IFZA Business Activities List
IFZA Business Activities
Reviewed by: GloboPrime Corporate Services, Authorized IFZA Channel Partner
Based on: IFZA activity guidance, IFZA activity portal, IFZA fee schedule, IFZA office options, UAE corporate tax guidance, UAE VAT guidance, and current business setup requirements.
IFZA Business Activity List – How to Choose the Right License for Your Dubai Company
Choosing the correct IFZA business activity is one of the most important decisions before setting up a company in Dubai. It is not only a formality on the application form. Your selected activity defines what your company is legally allowed to do, how your license is classified, whether external approvals are required, how banks review your business, how your invoices should be worded, and whether future amendments may be needed.
Many business owners search for the IFZA activity list because they want a code or name. In practice, the more important question is whether the activity matches the real business model.
A marketing agency should not look like a product trader on its license. An e-commerce seller should not use a consultancy activity if the business earns revenue from product sales. A holding company should not use a trading activity if the real purpose is ownership and investment. A regulated healthcare, aviation, education, food, or financial activity should not be submitted without checking approval requirements.
Whether you are an entrepreneur, consultant, e-commerce seller, trader, investor, or SME looking to establish your presence in Dubai’s IFZA free zone, understanding activity selection is the foundation of a compliant and scalable business structure. The right activity ensures smooth licensing, banking, invoicing, and future growth without costly amendments. Contact GloboPrime today for a free consultation on your IFZA activity selection and company setup in Dubai.
GloboPrime Corporate Services is an Authorized IFZA Channel Partner helping entrepreneurs, consultants, e-commerce sellers, traders, investors, SMEs, and international founders select the correct IFZA activity before they apply. Our role is to make sure your license activity, business model, visa plan, office option, banking profile, and compliance position all match from the beginning.
Authorized IFZA Channel Partner | IFZA Activity Selection | Green & Amber Activity Review | Professional & Commercial License Setup | Visa & Establishment Card Support | Bank Account Opening Assistance
What Are IFZA Business Activities?
IFZA business activities are the official descriptions of the commercial, professional, industrial, investment, service, or operational work a company is licensed to conduct under its IFZA trade license.
A business activity answers one core question: what is the company legally allowed to do?
Your selected IFZA license activities can affect:
| Area | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Legal scope | Defines what the company can provide, sell, trade, advertise, and invoice |
| License category | Determines whether the company needs a Professional, Commercial, Industrial, or investment-related license |
| Green or Amber classification | Determines whether the activity is non-regulated or approval-sensitive |
| Banking | Banks review the license activity against the website, invoices, contracts, customers, and expected transactions |
| Invoices | Invoice wording should match the trade license activity |
| Visas | Visa planning depends on license package, establishment card, and allocation |
| Office requirement | Some activities may need a physical workspace, facility, or property condition |
| Tax and accounting | Activity affects revenue classification, VAT review, corporate tax review, and qualifying income analysis |
| Amendments | Incorrect activity selection may require paid amendments later |
| Renewals | Activity mismatch can create compliance questions during renewal or banking review |
A business activity should not be selected only because it sounds broad. It should match the real business model, customer profile, supplier profile, expected invoices, and banking purpose.
Why Choosing the Right IFZA Activity Matters
Choosing the wrong IFZA activity can create operational, banking, regulatory, and cost issues after the company is formed.
Bank Account Delays
UAE banks review the trade license activity to understand the company’s business model. They may compare the license against the company website, invoices, contracts, expected transaction volume, customers, suppliers, countries of trade, and source of funds.
If a company sells physical goods but holds only a consultancy activity, banks may question supplier payments and marketplace income. If a marketing agency holds a trading activity, banks may ask why service retainers are being received under a trading license.
Incorrect Invoice Wording
Your invoices should match your licensed scope. A consultancy company should not regularly invoice for product sales. A trading company should not invoice for unrelated professional services unless those services are covered by the license.
Activity Amendment Fees
If the wrong activity is selected, the company may need to change, add, or remove activities after incorporation. Activity amendments can involve fees, documentation, and processing time.
Approval Delays
Some activities are approval-sensitive. Healthcare, education, aviation, transport, insurance, banking, securities, legal services, food handling, public safety, drones, training institutes, clinics, and rehabilitation centers may require external approvals.
Regulatory Issues
A trade license may not be enough for certain regulated activities. Some businesses also need approval from the relevant Dubai or UAE federal authority, qualified professionals, facility requirements, or sector-specific permits.
Compliance Risk
Activity mismatch can make a company appear unclear to banks, auditors, tax advisors, payment gateways, and regulators. The activity should support a consistent compliance story.
