Article: 356
Consulting Company SetupInternet Consultancy
Information verified with the provider on 13.03.2025
This company can engage in the drawing up consultancies and strategies for search engine optimization for businesses by analyzing the current online activity of the company. The activity can also include assessing what needs to be added, adapted, or replaced to make the company visible in search engines. The minimal degree required is bachelor degree in Computer sciences or Information Technology, along with three years hands-on experience.
For setup of a company in IFZA in the field of Internet consultancies, the following business activity has been chosen:
- Internet Consultancy (6202010). Includes firms specialized in drawing up consultancies and strategies for search engine optimization for businesses by analyzing the current the company's online, then assessing what needs to be added, adapted, or replaced in order to show up on search engines, the minimal degree required is bachelor degree in Computer sciences or Information Technology, along with three years hands-on experience.
The company can choose up to 3 types of business activities under one license without additional fees.
As part of the company registration process with this business activity, no additional approvals are required.
The minimum share capital requirement for IFZA companies is AED 10,000, its contribution is optional.
If the shareholder plans to obtain an investor visa, the shareholder's share in the share capital should be at least AED 48,000.
- May contain the name of a shareholder
- Must correspond to the company’s business activities
- Must not begin with words, such as "International", "Middle East", "Global", "Universal", or their equivalents in other languages
- Must not be identical or similar to local/global brands or registered trademarks
- Must not contain the names of Allah or God, or any other religious terminology
- Must not violate the UAE laws or contain words that are obscene, indecent or generally offensive
Entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts in traditional banks with physical branches, as well as in digital banks and payment systems.
When choosing a bank to open a corporate account, consider the following: service level, fees, available currencies, online banking performance, bank reputation, as well as other conditions that may be important for your business.
Successfully opening a corporate bank account requires a well-prepared documentation package, which may vary depending on the specific requirements of each bank. Documents submitted incorrectly or incompletely may negatively affect the bank's final decision in processing the application.
- Title: International Free Zone Authority
- Description:
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is a free economic zone (free zone) established in 2017 and located in the Emirate of Dubai, UAE. Through its partnership with Dubai Silicon Oasis, IFZA provides entrepreneurs with unique opportunities, combining flexible business conditions and access to modern infrastructure. This free zone was created to attract small and medium-sized enterprises as well as international companies that require simple and cost-effective options for entering the UAE market.
The free zone offers extensive office solutions, including virtual offices, co-working spaces, and physical offices, allowing businesses to flexibly scale and adapt as they grow. IFZA supports a wide range of sectors, including trade, professional services, and technology, offering optimal conditions for effective business development. Businesses registered in IFZA are permitted to operate both within the free zone and beyond the UAE.
IFZA issues the following types of business licenses:
- Commercial (wholesale and retail trade)
- Professional (provision of services)
IFZA supports companies at every stage of development—from launch to expansion—by providing resources for long-term growth and strengthening competitive advantages. These opportunities create a favorable environment for international expansion and sustainable business success.
The IFZA company registration provides various benefits and opportunities for entrepreneurs:
- Access to local and global markets. Companies registered in the free zone can conduct business within the free zone and beyond the UAE. This helps to expand business, create and strengthen partnerships and enables interaction with clients and partners worldwide.
- Strategic location. The free zone is located in Dubai's Dubai Silicon Oasis, where advanced business infrastructure blends seamlessly with a developed social environment — residential complexes, educational institutions, shops, and recreational areas. This location provides convenient access to major transportation and business hubs, creating a balanced environment for entrepreneurs between work and life.
- Remote company registration. The free zone enables entrepreneurs to establish their business remotely, without the need for physical presence in the UAE, providing convenient access to the registration process from anywhere in the world.
- Full profit control. The free zone enables foreign entrepreneurs to retain 100% ownership of their company, granting full control over profits and unrestricted capital repatriation outside the UAE. This fosters an optimal environment for strategic financial planning and efficient business management, free from limitations on economic activities.
- Wide range of business activities. The free zone offers licenses for more than 800 types of businesses, enabling entrepreneurs to develop projects across various industries, including trade, professional services, consulting, information technology, and more.
- Combining business activities. The free zone allows the combination of various business activities under a single license, reducing operational costs and expanding the range of services and products offered to clients.
- Business Ecosystem. The free zone offers a comprehensive ecosystem of additional services supporting business development and growth. These include the IFZA Academy for training and skills enhancement; IFZA Events for community building and business networking; IFZA Life with health insurance programs; IFZA Elite, offering favorable reward schemes for businesses; and IFZA Cares, supporting corporate social responsibility initiatives.
