International Free Zone Authority
IFZA Company Setup, Accounting & Audit Services
IFZA, based in Dubai's Digital Park in Dubai Silicon Oasis, is known for fast, low-cost company formation — a popular choice for consultancies, e-commerce and holding structures.
Key facts
After setup, plan for corporate tax registration, monthly bookkeeping and the annual free zone audit, and check whether your income can qualify under the free zone corporate tax regime.
| Authority | International Free Zone Authority |
| Typical activity | Consultancy, e-commerce, general trading, holding |
| Location | Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis |
| Setup speed | Among the fastest in the UAE, often under a week |
| Audit requirement | Confirm against your specific licence category |
| Liquidation timeline | Typically 5–8 weeks, no newspaper notice required |
Accounting, audit & tax services in IFZA
IFZA's speed and low cost make it popular for first-time UAE entrants — but low setup cost doesn't reduce your corporate tax, VAT or audit obligations once trading starts.
Setting up and running a company in IFZA
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is one of Dubai's most popular free zones for consultancies, trading companies and holding structures, thanks to competitive licence packages, flexible visa allocations and fully online administration. That low entry cost attracts many first-time owners — and many of them only discover the ongoing obligations when the first corporate tax return or licence renewal comes around.
| Company setup | FZCO licence with activity selection, shareholder KYC and flexi-desk or office space |
| Bank account | Corporate account opening, with business plan and expected transaction profile |
| Tax registration | Corporate tax registration on EmaraTax; VAT once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000 |
| Monthly accounting | Bookkeeping and bank reconciliations on cloud software |
| Annual accounts and audit | Financial statements prepared to IFRS and audited where required by IFZA, the bank or your tax position |
| Corporate tax return | Filed within 9 months of year-end |
Corporate tax & VAT for IFZA companies
A free zone company pays 0% corporate tax only on qualifying income and only while it meets every Qualifying Free Zone Person condition — adequate substance in the zone, audited financial statements, transfer pricing compliance and non-qualifying revenue within the de minimis limit (the lower of AED 5 million or 5% of revenue). Income from mainland customers and from individuals is generally non-qualifying.
Many IFZA consultancies serve mainland UAE clients. For them, the realistic choice is often between paying 9% on non-qualifying income or restructuring how contracts are billed — and a small IFZA company that is not a QFZP can instead elect Small Business Relief if revenue stays within AED 3 million.
More services for IFZA companies
Related guides from our team
Practical explanations of the rules behind this service, written by our chartered accountants.
Questions about operating in IFZA
Is IFZA cheaper than other free zones long-term?+
Initial setup and renewal costs are typically lower, but ongoing accounting, tax and audit obligations are the same as any other UAE free zone — don't let setup cost drive the compliance decision.
Can I get a visa quota with an IFZA licence?+
Yes, visa quota is available and scales with office package chosen, similar to most free zones.
Is an audit mandatory for an IFZA company?+
Audit requirements depend on IFZA's current renewal rules and your activity, but audited statements are mandatory if you want 0% Qualifying Free Zone Person status and are increasingly requested by banks.
Can an IFZA company claim Small Business Relief?+
Yes, if it does not claim Qualifying Free Zone Person status and its revenue is AED 3 million or less in the current and all previous tax periods.
Can an IFZA company invoice mainland clients?+
Consultancy services can often be provided to mainland clients, but that income is generally non-qualifying for the 0% corporate tax rate.
How do I close an IFZA company?+
Through voluntary liquidation with an IFZA-approved liquidator. See IFZA company liquidation.
We work directly with businesses across IFZA and 10+ other UAE free zones.
Operating in IFZA and need accounting or audit support?
Tell us your licence type and current filing status — we'll confirm exactly what IFZA requires and quote a fixed fee within 24 hours.