Future Expansion Restrictions
If the activity is too narrow, the company may be unable to invoice new services or product lines without an amendment. If the activity is too broad, it may create banking questions. The correct choice balances clarity and flexibility.
Mismatch Between Website, Invoices, Contracts, and License
The company’s website, invoices, contracts, supplier agreements, business plan, and bank account purpose should all tell the same story as the license activity.
IFZA License Categories Explained
IFZA business activities generally fall into professional, commercial, industrial or production-related, and holding or investment-related categories.
IFZA Professional License Activity Codes & Scope
An IFZA Professional License is legally designated for entities deriving corporate revenue from intellectual expertise, technical skills, or professional services. Under the IFZA Multi-Activity Framework, a business can bundle up to 7 distinct service codes on a single trade license.
| Official Activity Type | Permitted Business Model | IFZA Activity Examples & Codes | Critical Regulatory Exclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultancy | Strategic Advisory, HR, & Project Management. | • Management Consulting (7020029) • Marketing Consultancy (7320001) • Information Technology Consulting (6202002) |
Physical inventory storage, product distribution, and commodity trading require a Cross-Business Commercial License upgrade. |
| Digital Services | Cryptographic Architecture, Tech Dev, & SEO. | • Software Development (6201001) • Digital Marketing Agencies (7310002) • Web Design & Web Hosting Services (6311001) |
Crypto asset placement or digital brokerage tokens require explicit regulatory clearance from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). |
| Business Support | Administrative, Logistics Setup, & Corporate Care. | • Document Clearing Services (8299005) • Public Relations Coordination (7020015) • Corporate Office Support (8211001) |
Legal representation or courtroom advocacy cannot be conducted; they are strictly restricted to licensed onshore law firms. |
| Media & Creative | Publishing, Design, Video Production, & Branding. | • Commercial Graphic Design (7410002) • Content Production & Video Studios (5911001) • Advertising Copywriting Services (7310005) |
Traditional public broadcast or large-scale print media distribution requires a pre-approval stamp from the UAE Media Council. |
| Technical Services | Inspection, Engineering Consultancy, & Vetting. | • Structural Engineering Consulting (7110002) • Environmental Auditing Services (7490005) • Quality Control Inspection (7120001) |
Physical civil construction or heavy equipment repair operations require land-based workspace configurations and local municipal permits. |
IFZA Commercial License Activities, Codes, Customs and Tax Notes
An IFZA Commercial License is required for businesses that buy, sell, import, export, distribute, or wholesale goods internationally and within the UAE. Your selected activity codes must precisely align with your physical supply chain, customs framework, and corporate tax configuration to ensure seamless operational compliance.
Exact IFZA activity codes must be verified against the current free zone regulatory list prior to submission. Trading entities handling physical inventory across Dubai ports or free zones must also secure secondary registration with Dubai Customs to obtain an active importer/exporter code after trade license issuance.
| Activity Type | Code / Taxonomy | Permitted Business Scope | Examples | Exclusions, Customs & Tax Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product-Specific Trading | 4649112 4649301 |
Trading within a single, highly defined product category or a closely linked product family. | Furniture trading, jewellery trading, household goods, electronics, garments. | Do not mix unrelated product verticals on a single line. Combining diverse product categories (e.g., textiles and machinery) requires an upgrade to General Trading. |
| E-Commerce Trading | 4791001 | Online retail and digital B2C sale of physical goods via custom websites, apps, or marketplace platforms. | Shopify storefronts, Amazon sellers, Noon sellers, direct-to-consumer digital brands. | consultancy or marketing codes are invalid for physical product retail sales. Bulk warehousing or local fulfillment inside mainland Dubai requires an onshore logistics partner. |
| Import & Export Trading | 4610001 4610005 |
Cross-border wholesale distribution, B2B resale networks, and international re-export logistics. | Wholesale goods, bulk procurement, global trade brokerage, re-exporting to GCC/EU markets. | An active trade license does not grant immediate port clearance. Trading firms must apply for a mandatory Dubai Customs Client Code post-incorporation to clear freight. |
| General Trading | Multi-Class | Simultaneous import, export, storage, and distribution across multiple unrelated product categories. | Trading apparel, consumer electronics, home decor, and building materials under one license. | Explicitly excludes regulated or restricted items. Medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, weapons, and tobacco require external “Amber” ministry pre-approvals. |
| B2B Equipment Trading | 4659002 4659001 |
Wholesale commercial supply, heavy machinery distribution, and technical spare parts sales. | Industrial spare parts, commercial kitchen setups, lab testing equipment, heavy machinery units. | Trading equipment codes cover sales only. Hands-on civil site installation, structural engineering, and mechanical repair services require separate professional service codes. |
| Logistics-Linked Distribution | Qualifying | Bulk handling, transit storage, and supply chain movement executed within or from a UAE Designated Zone. | Regional distribution hubs, freight-supported wholesaling, free zone supply chain operations. | Critical Corporate Tax Note: To safely protect eligibility for the 0% UAE Free Zone Corporate Tax rate, your distribution activity must comply with strict ‘Qualifying Income’ rules, maintain adequate local substance, and undergo annual audits. |
What activities are allowed under an IFZA Commercial License?