- The registration cost includes the basic office solution Virtual Office.
- The number of visa quotas depends on the selected office. The Virtual Office affords up to 3 visas. If a company needs additional visas, a physical office is required, with visas allocated at 4 sq.m. per quota.
- Various rental property options are available in IFZA, provided upon preliminary request and subject to availability:
- Virtual Office (AED 0/year). An official registered address without the need to rent a physical office solution. The Virtual Office affords up to 3 visa quotas.
- Coworking:
- Flexi Desk (from AED 7,900/year). A workspace in the coworking with access up to 10 hours per week during business hours and provides one hour of meeting room usage per month.
- Flexi Desk + (from AED 11,900/year). A workspace in a coworking with unlimited access during business hours and provides five hours of meeting room usage per month.
- Dedicated Workspace (from AED 18,500/year). A dedicated workspace in a coworking, separated by partitions, with unlimited access during business hours, with five hours of meeting room and one hour of conference room usage per month.
- Physical Offices: The offices afford 4+ visa quotas, depending on the office area, calculated at 4 sq.m. per quota
- Private Office (from AED 2,000 per sq.m./year). A private office ranging from 12 to 20 sq.m. with unlimited 24/7 access and provides seven hours of meeting room and two hours of conference room usage per month. Additionally, one parking space is allocated per office.
- Personalized Office (from AED 1,925 per sq.m./year). A private office starting from 20 sq.m., with unlimited 24/7 access, and provides seven hours of meeting room and five hours of conference room usage per month. Additionally, two parking spaces are allocated per office.
The UAE imposes a variety of taxes and fees that regulate the financial activities of both legal entities and individuals. Below are the main ones:
- Value Added Tax (VAT):
- Since January 1, 2018, the UAE has implemented a VAT rate of 5%, which applies to most goods and services and is charged to companies operating within the country, except for those registered in designated zones.
- A Designated Zone is a territory within a free zone that is treated as outside the UAE for tax purposes, allowing goods to be exempt from taxation, provided certain criteria are met. The main taxation rules in Designated Zones are:
- Designated Zones are listed in the Cabinet Decision to Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax (VAT).
- Goods tranferred between or within Designated Zones are not subject to VAT.
- The export and import of goods between a Designated Zone and a foreign company are also VAT-exempt.
- For local companies and those registered in Non-Designated Zones (free zones not included in the Designated Zones list), the standard tax rules set forth in the Federal Decree-Law on VAT apply.
- Companies with an annual turnover exceeding AED 375,000 are required to register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) as VAT taxpayers.
- Companies with a turnover between AED 187,500 and AED 375,000 may register on a voluntary basis.
- Companies can offset VAT paid on purchases of goods and services (input VAT) against the VAT they collect on sales (output VAT), shifting the tax burden to the final consumer.
- Some goods and services may be exempt from VAT or taxed at a 0% rate, such as international transportation, educational, and medical services.
- Corporate Tax:
- As of June 1, 2023, the UAE has introduced a corporate tax at a rate of 9%, levied on the taxable net profit of companies with income exceeding AED 375,000.
- A 0% rate is applied to taxable income not exceeding AED 375,000.
- Charitable, non-profit organizations and medical institutions are fully exempt from corporate tax.
- Excise Tax:
- Since October 1, 2017, the UAE has introduced an excise tax aimed at reducing the consumption of harmful products and funding healthcare initiatives.
- The tax applies to alcohol, tobacco products, and beverages containing added sugar, including energy and carbonated beverages.
- Excise tax rates vary by product category:
- 50% on carbonated drinks (excluding mineral water)
- 100% on tobacco products
- 100% on energy drinks
- 100% on electronic smoking devices and related liquids
- 50% on products containing added sugar or sweeteners.
- Companies dealing with excise goods must register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), submit monthly declarations, and maintain records. Excise tax is paid upon the import, production, or release of goods for consumption in the UAE.
- Customs Duties:
- Custom duties in the UAE are applied to most imported goods at a standard rate of 5% of the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF). Some product categories, such as pharmaceuticals and food items, may be exempt from duties or subject to reduced rates.
- Goods imported into the UAE's free zones are generally not subject to customs duties as long as they remain within these zones. However, once such goods are moved to the UAE mainland, standard duties apply.
