WhatsApp quoteTo be clear, 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. Founders choose IFZA Free Zone when they want a credible UAE address, fast licensing and packages that scale from a solo flexi-desk to a multi-visa office. Importantly, irish nationals are a lively community of more than 10,000, strong in aviation leasing, construction, education and hospitality, so the IFZA Free Zone authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Irish applications every day and process them without hesitation. From day one, payments between Ireland and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, euro (EUR) transfers settle promptly and UAE banks are familiar with Irish business profiles.
Why IFZA Free Zone
IFZA Free Zone is located in Dubai Silicon Oasis district, Dubai — adjacent to Meydan and Academic City, and the authority's processing time for a standard file is around 5 working days. For most clients, office options in IFZA Free Zone range from virtual office, flexi-desk, office suite or warehouse, so you only pay for the space your visa quota actually needs.
How IFZA Free Zone works with GoldenKey
Step 1Consultation and activity selection
Importantly, we confirm that your activity is available in IFZA Free Zone, choose the licence type and agree the visa package and office option that match your plan.
Step 2Name reservation and initial approval
As we tell every client, we submit your preferred trade names to IFZA Free Zone and secure initial approval, normally within a day or two of submission. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a holding company in the UAE as an Irish founder is audit-ready.
Step 3Document submission and payment
You sign the application forms and memorandum, we submit the attested papers and the licence fee is paid to the registrar.
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. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a holding company in the UAE as an Irish founder is audit-ready.
Documents required
In practice, gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a holding company in the UAE as an Irish founder.
- A police clearance certificate from Ireland if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Group structure chart
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- Your current UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
Pricing
To be clear, all prices for opening a holding company in the UAE as an Irish founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing ahead of payment. Just as important, use the table below to compare packages for opening a holding company in the UAE as an Irish 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
Crucially, 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 an Irish founder no longer requires a local partner. 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 an Irish founder.
Why GoldenKey
In our experience, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a holding company in the UAE as an Irish founder happen the same day they are ready. We speak the languages our customers speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening a holding company in the UAE as an Irish founder. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a holding company in the UAE as an Irish founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening a holding company in the UAE as an Irish founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the IFZA Free Zone licence take?
Once your documents are complete, the licensing authority as a rule 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?
On the ground, visa quota is tied to the package and office you choose. IFZA Free Zone packages typically 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?
Most IFZA Free Zone licences can be issued remotely with scanned papers 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 processed.
Is holding company allowed in IFZA Free Zone?
Yes, it can. Irish nationals 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.
What approvals does holding company need?
None; economic substance rules may apply. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
