Free Zones / IFZA vs DMCC
Cost, visas, and banking compared side by side — 2026
IFZA is currently cheaper than DMCC by about AED 10,720 for a comparable Year 1 setup (AED 12,900 vs AED 23,620). DMCC is rated easier for banking.
IFZA
Cheapest way into a Dubai free zone, with a full first year including one visa achievable under AED 25,000 when booked through an agent
No physical office is required — flexi desk and virtual arrangements are accepted
Fast turnaround, with licenses typically issued in 2-5 business days
Generous activity allowance — up to 7 activities per license, with the first 3 bundled into the license fee
Operates on a strict agent-only (B2B) model — you cannot set up directly, and going direct is priced far higher
A comparatively young Dubai presence (since 2020) means less brand recognition than an established zone like DMCC
DMCC
Dual License Office Permit unlocks mainland UAE trading for about AED 5,000/year
Central Jumeirah Lakes Towers location with metro access and on-site residential options
Meaningful multi-year renewal discounts, up to 20% off for a 5-year commitment
Most prestigious, globally recognized UAE free zone — named Global Free Zone of the Year by the Financial Times nine years running
A physical office is compulsory; there is no virtual-office route, and even the cheapest flexi desk runs AED 16,000-19,000/year
General trading licenses carry a steep renewal cost of about AED 50,265/year
Is IFZA cheaper than DMCC?
IFZA is currently the cheaper option, with a Year 1 cost about AED 10,720 lower than DMCC. Compare the full package breakdown below — office type and visa count both drive the total.
Which is faster to set up, IFZA or DMCC?
IFZA has the faster typical processing time. Bank account opening is usually the longer step regardless of which zone you choose.
Which has easier banking, IFZA or DMCC?
DMCC is rated easier for banking (Easy) than IFZA (Moderate).