Company setup comparison
IFZA vs Dubai mainland: which costs less in 2026?
IFZA has the lower listed bare licence cost by AED 1,000 to 3,300. IFZA has the lower listed licence with one visa cost by AED 1,050 to 3,350. Allows trading onshore. A free-zone company cannot trade freely onshore without a distributor or mainland branch.
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
| Cost or detail | IFZA | Dubai mainland |
|---|---|---|
| Zero-visa licence | AED 12,900 | AED 13,900 to 16,200 |
| With one visa | AED 17,700 | AED 18,750 to 21,050 |
| Type | free zone | mainland |
| Notes | Dubai Silicon Oasis; first visa adds 4,800; 5-10 working days; multiple activities on one licence | Allows trading onshore. Zero-visa breakdown: trade-name approval 620, initial approval 120, Tasheel 464, MoA typing and notarisation 1,200 to 1,500, trade licence 11,500 to 13,500. The one-visa range assumes an investor or partner visa |
| Source | Consultancy estimate, July 2026Last verified 9 Oct 2026 | Consultancy estimate, July 2026Last verified 9 Oct 2026 |
Official sources: IFZA — official fees not published (on request) (IFZA official website); Dubai mainland — official fees not published (on request) (Dubai Economy and Tourism fee estimator guide).
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 Dubai mainland if
These listed characteristics match your requirements:
- Dubai mainland is listed as mainland.
- Allows trading onshore.
- Zero-visa breakdown: trade-name approval 620, initial approval 120, Tasheel 464, MoA typing and notarisation 1,200 to 1,500, trade licence 11,500 to 13,500.
- The one-visa range assumes an investor or partner visa
Frequently asked questions
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