An IFZA Commercial License permits corporate entities to legally execute import, export, local wholesale, distribution, e-commerce retail, and re-export operations across more than 1,000 recognized physical product classes.
Can I mix trading and consultancy activities on a single IFZA license?
Yes. Under the IFZA Multi-Activity license framework, you can bundle up to 7 distinct activities. However, mixing different business license classes (such as pairing professional consulting with physical commercial trading) requires an additional structural cross-licensing fee.
IFZA Industrial, Production and Assembly Activities
IFZA industrial licence activities may apply to businesses engaged in manufacturing, light assembly, packaging, or the physical processing of goods using raw materials. Depending on the specific operation, some production, repair, installation, or technical activities may fall under professional or commercial licence categories rather than a dedicated industrial setup.
Under the IFZA multi-activity licence model, business owners can request to combine compatible activities across different categories, subject to activity compatibility, applicable fees, review, and final approval by IFZA.
| Activity Type | Typical Business Scope | IFZA Activity Examples | Operational and Property Checks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light production and fabrication | Small-scale component assembly, digital fabrication, product finishing, or custom processing. | • 3D Printing Products Production • Books Binding Workshop • Packaging or assembly-related activities |
Property check: Confirm whether the selected activity requires a standard office, workshop, warehouse, approved facility, equipment approval, or additional property requirements. |
| Technical workshop operations | Commercial maintenance, mechanical adjustments, vehicle repair, equipment servicing, or workshop-based technical work. | • Motor Vehicle Repair Workshops • Industrial Machinery Maintenance • Equipment repair activities |
Regulatory check: Some workshop formats may be approval-sensitive and may require review by relevant municipal, civil defence, or safety authorities. |
| Technical field installation | Onsite equipment setup, hardware integration, maintenance, and building-related technical services. | • Central Air-Conditioning Installation • Telecom Network Antenna Fitting • Building maintenance or installation activities |
Permit check: Physical execution or structural work in mainland Dubai may require project-site permits, technical approvals, or coordination with Dubai Municipality or other relevant authorities. |
| Industrial support and processing | B2B component packaging, material sorting, bulk raw material handling, production support, and technical product processing. | • Industrial plant equipment support • Commercial foodstuff packaging • Material processing or kitting activities |
Corporate tax check: Manufacturing and processing of goods or materials may be a qualifying activity under the UAE free zone corporate tax rules. To benefit from the 0% rate on qualifying income, the company must meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions, substance requirements, audited financial statement requirements, and other applicable corporate tax obligations. |
This guide helps entrepreneurs, consultants, traders, e-commerce sellers, investors, SMEs, and international founders understand how to choose the correct IFZA business activity before submitting a company formation application.
IFZA Green activities are generally non-regulated and easier to process. IFZA Amber activities are approval-sensitive and may require additional documents, authority approval, qualified professionals, or specific office, facility, warehouse, clinic, workshop, kitchen, or operational requirements.
IFZA Holding and Investment-Related Activities
An IFZA Holding License Framework is designed exclusively for corporate structures established to pool capital, own equity interests, oversee corporate group entities, or invest in operating subsidiaries. These specific investment allocations remain legally separate from active commercial trading, professional brokerage, third-party asset management, or retail financial services.
Before finalizing an IFZA holding or private investment allocation code, compliance mandates require clear documentation of ultimate beneficial owners (UBO), corporate source of wealth, subsidiary target profiles, and banking transaction intentions.
