often complete in ~2 weeks. Standard process may take 3–4 weeks (or longer).
Golden Visa · 07
Dubai Golden Visa — Eligibility, Documents & Fees
The Golden Visa is a UAE long-term residence permit (5 or 10 years) that offers benefits such as no sponsor required, long absence permitted, and the ability to sponsor family members and domestic helpers. Applications are made via GDRFA Dubai or ICP Smart Services.
Public Investment (Investor / Partner)
- Capital/share value of AED 2,000,000 or more (evidenced by an audit report)
- Valid licence, corporate bank statements, tax registration, prior-year tax receipt(s)
- For free-zone entities, a capital/shareholding certificate is also required
Tax-payer investor type: annual tax paid of AED 250,000 or more.
Real Estate Investment
- Combined property value ≥ AED 2,000,000 qualifies for a renewable 10-year visa
- If mortgaged, a bank letter confirming payments ≥ AED 2,000,000 is required
- For joint ownership, your share must be AED 2,000,000 or more
Entrepreneur
Innovative project (≥ AED 500,000) with incubator/competent authority endorsement.
Professionals / Talents, Doctors, Scientists, Outstanding Students, etc.
Meet category-specific criteria per the official requirements.
- Documents required
- Passport, photo, and a UAE Pass account — the national digital identity (SSO/e-signature) used to log into ICP and GDRFA
- Health insurance, Medical Fitness (Dubai Health) result, and Emirates ID application (biometrics in person)
- Investor category: certified audit report, tax registration, and corporate bank statements
- Real estate category: DLD valuation / ownership proof
- Entrepreneur category: project valuation letter and incubator approval
| Government Fees (AED) | Amount | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Residence permit issuance fee | AED 1,100 | GDRFA |
| Knowledge Dirham | AED 10 | Same |
| Innovation Dirham | AED 10 | Same |
| Inside the UAE status-change add-on | AED 500 | GDRFA Status Change |
| Delivery | AED 20 | GDRFA |
| Note | If the residence period exceeds two years, AED 100 is added per issuance year per GDRFA notice | GDRFA |
| Medical Fitness (Dubai) | Approx. AED 250 – 360 | Dubai Health |
| Emirates ID issuance | Varies by validity / category | UAE Gov – ICP |
* Fees may vary by official updates, application channel (online/service center), and your status (entry from abroad vs. in-country status change).
Golden Visa · 08
Golden Visa — Procedure, Timeline & Validity
For non-residents applying from overseas.
Validity & Renewal
- Validity: 5 or 10 years (renewable if criteria remain satisfied)
- For renewal: maintain initial criteria (property value, invested capital/share value, tax/financial thresholds, active insurance, etc.)
- Long absence (over 6 months) does not invalidate residency (Golden Visa exception)
- Overstay fines: AED 50/day for residence visa holders
* "Inside the country" means status change/issuance while already in the UAE. You may start the process from abroad (e.g. Korea), but Medical Fitness & biometrics must be completed in person in the UAE. An in-country status change triggers an additional AED 500.
* Typical overall timing: assessment (~5 business days) + appointments & issuance, totaling about 2–3 weeks (varies by individual scheduling).
* This guidance is based on the assumption that you apply directly — Mirr Asia's service fees are not included. If you prefer Mirr Asia to represent you, a separate service fee may apply depending on case complexity and scope.
* Eligibility and fees are subject to official changes. Before applying, re-check notices on UAE Gov / GDRFA / ICP / DLD.
FAQ · 09
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Note on FAQ #2: the USD 3,500–5,000 range above is quoted on the Dubai IFZA page and covers the service fee only. The USD 8,950 initial total in section 02 additionally includes AED 18,900 (≈ USD 5,150) of IFZA government fees. Both figures are reproduced exactly as published; the applicable figure is confirmed at engagement.
Next Steps · 10
Get in Touch
Free consultation
Tell us your planned activities, shareholder structure and visa headcount, and we will confirm the applicable IFZA package and total cost.