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Company setup comparison

IFZA vs DMCC: which costs less in 2026?

IFZA has the lower listed starting bare licence figure by AED 22,584. Qualified starting prices are not fixed quotes or guaranteed savings. The licence with one visa figure for DMCC is not available in our data, so a price difference cannot be calculated. Listed trade-off: IFZA — Dubai Silicon Oasis; DMCC — Premium zone. A free-zone company cannot trade freely onshore without a distributor or mainland branch.

IFZA: Consultancy estimate, July 2026Last verified 9 Oct 2026DMCC: Consultancy estimate, July 2026Last verified 9 Oct 2026

Figures are government costs published by a company-setup consultancy and are indicative. Because that source is itself a vendor, confirm with each authority before you commit.

Costs side by side

Listed company setup fees, notes and verification sources
Cost or detailIFZADMCC
Zero-visa licenceAED 12,900from about AED 35,484
With one visaAED 17,700Not available in our data
Typefree zonefree zone
NotesDubai Silicon Oasis; first visa adds 4,800; 5-10 working days; multiple activities on one licencePremium zone
SourceConsultancy estimate, July 2026Last verified 9 Oct 2026Consultancy estimate, July 2026Last verified 9 Oct 2026

Official sources: IFZA — official fees not published (on request) (IFZA official website); DMCC — official fees published (DMCC official blog, 12 Feb 2026).

Choose IFZA if

These listed characteristics match your requirements:

  • IFZA is listed as free zone.
  • Dubai Silicon Oasis
  • first visa adds 4,800
  • 5-10 working days
  • multiple activities on one licence
  • A free-zone company cannot trade freely onshore without a distributor or mainland branch.

Choose DMCC if

These listed characteristics match your requirements:

  • DMCC is listed as free zone.
  • Premium zone
  • A free-zone company cannot trade freely onshore without a distributor or mainland branch.

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