WhatsApp quoteIFZA 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. Setting up a company in IFZA Free Zone gives you 100% ownership, a UAE trade licence and the option to sponsor residence visas for yourself and your family. the UAE is Germany's most important trading partner in the Arab world and a regional distribution base for German industry, which gives German entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their IFZA Free Zone licence is granted. Put simply, typical examples of this activity include group holding, property holding, IP holding and family office, which can as a rule sit together on one IFZA Free Zone licence.
Why IFZA Free Zone
As a rule, one of the reasons we suggest IFZA Free Zone is its Dubai address, which matters more than most founders realise once the business is running. In practice, strong track record for UAE bank account approvals.
How IFZA Free Zone works with GoldenKey
Step 1Consultation and activity selection
In the first call we check that IFZA Free Zone lists your activity, settle the licence type and match the visa package and office to what you actually need. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a holding company in the UAE as a German founder.
Step 2Name reservation and initial approval
We submit your preferred trade names to IFZA Free Zone and secure initial approval, normally within a day or two of submission.
Step 3Document submission and payment
You sign the request and memorandum, we file the attested paperwork with IFZA Free Zone and the licensing authority's licence fee is paid. For opening a holding company in the UAE as a German founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Step 4Licence 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.
Documents required
Just as important, gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a holding company in the UAE as a German founder.
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- Educational certificates attested by the Germany authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- Group structure chart
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A bank statement from your Germany bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
Pricing
Pricing for opening a holding company in the UAE as a German founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. Use the table below to compare packages for opening a holding company in the UAE as a German founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
Pricing available on request — message us for a written quotation.
Why the UAE
Day to day, since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening a holding company in the UAE as a German founder no longer requires a local partner. Just as important, the UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for opening a holding company in the UAE as a German founder.
Why GoldenKey
From day one, after your IFZA Free Zone licence is granted, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a holding company in the UAE as a German founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a holding company in the UAE as a German founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves without delay.
Importantly, if you would like a written quotation for opening a holding company in the UAE as a German founder, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the IFZA Free Zone licence take?
From day one, once your supporting documents are complete, the registrar typically issues the licence within 5 working days. Visas and bank account opening follow afterwards.
How many visas can I get with a IFZA Free Zone licence?
For most clients, visa quota is tied to the package and office you choose. IFZA Free Zone packages as a rule start from a zero-visa option and scale to five or more visas with a physical office, and additional visas can be added later for the per-visa fee shown in our pricing.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up in IFZA Free Zone?
In our experience, most IFZA Free Zone licences can be issued remotely with scanned 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 handled.
Is holding company allowed in IFZA Free Zone?
Yes. Germans can own 100% of a holding company in the UAE. {brand} recommends IFZA Free Zone for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Can I combine holding company with other activities?
In most cases yes. Related activities can share one licence, while unrelated ones may need a general trading licence or a second licence.