| Activity Direction | Best-Fit Business Model | IFZA Activity Examples | Critical Regulatory Exclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holding Company Structure | Parent entities, asset protection vehicles, and cross-border equity hold structures. | Investment in commercial, industrial, real estate, retail, or hospitality enterprises. | Direct commercial invoicing, public product retail, or active trading operations are strictly prohibited unless a Cross-Business commercial upgrade is executed. |
| Subsidiary & Enterprise Management | Corporate headquarters managing wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, or global group holdings. | Management and strategic oversight of domestic or international corporate holdings. | Firms must maintain legal documentation verifying equity ownership links, corporate resolutions, and group inter-company management authority. |
| Own-Fund Investment Vehicles | Private investment entities deploying proprietary corporate capital into sector-specific projects. | Capital allocations across green energy, healthcare tech, tourism infrastructure, or agricultural tech fields. | Pooling public funds, managing third-party retail investments, or executing securities brokerage requires central regulatory approvals and is excluded. |
| Family Office Structures | Private wealth centralization, intergenerational estate setup, and multi-asset coordination vehicles. | Single Family Office (SFO) operations dedicated to internal generational wealth management. | SFO Compliance Constraint: Legally barred from managing third-party assets or providing wealth management services to individuals outside the primary lineage. |
Regulatory Classifications: Green vs. Amber IFZA Activities
To streamline company registration, the Official IFZA Business Activity Database categorizes all corporate roles by their regulatory complexity. Selecting between lower-complexity operations and approval-sensitive codes dictates your exact incorporation timeline and physical infrastructure obligations.
🟢 Green IFZA Activities (Non-Regulated)
Representing the vast majority of setups, Green activities require zero external government pre-approvals. Trade licenses are cleared directly by the free zone authority within 48 to 72 hours, provided standard corporate KYC requirements are satisfied.
🟠 Amber IFZA Activities (Regulated)
These require mandatory external third-party approvals from specialized Dubai municipal or UAE federal ministries before issuance. Amber tracks feature unique facility space quotas, specialized staff licensing, and technical property property rules.
Standard Green IFZA Activities
Green setups offer an efficient path to corporate bank account readiness, simplifying initial documentation. Standard categories include:
- Strategic Management and Corporate Growth Consulting
- Marketing Research, Public Relations, and Brand Advisory Services
- Information Technology Consulting and Systems Architecture Integration
- Web Development, Software Engineering, and Digital Hosting Platforms
- Document Clearing Coordination and Back-Office Support Operations
- Specific Non-Perishable Commercial and Retail Product Trading Lines
Regulated Amber IFZA Activities & Ministerial Oversight
Amber license applications mandate secondary approvals from the corresponding regulatory bodies below prior to operational activation:
- Healthcare & Wellness Centers: Mandates pre-approval and inspection clearance from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
- Education & Higher Corporate Training: Requires academic curriculum vetting and licensing from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
- Aviation & Commercial Drone Operations: Demands strict security screening from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
- Logistics, Cargo & Third-Party Delivery: Monitored by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or local transport bodies.
- Fintech, Crypto Assets & Security Brokerage: Mandates strict compliance and registry clearance with the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) or Central Bank.
- Financial Audit & Legal Advisory Services: Monitored directly by the Ministry of Justice or specialized free zone legal registers.
Reviewed by: GloboPrime IFZA Business Setup Consultant
Experience: UAE free zone company formation, IFZA activity selection, visa planning, banking documentation and amendment support.
Last reviewed: June 2026
IFZA Business Activities List by Category
The table below is a practical IFZA business activity reference. Exact activity names, codes, Green or Amber classification, property requirements, and authority approvals must be confirmed through the official IFZA activity portal before application.
Consultancy, Professional and Business Services
| Activity Direction | Suitable For | License Fit | Consultant Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management Consultancy | Business advisors, strategy consultants, operational consultants. | Professional | Best when revenue comes from advisory, reports, strategy, or retainers. |
| Business Consultancy | Startup advisors, business planners, commercial consultants. | Professional | Website, proposal, and invoice wording should clearly show business advisory work. |
| Marketing Consultancy | Marketing strategists, growth consultants, campaign advisors. | Professional | Suitable for strategy-led services, not product trading. |
| IT Consultancy | IT advisors, systems consultants, software implementation firms. | Professional | Contracts should explain the technical service or implementation scope. |
| HR Consultancy | HR advisors, policy consultants, workforce planning consultants. | Professional | Recruitment, manpower supply, and labor outsourcing must be checked separately. |
| Accounting & Bookkeeping | Bookkeeping firms and accounting support providers. | Professional | Auditing is separate and more regulated; do not combine loosely. |
| Auditing of Accounts | Audit firms and regulated accounting practices. | Professional / Amber | Professional approvals and qualified personnel requirements must be checked. |
| Documents Clearing Services | PRO-style documentation support and admin service firms. | Professional | Useful for document support businesses, but avoid claiming government authority status. |
Marketing, Media, Creative and Digital Activities
| Activity Direction | Suitable For | License Fit | Consultant Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertisement Designing and Producing | Creative agencies, ad studios, campaign production teams. | Professional | Works well for ad creative, campaign assets, and production deliverables. |
| Advertising Research and Consultancy | Media planners, market researchers, advertising strategists. | Professional | Field surveys, data collection, and public research should be reviewed carefully. |
