License With – 0 Visa
Licence only · upgrade to visas anytime
AED 12,900
- Trade licence & registration
- Upgrade to visas anytime
- Company name reservation
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
FREE ZONE · DUBAI
General Trading in IFZA Free Zone
Import, export, re-export and wholesale of a broad range of goods under one licence
5–7 daysSetup time100%OwnershipUp to 4 visasVisas
- 5–7 daysSetup time
- Free ZoneLicence type
- Flexi | PhysicalOffice / facility
- Up to 4 visasVisa eligibility
- StandardApprovals needed
- From AED 12,900Renewal cost
About IFZA
Why IFZA Free Zone
An IFZA Free Zone company can be owned entirely by foreign nationals, needs no local sponsor and can start trading internationally as soon as the licence is released. IFZA Free Zone is Dubai's fastest-growing free zone — multi-activity licence, top bank access, and it has become one of the most practical choices for founders who want a UAE licence without a large upfront budget. General trading covers multiple unrelated product lines, which is why some authorities price it above a single-line trading licence. Restricted goods such as pharmaceuticals, tobacco and precious metals still need their own approvals. Just as important, external approvals for general trading are: no special approval for standard goods; customs code required to physically import.
In our experience, popular activities in IFZA Free Zone include trading, services, technology, consultancy and manufacturing, and most of them can be combined on a single licence. Just as important, one of the reasons we recommend IFZA Free Zone is its Dubai address, which matters more than most founders realise once the business is running. GoldenKey has licensed general trading in IFZA Free Zone for clients ranging from solo founders to groups opening a regional branch, so we know which sub-activities to list.
Packages & cost
Pricing — choose the right package for your business
Crucially, use the table below to compare packages for general trading in IFZA Free Zone; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. The figures below for general trading in IFZA Free Zone are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
License With – 1 Visa
1 residence visa · 1-year licence
AED 14,900
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 1 visa eligibility
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
License With – 2 Visa
2 residence visas · 1-year licence
AED 16,900
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 2 visa eligibilities
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
License With – 3 Visa
3 residence visas · 1-year licence
AED 18,900
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 3 visa eligibilities
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
License With – 4 Visa
4 residence visas · 1-year licence
AED 20,900
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 4 visa eligibilities
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-28.
Business activities
Explore business activities in IFZA
IFZA licenses trading, service, professional and industrial activities. Search every activity we license across the UAE and see where it is available and what it costs.
Required documents
Documents required
The document list for general trading in IFZA Free Zone is short, and most customers already have everything on it.
Scanned colour copies are enough to start. We check every item before anything is submitted.
For individuals
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zonesif applicable
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activitiesif applicable
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visaif applicable
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE residentif applicable
For companies
- Certificate of incorporation (attested)
- Memorandum & articles of association
- Board resolution approving the UAE company
- Passport copies of shareholders & directors
- Company profile / business plan
Our process
How IFZA Free Zone works with GoldenKey
- 1
Consultation and activity selection
GoldenKey starts by confirming your activity is available in IFZA Free Zone, then agrees the licence category, visa quota and office option with you in writing. For general trading in IFZA Free Zone this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
- 2
Name reservation and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name with the IFZA Free Zone authority and obtains initial approval, usually within one to two working days.
- 3
Document submission and payment
To be clear, with the forms and memorandum signed, GoldenKey lodges the attested documents and settles the licence fee with the authority on your behalf. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to general trading in IFZA Free Zone.
- 4
Licence issued and next steps
IFZA Free Zone issues the licence, incorporation certificate and lease; from there we open the establishment card, process visas and arrange your bank introduction.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about IFZA. Anything else — ask GK AI or message us.
View all FAQsDo I need to visit the UAE to set up in IFZA Free Zone?
Put simply, most IFZA Free Zone licences can be issued remotely with scanned supporting documents and a signed power of attorney. You will need to enter the UAE for the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics when your residence visa is completed.
How long does the IFZA Free Zone licence take?
As a rule, once your documents are complete, the authority typically issues the licence within 5 working days. Visas and bank account opening follow afterwards.
Can a IFZA Free Zone company do business on the UAE mainland?
A IFZA Free Zone company can sell to mainland customers through a mainland distributor, invoice services to mainland clients generally, and apply for a dual-licence arrangement where the emirate offers one. Direct retail or on-site contracting on the mainland needs a mainland licence.
What approvals does general trading need?
No special approval for standard goods; customs code required to physically import. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
Which licence type covers general trading?
General Trading is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
Get a free quote
Ready to start your business in IFZA?
Book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for general trading in IFZA Free Zone in a single conversation.
Good to know
More about IFZA
Why the UAE
As a rule, banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of general trading in IFZA Free Zone predictable. Just as important, the dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for general trading in IFZA Free Zone and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
In practice, because GoldenKey works with the licensing authority, the immigration department and the banks every single week, we know exactly which supporting documents each of them will ask for on an IFZA Free Zone file. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with general trading in IFZA Free Zone, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Day to day, most of our IFZA Free Zone clients come to us through referrals from other business owners, and that is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing.
