IFZA General Trading License Cost 2025 | Complete Pricing & Setup Guide

Starting a company in the UAE is an exciting opportunity, especially when free zones simplify and streamline the setup process.

Among the most flexible and cost-effective options is an IFZA general trading license—a powerful solution that allows businesses to trade in a wide range of goods under a single license.

However, before jumping in, it’s important to understand the IFZA general trading license cost, including all associated expenses such as licensing fees, visa costs, office rentals, and compliance charges.

These can vary based on your business model, size, and duration of operation.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the complete cost structure of obtaining a general trading license in IFZA.

We’ll also cover how it compares to other UAE free zones like DMCC and JAFZA, and answer common questions like how much is general trading license in Dubai, how to get trade license in Dubai, and how to renew trade license in Dubai.

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How Is the IFZA General Trading License Different from Other Trading Licenses?

The IFZA General Trading License allows businesses to import, export, distribute, and store a variety of goods under one consolidated license.

This is ideal for wholesalers, e-commerce sellers, and companies planning to scale across product categories.

Unlike more restrictive licenses in other free zones, IFZA offers unmatched flexibility—making it a great choice for entrepreneurs wondering how to obtain a general trading license in Dubai or those comparing IFZA trade license cost with other zones.

This license is especially appealing to those exploring options such as:

• How to apply e-commerce license in Dubai
• What is the cost of e-commerce license in Dubai
• How to get forex trading license in Dubai
• How to get gold trading license in Dubai

The fees associated with IFZA licenses typically cover the cost of registration, legal documentation, visa allocations, and office space—making it one of the most transparent free zones for those asking how much to renew trade license in Dubai or how to cancel trade license in Dubai.

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Factors Affecting the Cost of the IFZA General Trading License

1. Business Activity

Your chosen activity—whether general trading, e-commerce, or specialized categories—impacts the license cost. If you plan to work in high-value goods or regulated sectors, you may need extra compliance approvals, such as how to get municipal approval for trade license in Dubai.

2. Number of Visas

IFZA license packages come with visa allocations. While solo entrepreneurs might only need one, larger teams will require more. If you’re scaling, remember to factor in IFZA business license adjustments as your visa needs grow.

3. Office Space Requirements

All IFZA businesses must have a physical or virtual address. Options include:

• Flexi-desk: AED 10,000–20,000/year
• Private Office: AED 20,000–30,000/year

A Flexi-desk is ideal for startups, especially those curious about how to setup business in IFZA free zone Dubai without high overheads. It’s also ideal for digital-first ventures asking how to check trade license online Dubai or how to download trade license in Dubai after setup.

4. Company Size & Structure

Larger or more complex operations may require additional visas, licenses, or warehouse space. Smaller businesses benefit from basic IFZA packages with minimal overhead.

5. Duration of License

IFZA offers 1, 2, and 3-year licenses. Opting for a 3-year license often results in a lower annual cost and reduced paperwork—something to consider for anyone researching IFZA license renewal cost.

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Detailed Cost Breakdown for IFZA General Trading License (2025)

Particulars	Amount (AED)
1-Year Trade License + MOA	14,900
Certificate of Formation	Included
Lease Agreement (Flexi-Desk)	Included
1 Visa Allocation	Included
Immigration Card (1 Year)	2,000
Investor Surcharge (Visa)	1,000
Residence Visa	3,750
Medical & Emirates ID	800
Consolidated Total	22,450

Note: If the investor is inside the UAE, an additional AED 1,600 is applicable for change of status.

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Timeline & Terms

• Stage 1: License Issuance – 5–7 business days
• Stage 2: Immigration Card – 3–4 business days
• Stage 3: Visa Processing – 9–10 business days

For smoother handling, consider hiring an IFZA free zone business setup consultant in UAE, like Arnifi, to manage timelines and reduce stress.

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Cost of IFZA General Trading License Renewal

Renewal typically costs 80–90% of your initial setup fee. For example, a license costing AED 15,000 initially may renew for around AED 12,000–13,500. This excludes visa renewals and office space renewals.

Late renewal leads to extra charges and legal issues, just like in mainland businesses where business owners often ask how to renew trade license in Dubai or how much to renew trade license in Dubai.

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How to Minimize IFZA General Trading License Costs

• Choose the right package – Don’t overpay for unnecessary services or visas
• Use Flexi-desks – Save thousands in office rental fees
• Bundle visa applications – Save admin costs by applying together
• Opt for multi-year licenses – Lower annual fees and avoid yearly hassle
• Consult experts – Avoid hidden costs and penalties by hiring a pro

Many entrepreneurs also compare with other license types like IFZA crypto license, IFZA crypto license cost, or even consider a free zone like DMCC depending on the industry focus.

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IFZA vs Other Free Zones: General Trading License Comparison

IFZA vs DMCC

• IFZA: Lower costs, flexible visa quotas, and quick setup
• DMCC: Premium image, but significantly higher costs (up to 50% more)

IFZA vs JAFZA

• JAFZA: Excellent for industrial/logistics operations, but costly and complex
• IFZA: Perfect for trading, e-commerce, and low-overhead models

Looking to set up digitally? Know that how to verify trade license in Dubai is also relevant when applying through IFZA’s secure system.

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Conclusion

The IFZA general trading license cost is flexible and customizable, making it one of the best-value licenses in the UAE. Whether you’re a startup or expanding SME, IFZA offers cost-efficient, scalable packages that suit various business models.

Thinking long-term helps—selecting the right license duration, office space, and visa count can save you thousands. For businesses evaluating why set up your company in IFZA, the answer lies in its affordability, ease of entry, and broad trading permissions.

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FAQs

Q: How much does an IFZA General Trading License cost?
A: Generally between AED 10,000 to AED 30,000, depending on visa needs and office choice.

Q: Can I cancel my license later?
A: Yes, but be aware of IFZA license cancellation cost and ensure all dues are cleared.

Q: Is the renewal cost lower?
A: Yes, typically 80–90% of the initial cost.

Q: How to get trade license in Dubai outside IFZA?
A: Through DED or other free zones—ask about how to get municipal approval for trade license in Dubai if you’re setting up in mainland.

Q: Can I change my license type later?
A: Yes, upgrades to IFZA crypto license or other categories are possible.

Still unsure? Let our experts at Arnifi guide you through how to setup business in IFZA free zone Dubai or explore other options like how to get a forex trading license in Dubai or how to download trade license in Dubai post-registration.