| Branding Services | Brand identity studios, positioning consultants, design agencies. | Professional | Strong fit for agencies invoicing for brand strategy, logo, identity, and design systems. |
| Blogging Services | Content publishers, niche media brands, online creators. | Professional | Suitable for publishing income, content services, and media-led business models. |
| Visual Materials Subtitling and Dubbing | Media localization and production support firms. | Professional | Client contracts should confirm localization, dubbing, or subtitling service scope. |
| Auction Organizing | Auction houses and event-led selling platforms. | Professional / Amber | Permits, high-value goods, and payment flow must be checked before launch. |
IT, Software, Online and Technology Activities
| Activity Direction | Suitable For | License Fit | Consultant Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT Consultancy | IT consultants, systems advisors, digital transformation consultants. | Professional | Good for service income, advisory, implementation, and IT support models. |
| Software Consultancy | Software advisors, SaaS implementation firms, system integrators. | Professional | Contracts should show whether the company advises, implements, builds, or licenses software. |
| Web Design Services | Web agencies, UX/UI studios, website development teams. | Professional | Often combined with marketing, branding, or IT-related service activities. |
| Online Portal Activity | Marketplace operators, listing platforms, online service portals. | Professional / Commercial | Payment flow, commissions, third-party sellers, and platform terms should be documented. |
| Cyber Risk Auditing, Reviewing and Testing | Cybersecurity consultants and testing providers. | Professional / Approval-sensitive | Penetration testing, data access, and regulated client work should be reviewed carefully. |
E-Commerce, Marketplace and Retail Trading Activities
| Activity Direction | Suitable For | License Fit | Consultant Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-Commerce Trading | Shopify, Amazon, Noon, WooCommerce, and D2C sellers. | Commercial | The sales channel matters, but the product category still needs to be covered. |
| General Trading | Multi-category import/export, wholesale, and distribution businesses. | Commercial | Useful for wide product scope, but banks may ask for a clear product list and supplier profile. |
| Home Furniture Trading | Furniture brands, importers, online furniture stores. | Commercial | Clearer than General Trading when furniture is the main product line. |
| Ladies Garment Trading | Fashion retailers, boutique importers, online apparel sellers. | Commercial | Supplier documents and product invoices should match the license activity. |
| Cosmetic and Perfume Trading | Cosmetics, perfume, beauty product sellers. | Commercial / Approval-sensitive | Product registration, labeling, import, and storage rules may apply. |
| Jewellery Trading | Gold, gemstone, jewellery, and high-value product sellers. | Commercial / High-review | Banks may request strong source-of-funds, supplier, inventory, and customer documentation. |
Food, Beverage and Hospitality-Related Activities
| Activity Direction | Suitable For | License Fit | Consultant Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food and Beverages Trading | Food importers, distributors, wholesalers, and online food sellers. | Commercial / Amber risk | Food authority, storage, labeling, import, and cold-chain requirements should be checked. |
| Catering Services | Catering operators, event food service businesses. | Commercial / Amber | Food handling, kitchen, staff, vehicle, and municipality requirements may apply. |
| Kitchen Incubator | Shared kitchen and food production spaces. | Commercial / Amber | Facility approvals are critical before committing to this activity. |
| Food Supplements Trading | Supplement sellers and wellness product traders. | Commercial / Amber | Product registration, health claims, labels, and import permits must be reviewed. |
Industrial, Equipment, Repair and Technical Activities
| Activity Direction | Suitable For | License Fit | Consultant Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Printing Products Production | Product prototyping and small-scale production businesses. | Industrial / Professional | Equipment, premises, production method, and product type should be checked. |
| Industrial Plant Equipment and Spare Parts Trading | B2B industrial suppliers and spare parts traders. | Commercial | Supplier documents, buyer profile, and product classification support bank review. |
| Air-Condition and Refrigeration Equipment Maintenance | HVAC maintenance and repair providers. | Technical / Professional | Site work, staff skill, and project contracts should match the licensed scope. |
| Auto Mechanical Repair | Vehicle repair workshops. | Technical / Workshop | Workshop and facility suitability must be confirmed before application. |
| Laboratories Chemicals Trading | Lab chemical suppliers and specialist product traders. | Commercial / Amber | Chemical approvals, storage rules, and safety controls may apply. |
Healthcare, Education, Aviation, Real Estate and Financial Activities
| Sector | Example Activities | Risk Level | What Must Be Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare & Wellness | Clinics, acupuncture center, rehabilitation center, ambulance services, audiology center, ayurvedic center. | High / Amber | Health authority approval, professional license, premises, equipment, and medical compliance. |
| Education & Training | Training centers, driving schools, aviation training, first aid training, sports academies. | Medium to High | Education authority, trainer qualification, facility, course content, and student safety requirements. |
| Aviation & Transport | Aviation consultancy, aircraft leasing, airport services, air ambulance, aircraft cleaning, bus services. | High / Amber | Aviation or transport authority approvals, airport access, safety, equipment, and operational permits. |
| Real Estate & Property | Real estate brokerage, property management, leasing and management of other people’s property. | High / Amber | Real estate authority requirements, broker approvals, agreements, and source-of-funds documents. |
| Finance, Insurance & Investment | Investment management, insurance broker, securities brokerage, banking representative office. | Very High / Amber | Regulatory approvals, Central Bank or securities rules, third-party fund handling, and enhanced banking review. |
IFZA Activity Selection Examples
The examples below show how the same business idea can lead to very different activity decisions depending on how the company earns revenue.