- Personal Income Tax:
- In the UAE, personal income is not subject to taxation.
- UAE citizens and residents are exempt from paying taxes on their personal income, including salaries, interest, dividends, inheritances, gifts, luxury goods, and capital gains.
- Other Local Taxes and Fees:
- Individual emirates may impose specific local taxes and fees in line with their economic and social needs.
- These taxes and fees are aimed at supporting public services and implementing infrastructure projects.
IFZA offers the following main types of UAE resident visas for foreign investors and company employees:
- Investor Visa:
- Issued to foreign investors and entrepreneurs who invest in or acquire companies.
- Allows for business management, living, and working in the UAE.
- Grants the right to sponsor family visas.Valid for two years but can be canceled if the investor is absent from the UAE for more than six months.
- Employment Visa:
- Issued by the company for its foreign employees.
- Permits residency and employment in the UAE.
- Depending on the job position, education and specialization may need to be verified.
- Valid for two years but can be canceled if the employee is absent from the UAE for more than six months.
- Can be renewed alongside the employment contract.
- Dependent Visa (for family members and domestic staff):
- Issued to the sponsor's family members and accompanying domestic staff (nannies, housekeepers, caregivers, etc.).
- Permits residency in the UAE.
- Valid for two years.
The UAE has several taxes and fees that regulate the financial activities of both legal entities and individuals. Below are the main ones.
Personal Income Tax
-
In the UAE, personal income is not subject to taxation.
-
UAE citizens and residents are exempt from paying taxes on their personal income, including salaries, interest, dividends, inheritances, gifts, luxury goods, and capital gains.
-
Value Added Tax (VAT)
-
Since January 1, 2018, the UAE has implemented a VAT rate of 5%, which applies to most goods and services and is charged to companies operating within the country, except for those registered in designated zones.
-
A Designated Zone is a territory within a free zone that is treated as outside the UAE for tax purposes, allowing goods to be exempt from taxation, provided certain criteria are met. The main taxation rules in Designated Zones are as follows:
-
The Designated Zones are listed in the Cabinet Decision to Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax (VAT).
-
Goods moved between or within Designated Zones are not subject to tax.
-
The export and import of goods between a Designated Zone and a foreign company are also not subject to tax.
-
For local companies and those registered in Non-Designated Zones (free zones not included in the Designated Zones list), the standard tax rules set forth in the Federal Decree-Law on VAT apply.
-
Companies with an annual turnover exceeding AED 375,000 are required to register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) as VAT taxpayers.
-
Companies with a turnover between AED 187,500 and AED 375,000 may register on a voluntary basis.
-
Companies can offset VAT paid on purchases of goods and services (input VAT) against the VAT they collect on sales (output VAT), shifting the tax burden to the final consumer.
-
Some goods and services may be exempt from VAT or taxed at a 0% rate, such as international transportation, educational, and medical services.
-
Corporate Tax
-
As of June 1, 2023, the UAE has introduced a corporate tax at a rate of 9%, levied on the taxable net profit of companies with income exceeding AED 375,000.
-
A 0% rate is applied to taxable income not exceeding AED 375,000.
-
Charitable, non-profit organizations and medical institutions are fully exempt from corporate tax.
-
Excise Tax
-
Since October 1, 2017, the UAE has introduced an excise tax aimed at reducing the consumption of harmful products and funding healthcare initiatives. The tax applies to alcohol, tobacco products, and beverages containing added sugar, including energy drinks and carbonated beverages.Excise tax rates vary depending on the product category:
-
50% on carbonated drinks (excluding mineral water)
-
100% on tobacco products
-
100% on energy drinks
-
100% on electronic smoking devices and liquids used for them
-
50% on products containing added sugar or sweeteners.
-
Companies dealing with excise goods must register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), submit monthly declarations, and maintain records. Excise tax is paid upon the import, production, or release of goods for consumption in the UAE.
-
Customs Duties
-
Custom duties in the UAE are applied to most imported goods at a standard rate of 5% of the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF). Exceptions include certain categories of goods, such as medicines and food products, which may be exempt from duties or subject to a reduced rate.
-
Goods imported into UAE free zones are generally not subject to customs duties as long as they remain within these zones. However, when such goods are transferred to the UAE mainland, standard duties apply.
-
Local Taxes and Fees
- Individual emirates may impose specific local taxes and fees in line with their economic and social needs. These taxes and fees are aimed at supporting public services and implementing infrastructure projects.
