WhatsApp quoteAs we tell every client, if you need a clean, low-cost vehicle to hold investments or invoice overseas clients, IFZA Offshore is one of the most practical options in the UAE. Many of our clients pair an IFZA Offshore holding company with a free zone operating company, keeping ownership and operations neatly separated. To be clear, general trading covers multiple unrelated product lines, and that 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. From day one, typical examples of this activity include electronics, building materials, FMCG, furniture and spare parts, which can generally sit together on one IFZA Offshore licence.
Why IFZA Offshore
As we tell every client, the structure is popular with investors who already hold an IFZA free zone company. An IFZA Offshore company cannot rent an office, sponsor visas or trade inside the UAE, which is precisely why its fees are so low. In short, for general trading, IFZA Offshore offers the office options such a business actually needs and a visa quota that can grow with the team.
Documents required
Importantly, the document list for general trading through an IFZA Offshore company is short, and most customers already have everything on it.
- Attested corporate documents if a company will be the shareholder
- A brief description of the intended activities and source of funds
- Proof of residential address dated within the last three months
- Passport copies for each shareholder and director
- A bank reference letter or recent bank statement
- A CV or professional profile for each shareholder
Pricing
Pricing for general trading through an IFZA Offshore company depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. Just as important, the figures below for general trading through an IFZA Offshore company are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
- Trade licence & registration
- Upgrade to visas anytime
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Annual renewal | AED 10,000 |
|---|
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many founders choose it as a base for general trading through an IFZA Offshore company. On the ground, english is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies general trading through an IFZA Offshore company for international founders.
Why GoldenKey
From day one, we will tell you plainly if IFZA Offshore is not the right choice for your plan and point you to a better option, even when that option costs less. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with general trading through an IFZA Offshore company, 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 general trading through an IFZA Offshore company.
Day to day, call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through general trading through an IFZA Offshore company step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can an IFZA Offshore company be set up?
Put simply, with complete documents, incorporation typically takes 5 business days.
Is there an audit or tax filing for an IFZA Offshore company?
Importantly, most IFZA Offshore companies have no audit requirement, but corporate tax registration and economic substance rules may apply depending on activities. GoldenKey reviews this at incorporation.
Can I open a UAE bank account for an IFZA Offshore company?
Yes, several UAE banks accept IFZA Offshore companies, subject to their compliance review. A clear business purpose and source-of-funds documentation make approval more likely.
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.
Can I combine general trading 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.