| Business Model | Recommended Activity Direction | Avoid | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEO Agency | Marketing consultancy, advertising, digital services, web or IT-related services. | General Trading | Revenue comes from services, not product sales. |
| Digital Marketing Agency | Marketing consultancy, branding, advertisement designing, advertising consultancy. | One narrow blogging activity only | Agencies often invoice across multiple service lines. |
| Shopify Furniture Store | E-commerce plus home furniture trading. | Consultancy only | Product sales need commercial trading coverage. |
| Amazon Multi-Category Seller | General Trading or multiple product-specific activities. | A narrow single-product activity | The activity should support the product range and bank explanation. |
| Noon Cosmetics Seller | E-commerce plus cosmetics/perfume trading. | Generic online services | Cosmetic products may need registration and approval review. |
| IT Consultant | IT consultancy, software consultancy, or technical service activity. | Commercial trading | Service income should match a professional activity. |
| Holding Company | Investment or holding-related activity. | Product trading activity | The license should reflect ownership and investment purpose. |
| Healthcare Clinic | Relevant healthcare activity with approval review. | Generic wellness or consultancy | Health authority approval, premises, and professional licensing may apply. |
General Trading vs Product-Specific Trading in IFZA
General Trading is useful, but broader is not always better. It can make sense when the company genuinely trades multiple unrelated product categories, imports and exports across several markets, or needs flexibility for wholesale and distribution.
Product-specific trading is often better when the company has one clear product line. It gives banks, suppliers, customers, and payment providers a cleaner explanation of the business.
| Scenario | Better Direction | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture importer | Home furniture trading | Clearer for invoices, supplier payments, and bank review. |
| Jewellery seller | Jewellery or imitation jewellery trading | High-value goods need strong product and source documentation. |
| Kitchen equipment supplier | Industrial kitchen and catering equipment trading | Supports a clear B2B equipment supply model. |
| Multi-category exporter | General Trading | A broad product range may justify a broader commercial activity. |
| Online store selling one product line | E-commerce plus product-specific trading | Matches the website, product pages, invoices, and sales channel. |
IFZA Activity Fees and Related Costs
Activity cost should be reviewed before application because the number and type of activities can affect the total setup price.
| Fee Type | Indicative Amount |
|---|---|
| Extra business activity | AED 1,000 per additional activity |
| Cross-business activity fee | AED 2,000 |
| General Trading activity fee | AED 10,000 |
| Single Family Office activity fee | AED 10,000 |
| Activity amendment after license issuance | AED 2,000 |
Three business activities are generally included in each IFZA business license package. Additional activities may be requested up to the permitted limit, subject to compatibility, approval, and applicable fees.
Important: IFZA, immigration authorities, medical centers, and third-party providers may update fees without prior notice. Final pricing should be confirmed before submission.
IFZA Visa, Establishment Card and Government Fees
| Fee Type | Indicative Amount |
|---|---|
| Establishment Card initial application | AED 2,000 |
| Establishment Card renewal | AED 2,200 |
| Establishment Card amendment | AED 500 |
| UAE Residence Visa valid for 2 years | AED 3,750 |
| Visa status change inside UAE | AED 1,600 |
| Investor Visa Add-On | AED 1,000 |
| Partner Visa Add-On | AED 1,000 |
| VIP Visa Stamping | AED 1,500 |
| VIP E-Visa Processing | AED 2,000 |
Medical test, Emirates ID, health insurance, translation, courier, approval, and third-party costs may be separate. GloboPrime Corporate Services confirms the current package and government charges before the application is submitted.
