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. As we tell every client, 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. Irish aircraft lessors and agri-food exporters are major players in the UAE market, which gives Irish entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their IFZA Free Zone licence is issued. From day one, for Irish company owners, the UAE is around 7.5 hours from Dublin, the UAE is 3 to 4 hours ahead of Ireland, and English is the working language in both countries.
Why IFZA Free Zone
IFZA Free Zone licences are renewed annually with a simple online payment and updated passport copies, and GoldenKey sends a reminder 60 days before the due date. Crucially, unlike some zones, IFZA Free Zone does not require a large paid-up capital to be blocked in a bank account before the licence is issued.
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.
Step 2Name reservation and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name with the IFZA Free Zone authority and obtains initial approval, typically within one to two working days. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening an IT and software company in the UAE as an Irish founder.
Step 3Document submission and payment
From day one, you sign the application forms and memorandum, we submit the attested documents and the licence fee is paid to the authority.
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 an IT and software company in the UAE as an Irish founder is audit-ready.
Documents required
The document list for opening an IT and software company in the UAE as an Irish founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A police clearance certificate from Ireland if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A bank statement from your Ireland bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- Educational certificates attested by the Ireland authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
Pricing
Pricing for opening an IT and software company in the UAE as an Irish 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 an IT and software 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, the UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for opening an IT and software company in the UAE as an Irish founder. English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening an IT and software company in the UAE as an Irish founder for international entrepreneurs.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening an IT and software company in the UAE as an Irish founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. We speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening an IT and software company in the UAE as an Irish founder. Our quotations for opening an IT and software company in the UAE as an Irish founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before a single dirham changes hands anything.
Prefer to visit? Our Ajman office welcomes walk-ins during working hours, and we can also meet you in Dubai or Sharjah by appointment to discuss opening an IT and software company in the UAE as an Irish founder.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up in IFZA Free Zone?
As a rule, 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 residency visa is processed.
How long does the IFZA Free Zone licence take?
Once your supporting documents are complete, the authority typically issues the licence within 5 working days. Visas and bank account opening follow afterwards.
Can I add more activities to my IFZA Free Zone licence later?
Yes. IFZA Free Zone allows activity additions and changes through a licence amendment, which GoldenKey can process in a few business days for a small authority fee.
Is it & software allowed in IFZA Free Zone?
It can. Irish nationals can own 100% of an IT and software company in the UAE. {brand} recommends IFZA Free Zone for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Is there a double taxation agreement between Ireland and the UAE?
Yes. The UAE and Ireland have a double taxation agreement, and a UAE tax residency certificate lets you claim treaty relief on qualifying income. GoldenKey can obtain the certificate once your company is established.


