DMCC vs IFZA: Side-by-Side Comparison
DMCC is the world's largest free zone with unmatched banking relationships and a JLT address — you pay a premium for that reputation. IFZA is the budget-friendly Dubai option popular with small service companies and freelancers who don't need the brand name.
- Trading companies
- Commodities
- Professional services
- Startups
- Freelancers
- Small businesses
- Global reputation
- Excellent banking
- Large business community
- Very affordable
- Extremely fast setup
- Wide activity range
- Higher cost than alternatives
- Minimum share capital required
- Slower than newer zones
- Newer reputation
- Banking can be slower
- Location outside main Dubai hubs
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Find Your Free ZoneKey differences at a glance
| DMCC | IFZA | |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | dubai | dubai |
| License from | AED 15,000/yr | AED 5,750/yr |
| Annual renewal | AED 15,000 | AED 5,750 |
| Setup time | 3-5 business days | 1-2 business days |
| Min share capital | AED 50,000 | None |
| Established | 2002 | 2018 |
| License types | trading, service, industrial, e-commerce | trading, service, e-commerce, freelancer |
| Office options | flexi desk, shared office, private office, warehouse | flexi desk, virtual office, shared office, private office |
Cost breakdown
DMCC
- License (starting from)
- AED 15,000/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 15,000
- Visa packages
- 1 visa
- ~AED 5,750
- 3 visas
- ~AED 15,000
- 6 visas
- ~AED 25,000
- Min share capital
- AED 50,000
IFZA
- License (starting from)
- AED 5,750/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 5,750
- Visa packages
- 1 visa
- ~AED 3,500
- 3 visas
- ~AED 9,000
- 6 visas
- ~AED 16,000
Which one should you pick?
Pick DMCC if
You're trading commodities, want strong banking, or need the JLT prestige factor.
See full DMCC profilePick IFZA if
You're bootstrapping a service business and want a Dubai license without the DMCC price tag.
See full IFZA profileFrequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, DMCC or IFZA?
IFZA is cheaper. Its license starts at AED 5,750/year vs AED 15,000/year for DMCC — a difference of AED 9,250 per year at the entry tier. Actual costs depend on visa count, office type, and activity.
How long does setup take at DMCC vs IFZA?
DMCC advertises 3-5 business days and IFZA advertises 1-2 business days. Real-world timelines depend on how quickly you submit documents, pay fees, and complete KYC.
What's the minimum share capital for DMCC vs IFZA?
DMCC requires AED 50,000 in share capital. IFZA requires no minimum. For most activities, the capital only needs to be declared — not physically deposited upfront — but rules vary by license type.
What license types does each offer?
DMCC issues trading, service, industrial, e-commerce licenses. IFZA issues trading, service, e-commerce, freelancer licenses. Pick the zone that covers the license type matching your business activity.