IFZA Office and Workspace Options
Office selection should not be treated as an afterthought. Your workspace can affect visa allocation, bank comfort, client meetings, business substance, and operational credibility.
| Office Option | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Flexi Desk | Solo founders, consultants, remote businesses, early-stage companies. | Shared workstation, IFZA address, 10 hours access per week, Wi-Fi, and limited meeting room use. |
| Flexi Desk+ | Founders and small businesses needing more regular access. | Unlimited access, dedicated desk, IFZA address, Wi-Fi, and additional meeting room hours. |
| Dedicated Office | Small teams and companies needing private workspace access. | Private and secure workspace for a predetermined duration. |
| Private Office | Growing SMEs, agencies, trading companies, and executive teams. | Dedicated office, individual business address, high-speed Wi-Fi, meeting room and conference room access. |
| Personalized Office | Established companies needing stronger Dubai presence and team space. | 24/7 access, furnished or unfurnished options, individual address, meeting rooms, and conference room access. |
Tax and VAT Considerations for IFZA Companies
A UAE free zone company does not automatically receive 0% corporate tax on all income. A Qualifying Free Zone Person may benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income if the required conditions are met. Income that is not qualifying income may be taxed at 9%.
The standard UAE corporate tax rate is 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000, subject to the applicable corporate tax rules.
VAT is separate from corporate tax. UAE VAT is generally 5% on taxable supplies. UAE businesses must register for VAT when taxable supplies and imports exceed the mandatory registration threshold. Voluntary registration may be available once taxable supplies, imports, or taxable expenses exceed the voluntary threshold.
Your IFZA activity should match your invoices, revenue type, accounting records, customer profile, tax registration, and corporate tax review.
How IFZA Activities Affect Bank Account Opening
Banks review the IFZA license activity to understand the business story. The activity should make sense when compared with your company name, website, invoices, contracts, supplier documents, payment gateways, customer locations, and expected transaction values.
A bank may review:
- Trade license activity
- Business model and revenue type
- Website and online presence
- Customer and supplier profile
- Expected monthly transactions
- Source of funds and source of wealth
- Countries of operation
- Product or service risk level
- Ownership structure
- Office or business substance
Example: A digital marketing agency using a trading activity may face questions when receiving monthly retainer payments. An e-commerce seller using consultancy may face questions when receiving marketplace settlements and paying product suppliers. A jewellery trader may need stronger inventory, supplier, and source-of-funds documents because of the high-value nature of the product.
Common Mistakes When Selecting IFZA Activities
| Mistake | Why It Creates Problems |
|---|---|
| Choosing General Trading when a specific activity is better | Creates unnecessary banking ambiguity when the product line is clear. |
| Selecting Amber activities without checking approvals | Can delay licensing or prevent lawful operations. |
| Using consultancy for a product-selling business | Creates invoice, supplier payment, and bank account mismatch. |
| Adding unrelated activities for flexibility | Makes the business profile unclear and harder to explain. |
| Ignoring cross-business activity fees | Can increase setup cost when professional and commercial activities are mixed. |
| Not matching invoices to the license | Creates accounting, VAT, banking, and compliance questions. |
| Copying a competitor’s activity | Another company’s activity may not fit your products, clients, revenue, or approvals. |
IFZA Business Setup Process With GloboPrime Corporate Services
Step 1: Activity Consultation
We review what your company will do, how it will earn revenue, where customers are located, whether goods are traded, whether approvals are needed, and whether the activity matches your future invoices.
Step 2: License Package Selection
We help you choose the correct IFZA license category, activity combination, visa allocation, and office option based on your business model and growth plan.
Step 3: Document Preparation
Common documents may include passport copy, passport-size photo, UAE visa or entry stamp if applicable, Emirates ID if applicable, shareholder details, proposed company name, selected activities, and application forms.
Step 4: IFZA Application Submission
We submit the application through the correct IFZA partner process with the selected activities, company structure, license package, and supporting documents.
Step 5: License Issuance
After approval, the company receives its IFZA license and formation documents.
Step 6: Establishment Card and Visa
If visas are required, we assist with establishment card processing, entry permit, status change if applicable, medical test, Emirates ID, and UAE residence visa steps.
Step 7: Bank Account Support
We help prepare a bank-ready profile with company documents, shareholder documents, business plan, website, invoices, contracts, supplier details, expected transaction flow, and source-of-funds documents.
