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 company owners 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. Importantly, holding structures are commonly set up in free zones or as offshore companies to consolidate ownership, simplify succession and benefit from the UAE's 0% corporate tax on qualifying dividends and capital gains. The most common businesses Italians open through GoldenKey are in food and beverage, fashion, furniture and interiors and engineering, although IFZA Free Zone supports almost any activity.
Why IFZA Free Zone
For most clients, offers both free zone and offshore company structures. As we tell every client, 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
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. If the authority raises a query on opening a holding company in the UAE as an Italian founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
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
With the forms and memorandum signed, GoldenKey lodges the attested documents and settles the licence fee with the licensing authority on your behalf. For opening a holding company in the UAE as an Italian founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Step 4Licence issued and next steps
Once the IFZA Free Zone licence and company papers are released, we move immediately to the immigration file, residence visas and the bank meeting.
Documents required
In our experience, for opening a holding company in the UAE as an Italian founder the issuing authority asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- A bank statement from your Italy bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- Group structure chart
- A passport granted by Italy with at least six months' validity
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- Educational certificates attested by the Italy authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
Pricing
The figures below for opening a holding company in the UAE as an Italian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Pricing for opening a holding company in the UAE as an Italian founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.
Pricing available on request — message us for a written quotation.
Why the UAE
As a rule, english is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening a holding company in the UAE as an Italian founder for international entrepreneurs. As we tell every client, 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 Italian founder no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
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 Italian founder happen the same day they are ready. Importantly, our quotations for opening a holding company in the UAE as an Italian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. 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 a holding company in the UAE as an Italian founder.
Tell us about your plans for opening a holding company in the UAE as an Italian founder and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
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 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.
Can I open a UAE bank account with a IFZA Free Zone company?
Yes, IFZA Free Zone companies open accounts with UAE banks every day. Approval depends on the bank's compliance review of your profile, business plan and documents, and GoldenKey prepares the file and introduces you to a suitable bank.
What is the difference between an FZE and an FZCO in IFZA Free Zone?
An FZE has one shareholder and an FZCO has two or more. Both offer limited liability and 100% foreign ownership, and the fees in IFZA Free Zone are usually the same.
Is holding company allowed in IFZA Free Zone?
Yes — Italians 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.