Step-by-Step Guide to Service Acquisition
This guide includes the required documents, service fees, responsible authority, and the time needed for each step
- Personal documents of the shareholder, general manager, director and secretary:
- Passport copy
- Emirates ID and UAE resident visa copies (for UAE residents)
- Digital passport-size photo
- Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer (if the shareholder holds a valid UAE work visa)
- Completed Company Registration Application Form containing the following basic information:
- License term
- Three preferred company names listed in order of priority
- Business activities list
- Share capital amount
- Shareholders ownership shares
- Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO) information
- Unified Identification Numbers (UID) of the shareholder, general manager, director and secretary (if available)
- Contact details of the shareholder, general manager, director and secretary: email, phone number, residential address
- The company's shareholder can simultaneously hold the positions of general manager, director, and secretary.
- The company's trade name must comply with IFZA requirements.
- The company's business activities must be selected from the list of business activities available in IFZA.
- The Unified Identification Number (UID) is a unique number automatically assigned to all individuals crossing the UAE border.
- IFZA may require additional documents, depending on the risk level associated with the business activity and the shareholder's nationality.
- Costs and terms may be increased at the discretion of IFZA.
Auto-generated registration forms for electronic signature:
- License Application Form
- Shareholders' Resolution for Company Registration
- Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO) Declaration
- None (previously provided)
- The registration cost includes the basic office solution Virtual Office.
- The number of visa quotas depends on the selected office. The Virtual Office affords up to 3 visas. If a company needs additional visas, a physical office is required, with visas allocated at 4 sq.m. per quota.
- Various rental property options are available in IFZA, provided upon preliminary request and subject to availability:
- Virtual Office (AED 0/year). An official registered address without the need to rent a physical office solution. The Virtual Office affords up to 3 visa quotas.
- Coworking:
- Flexi Desk (from AED 7,900/year). A workspace in the coworking with access up to 10 hours per week during business hours and provides one hour of meeting room usage per month.
- Flexi Desk + (from AED 11,900/year). A workspace in a coworking with unlimited access during business hours and provides five hours of meeting room usage per month.
- Dedicated Workspace (from AED 18,500/year). A dedicated workspace in a coworking, separated by partitions, with unlimited access during business hours, with five hours of meeting room and one hour of conference room usage per month.
- Physical Offices:
The offices afford 4+ visa quotas, depending on the office area, calculated at 4 sq.m. per quota- Private Office (from AED 2,000 per sq.m./year). A private office ranging from 12 to 20 sq.m. with unlimited 24/7 access and provides seven hours of meeting room and two hours of conference room usage per month. Additionally, one parking space is allocated per office.
- Personalized Office (from AED 1,925 per sq.m./year). A private office starting from 20 sq.m., with unlimited 24/7 access, and provides seven hours of meeting room and five hours of conference room usage per month. Additionally, two parking spaces are allocated per office.
Lease Agreement
- None (previously provided)
- The procedure for signing the registration forms is conducted via the shareholder's and general manager's emails.
- Auto-generated registration forms include:
- License Application Form
- Shareholders' Resolution for Company Registration
- Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO) Declaration
Signed registration forms in electronic form
- None (previously provided)
- Company incorporation documents are issued in electronic form.
- Upon completion of the registration, IFZA sends all documents to the email, provided in the company registration application form.
Formation Certificate
Memorandum and Articles of Association (MoA and AoA)
License
Unit Lease Contract
- None (previously provided)
- The Establishment Card is required to obtain visa quotas.
- The Establishment Card Application is submitted automatically upon completion of the company registration.
- The Establishment Card is valid for one year.
Establishment Card in electronic form
- None (previously provided)
- The number of visa quotas depends on the selected office or commercial premises.
Visa quota
- Passport copy (main page and page with the UAE Entry Stamp)
- Digital passport-sized photo
- Current visa (if applicable)
- Completed Visa Application form containing the following basic information:
- Religion
- Marital status
- Mother's full name, father's full name
- Education (degree) (if applicable)
- Position in the company (investor, if a sole shareholder, partner, if there are two or more)
- Conditions of cooperation with the company
- Contact details: email, phone number, permanent residence address in the home country and the UAE (if available)
- Company information: name, license number, Establishment Card number
- To obtain an investor visa, the investor's share in the share capital should be at least AED 48,000.