Request the IFZA Activities List PDF and Activity Checklist
Before applying, request the IFZA Activities List PDF and activity selection checklist from GloboPrime Corporate Services. The checklist helps you compare:
- Correct activity direction
- Professional vs Commercial License fit
- Green vs Amber approval risk
- General Trading vs product-specific trading
- Extra activity and cross-business activity fee impact
- Visa allocation and establishment card requirement
- Office and workspace suitability
- Bank account opening risk
- Invoice wording and contract alignment
- Future amendment risk
Get the List : Request IFZA Activities List PDF on WhatsApp
Why Work With GloboPrime Corporate Services?
IFZA company formation is not only about getting a license. The license should support your real business operations, visa plan, bank account opening, client contracts, tax position, and future expansion.
GloboPrime Corporate Services helps with:
- IFZA business activity selection
- Green and Amber activity review
- Professional, Commercial, Industrial, Holding, and General Trading license guidance
- Activity fee and cross-business activity review
- Visa allocation and establishment card support
- IFZA office option guidance
- Bank account opening support
- Regulated activity pre-checks
- Activity amendment and renewal guidance
- End-to-end IFZA company Setup support
The objective is simple: set up your IFZA company correctly from day one, with the right activity, cost structure, visa allocation, workspace, banking profile, and compliance position.
IFZA Business Activities FAQ
1. What is the IFZA business activity list?
The IFZA business activity list is the approved catalogue of business activities a company can select when applying for an IFZA license. Each activity defines what the company is legally allowed to do.
2. Why is IFZA activity selection important?
Activity selection affects the license category, legal scope, bank account opening, invoices, contracts, approval requirements, office needs, visa planning, and future amendments.
3. What are IFZA Green activities?
Green activities are generally non-regulated activities that usually do not require external approval before license issuance.
4. What are IFZA Amber activities?
Amber activities are regulated or approval-sensitive activities that may require approval from specified Dubai or UAE federal government entities. Some may also have property or facility requirements.
5. Can I add multiple activities under one IFZA license?
Yes. Multiple activities may be added under one IFZA license, subject to compatibility, approval, activity limits, and applicable fees.
6. How many IFZA activities are included in a license package?
Three business activities are generally included in each IFZA business license package. Additional activities may be requested subject to IFZA approval and applicable fees.
7. What is the extra activity fee in IFZA?
The extra business activity fee is generally AED 1,000 per additional activity, based on the reviewed partner pricing. Final pricing should be confirmed before application.
8. What is the IFZA cross-business activity fee?
The cross-business activity fee applies when professional and commercial business activities are combined under one business license. The reviewed indicative fee is AED 2,000.
9. Is General Trading always the best IFZA activity?
No. General Trading is useful for multi-category trading, but product-specific trading may be better when the company sells one clear product category.
10. What IFZA activity is best for consultancy?
The best activity depends on the consultancy service. Common options include management consultancy, business consultancy, marketing consultancy, IT consultancy, HR consultancy, and branding services.
11. What IFZA activity is best for e-commerce?
E-commerce companies may need e-commerce, product-specific trading, General Trading, import/export, or online portal-related activities depending on the product type and sales channel.
12. Does IFZA activity affect bank account opening?
Yes. Banks review the license activity together with the website, invoices, contracts, customers, suppliers, expected transaction flow, source of funds, and source of wealth.
13. Can I change my IFZA activity later?
Yes. Activity changes may be possible after license issuance, but amendment fees, approval checks, and updated documents may apply.
14. Does an IFZA company need an office?
Office needs depend on activity, visa allocation, bank profile, and business operations. IFZA options include Flexi Desk, Flexi Desk+, Dedicated Office, Private Office, and Personalized Office.
15. Does an IFZA free zone company automatically get 0% corporate tax?
No. A free zone company does not automatically receive 0% corporate tax on all income. A Qualifying Free Zone Person may benefit from 0% on qualifying income if the required conditions are met. Non-qualifying income may be taxed at 9%.
Get Your IFZA Activity Checked Before You Apply
Before submitting your IFZA company formation application, confirm that your activity, license type, visa allocation, office requirement, invoice wording, banking profile, and approval risk are correct from the beginning.
GloboPrime Corporate Services, Authorized IFZA Channel Partner, helps entrepreneurs, consultants, e-commerce sellers, traders, investors, SMEs, and international business owners choose the right IFZA business activities and complete the company formation process with clarity.
Call: +971 2 634 4789
WhatsApp: +971 52 229 8985
Email: info@globoprime.ae
Get a Quote: Ask for an IFZA Activity Review
Last reviewed: June 2026
Reviewed by: GloboPrime Corporate Services, IFZA Business Setup Consultant
Experience: UAE free zone company formation, IFZA activity selection, visa planning, banking documentation, and amendment support.
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