- If an applicant received an E-visa while being inside the UAE, or entered the country by an Entry Permit, he/she has to stay in the UAE until he/she has a UAE resident visa (E-residency). However, if the applicant plans to leave the country before obtaining resident status, the Entry Permit/E-visa must be canceled, and a fee must be paid. The visa allocation process has to be started all over again.
- The applicant's passport must have a remaining validity of at least 7 months at the time of applying for the Entry permit/E-visa.
Entry Permit/E-visa
- None (previously provided)
- This step applies if the applicant is in the UAE at the time of applying for the E-visa.
Status Change document
- Passport copy (main page and page with the UAE Entry Stamp)
- Digital passport-sized photo
- Entry permit/E-visa
- Status Change document (if applicable)
IFZA offers two options for undergoing a medical fitness test:
- Within the established IFZA list of medical centers.
- Independently at any authorized medical center in the UAE:
- The fee may vary based on the location of the medical fitness test and the speed of processing results:
- 24 hours – AED 320
- 30 minutes – AED 750
- The fee may vary based on the location of the medical fitness test and the speed of processing results:
Medical fitness test application with an appointment
- Passport copy (main page and page with the UAE Entry Stamp)
- Digital passport-sized photo
- Entry permit/E-visa
- Status Change document (if applicable)
Emirates ID application with a biometric data submission appointment
- Original passport
- Entry Permit/E-visa
- Status Сhange document (if applicable)
- Medical fitness test application with an appointment
- The purpose of the medical fitness test is to check for the presence/absence of infectious diseases that may threaten public health in the UAE.
- The medical fitness test requires personal attendance and consists of two stages:
- Blood Test: check for HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C
- Chest X-ray: check for tuberculosis
- The medical fitness test takes about 30 minutes, while the rest of the time is spent waiting for the results.The validity period of the Medical Certificate is 90 days.
Medical Certificate
- Original passport
- Entry permit/E-visa
- Status Change document (if applicable)
- Medical Certificate
- Emirates ID application with a biometric data submission appointment
- The biometric data submission requires personal presence in Dubai and involves fingerprinting, which is used for identity verification.
- Waiting for the scheduled appointment for biometric data submission may take from 1 to 20 days, depending on the workload of the regulatory authority.
- Biometric data is not submitted if the applicant previously held a UAE resident visa.
Stamped Emirates ID application with a biometric data submission appointment
- Stamped Emirates ID application with a biometric data submission appointment
- Medical Certificate.
- The visa (E-residency) is digital and does not need to be physically affixed to the passport.
- The validity period of the UAE resident visa is two years.
UAE resident visa (E-residency)
- Passport copy
- Emirates ID plastic card is delivered within 5 working days to the address provided in the application for obtaining Emirates ID.
Emirates ID plastic card
- Corporate documents:
- License (if available)
- Memorandum of Association and/or Articles of Association (MoA and/or AoA)
- Certificate of registration (if available)
- Cover letter for the bank (if available)
- Personal documents of the shareholder, general manager and bank account signatory:
- Passport copy
- UAE resident visa (E-Residency) copy
- Emirates ID copy
- CV (work experience, education)
- Personal bank account statement for the last 6 months
- For the bank account signatory:
- Proof of the UAE residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Contact information: email, UAE phone number
- Commercial site Lease Agreement (office or special purpose premises)
- Information about the company's planned transactions (jurisdictions, turnover, counterparties). The application form will be provided by UPPERSETUP.
- The selection of a bank is made individually, depending on the needs and profile of the company.
- The cost of assistance, required documents and the timeline for opening a corporate account may be revised based on the selected bank and risk factors associated with the company's profile, including but not limited to the company's business direction, the profile of shareholders and potential counterparties.
Corporate bank account details
Active access to online banking
Order service directly at IFZA
With the assistance of our platform manager, who will provide you with service instructions, arrange meetings with IFZA representatives, and assist in coordination
- Direct access without intermediaries
- No additional fees
- No commissions
Choose our "Standard" plan
Receive expert guidance from an authorized consultant who will manage the entire process of obtaining IFZA services
- Time-saving
- Predictable outcomes
- Personal expert assistance
- Business-class transportation to service locations
- Minimal involvement required
Opt for our "Premium" plan for top-tier expert guidance
An elite consultant will oversee the process of obtaining IFZA services, ensuring a seamless experience
- VIP airport reception in Dubai for one person
- Premium-class airport-hotel-airport transfers
- Expedited VIP procedures
- Guaranteed results
- Personal expert available 24/7
- Premium-class transportation to service locations
- Minimal involvement required